The seminar programme is expanding as well, and will see the introduction of CEDIA certification examinations for technicians and designers, developed by the UK Education Committee from a structure successfully employed in the US. The third element - manufacturer training - is integrated with the seminars to ensure that theory and practice are perfectly complemented. The largest CEDIA UK Expo to date will be improved by the introduction of extensive on-line registration in April 2003 and the services of an accommodation bureau (01273 292626).
Spearheading CEDIA's Professional Certification Programme is a series of examinations for technicians and designers, which will introduce a new level of recognition for CEDIA members. In order to accommodate the tests, and to provide a logical structure to the programme, this year's training has been arranged under tightly defined syllabus headings or ‘tracks’. Held over the three training days, the Track 1 programme, for technicians, comprises six courses covering the principles of installation, followed by two ‘grounder’ (overview) courses, and culminates in the certified technician exam. The Track 2 exam, for designers, is again prefaced by six courses and two ‘grounder’ courses over three days. The courses are open to members and non-members and are designed to lead delegates to a comprehensive understanding of the skills required to meet the challenges of professional custom installation. The Track 1 and Track 2 courses cost £40 for each course (£60 for non-members), but the ‘grounder’ courses are free of charge to those who have attended all the relevant modules. The test (open to members only) costs £250. CEDIA will also feature an educational programme of seminars and workshops, structured to broaden horizons in customer relations, project management, home networking, home cinema, systems design and installation.
Full details of all the plans for CEDIA 2003 can be found on the website.
(Ruth Rossington)
