[FARC] re: ARRL Certification & Continuing education

Wed, 14 Aug 2002 21:51:29 -0400

from ARRL.

ARRL Certification and Continuing Education
If you want to take a course to learn about computers, crafts, gourmet
cooking, baking, gardening, small engine repair, or any other hobby, you
usually only have to look as far as the nearest school or community college.
Such courses are offered in a variety of settings -- evening school, day
school, or online.

But where does a ham go to learn more about his or her hobby? Many clubs
offer licensing classes, but courses in other areas of ham radio are
virtually unheard of. Once in a while seminars or conferences are held for
topics of special interest, but structured courses with certification in
various topics beyond licensing generally are not offered.

The ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program, approved by the
ARRL Board in January 2000, is designed to fill that gap. During the first
half of 2000, extensive discussions took place through the Members-only
Online Forum As discussions progressed, participants overwhelmingly
supported emergency communications as the first course topic.

Volunteers from all over the country assisted in pulling together
information for the course. Because the topic of emergency communications is
so diversified and so much information is available, the material is broken
into three levels: Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced Emergency
Communications (Levels I, II and III).

Level I -- Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course
(EC-001), Level II -- Intermediate Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Course (EC-002), and Level III -- Advanced Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications Course (EC-003) are available on-line, thanks to ARRL's
partnership with the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC), a
nonprofit organization that specializes in developing on-line courses for
Connecticut colleges and universities.

In February, 2002, the first ARRL technical course debuted -- Antenna
Modeling (EC-004).

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for all ARRL Certification
and Continuing Education courses.

Each course has been developed in segments -- learning units with
objectives, informative text, student activities, and quizzes. Courses are
interactive and include direct communications with a Mentor and other
students. Each Mentor assists ten students by guiding them through the
course. Students in the ARECC Level I course take three 25-question
multiple-choice assessments (exams) during the course (75 questions total).
The final assessment for ARECC Levels II and III consist of 25-multiple
choice questions each. All students who successfully complete a course and
pass the assessments earn an attractive certificate. ARECC Certification
also includes an ID card.

In-person classroom versions of the ARECC Level I, Level II and Level III
Emergency Communications Courses are available as an alternative for people
who prefer the classroom setting or who cannot take the on-line course.
Manuals and printed exams are now available for all AREC courses.

Course Duration

On-line AREC courses permit students a maximum of 8 weeks to complete the
course. The Antenna Modeling course is a 12-week course. Students may
complete the course much more quickly if they so desire. Many students
complete an AREC course in about 20-25 hours. We anticipate about 40 to 50
hours for the Antenna Modeling Course. The schedule for in-person AREC
classroom courses is determined by the instructors just as license classes
are. They may be scheduled for one or more weekends, or during the evenings.

Certification

ARECC Certification can be accomplished in three ways.

1 Take an online course, complete all required activities, and pass all
applicable assessments.

2 Take the live classroom course, complete all required activities, and pass
all applicable assessments.

3 Take the assessments from Certification Examiners and pass based on
self-study and experience in Amateur Radio emergency communications.

Certification in Antenna Modeling is currently available only through the
on-line course.

Certification Examiners and Instructors

To find ARECC Certification Instructors and/or Certification Examiners, use
the CI/CE Search Page. These dedicated volunteers will assist with all your
local CCE Activity needs, whether you're looking for a classroom or
Certification Exam Session.

Registration Fees

Registration fees and donations have partially offset the operating costs
and professional development expense of the Certification and Continuing
Education Program. ARRL members contribute to this program through their
ARRL dues, and so earn discounted registration fees. ARRL members register
for the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications on-line courses at $45 for
each Level, and non-members at $75. The cost of the live classroom course
registration is expected to be in the same range, but will depend to some
extent on expenses incurred in presenting the course.

The registration fee for ARRL members in the Antenna Modeling course is $85,
and non-members $115.

Registration Methods

On-line courses open regularly each month, with registration available on
the Web. Registration for the Level I Emergency Communications Course
(EC-001) opens each month on the first Monday at 4 PM EST. The following
Monday, registration opens for the Level II Emergency Communications Course
(EC-002). On the third Monday of each month, registration will open for
Level III Emergency Communications Course (EC-003). ARECC registration
remains open for one week or until all seats have been filled.

Registration for the Antenna Modeling Course begins the second Monday of
each month and will remain open until all available seats are filled. Watch
the ARRL Web home page for updates.

Registration by mail is also an option. Make the check or money order out to
ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111. Please mark the envelope "ATTN:
CCE." In the comment section of the check or money order, write "CCE EC-00X
Registration." You will be enrolled in the next available class.

Withdrawals

It is the policy of the Connecticut State Legislative Office - Educational
Committee (which sponsors course provider CTDLC) that no refund may be made
after a participant has begun the online course.

A FULL refund will be given for withdrawals prior to the official start of
classes.

Students will have a ten (10) day grace period after the official start of
classes to notify the CCE Administrator if they are unable to begin. These
students will not receive a refund but will be eligible for enrollment in a
future class at no additional charge.

On-Line Mentors, Instructors, and Examiners Sought

To enable future offerings of this training to reach a wide and diversified
audience, ARRL is seeking people to assist in three capacities.

Certification Mentors will assist students with future offerings online.
Mentors work with up to 10 students in each online course, answering their
questions and helping them with activities as needed. (Contact the CCE
Administrator after taking the on-line course about volunteering to be a
Mentor.)

Certification Instructors will teach in a classroom setting of their
choosing, using the same course materials as the online version.

Certification Examiners will administer Certification Exams in much the same
manner as VEs administer licensing examinations.

See the ARRL C-CE Course Administration Criteria page for details of the
requirements for each of these positions.

The ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program is funded in part by
a generous grant from the Ethel M. Smith, K4LMB, Exceptional Merit Stipend,
and by course fees from interested hams who support public service and
quality continuing education.

For further information, e-mail your questions to [email protected], or write to
ARRL C-CE, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111.

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