Saturday, January 4, 2020

The Top 5 InfoComm Certification Renewal and Training Myths - Dispelled by an AV/IT Training Dummy.


I have spent the last 18 years training for InfoComm and/or being an InfoComm RU provider.  It still amazes me how many people are confused about the training and RU process with InfoComm.  I have decided to compile a quick list of the top 5 myths and try my best to dispel them for everyone.  In my new role as Chairperson for InfoComm's Independent Consultants for Audiovisual Technology (ICAT) Council I get to be an ambassador of sorts.  Even though I am not directly working with the training side at InfoComm, I do think it is helpful for everyone in our industry to understand these myths and to have them cleared up. 

Myth #1: InfoComm Certified Training
Dispelled: There is no such thing as “InfoComm Certified Training.”  Training that is good for InfoComm Renew Units comes from a registered Renewal Unit Provider.  Their courses are RU approved.  There is no certification process and therefore no certified courses or certified providers.  The RU Provider status is granted to individuals and companies who go through the application process and submit courses that are in accordance with the ISO and ANSI accreditation and standards that InfoComm must maintain to remain ANSI accredited.  The courses are not approved based on content accuracy or topical nature.  The courses are approved based on administrative accuracy as it applies to the certification process and objectivity not content.  There are only approved RU courses and approved RU providers.  Stop using the term “certified” people!

Myth #2: InfoComm (or my company) Tracks All My RUs
Dispelled: It is the student’s responsibility to track their RUs.  Your company can do this for you, but if they don’t, InfoComm cannot help.  It is the student’s responsibility to make sure this is done.  As a student you can submit your certificates to InfoComm throughout the three years you are accumulating your RUs so that they are in your transcript.  The student can also track check their progress at any time during those three years.  However, InfoComm does not automatically receive these certificates from the RU Provider.  The student must get their certificates from the RU provider and submit them to InfoComm via the online process, via email or fax them in with their renewal application.  The most efficient way is to maintain the transcript as one goes along and then renew online.  Students can login to InfoComm University to find out how to submit certificates to add to their transcripts at any time.

Myth #3: The Only Way to Get Renewal Units is to Take InfoComm Courses
Dispelled: There are so many different ways to get renewal units.  Students can go to http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xbcr/infocomm/CERT_RU_Sources.pdf to find a list of RU Providers.  There are other ways to obtain RUs as well.  It is important to read the RU handbook: http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/33721.htm to find all the ways to obtain RUs.  Another resource to find a summary of ways to get RUs is the RU Options Chart: http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/33508.htm.  This chart shows that you can get RUs from reading a book, writing and article or whitepaper, taking an industry related college course, teaching and RU approved course and/or becoming an InfoComm volunteer.  There is really no reason to let your certification expire.  An additional note to this myth is that a lot of people believe that InfoComm decides what gets RUs and what doesn't.  It is the renewal unit committee that does this.  Interestingly enough even InfoComm has to submit their courses to the RU committee for approval.

Myth #4:  InfoComm Courses are Too Expensive
Dispelled: Many of the webinars and InfoComm courses come at no cost to members.  Most of the people reading this are members because their companies are members.  Make sure your company is a member and that you are on the company roster with InfoComm.  Take advantage of the available resources that InfoComm offers that come at no cost.  The online courses that do come for a fee are usually intermediate and advanced level and when you are ready for them, they are well worth the fee.

Myth #5: I Am Not Experienced, Knowledgeable or Skilled Enough to Be an InfoComm Instructor
Dispelled: InfoComm always needs volunteers at all levels.  Whatever experience you have I promise you that you will learn more and gain more than you give when you get in front of a class of AV professionals.  It has been my experience that it isn’t always about what you know, but more about how much you care and how well you can facilitate the knowledge that is in already in the room.  Moreover, we are our own worst critics.  I often find that the people who are critical of themselves and think they can’t teach are the ones who take it most seriously and take the time to study, research, prepare and rehearse.  Those people are the ones who deliver the best classes.  InfoComm will never throw you to the wolves. They have a great cadre of staff and veteran instructors that can co-teach with you until you are ready to go it on your own.  So give it a try.  Next time there is a call for presenters; throw your name in the hat.

Summary:  The InfoComm training and certification process is an efficient process once you learn it and embrace it.  It is the best AV certification program out there.  There has been a lot of discussion about what is wrong with it and how to make it better.  There is one answer to that question: volunteer.  InfoComm is a member driven organization and as such much of the training and certification programs are defined by the membership.  If something needs to change…change it.
Volunteer – Engage – Mentor - Change


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