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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