BICSI Technician Training Fund

Hello everyone! I started this GoGetFunding because I would like to attend the BICSI TE350 Technician certification course. This training is part of my path in starting a Cabling Infrastructure consulting business. As many of you already know, I have many years of experience in the telecommunications and computer networking field and for those who don't, here's I a little background of myself:

My name is Ray Valle and for the past 20 plus years I have been involved in the telecommunications field. My career started in the US Army where I served as a satellite communications specialist. After serving, I continued in the field of telecommunications working in the mobile and cellular industry as an electronics technician and later moving into Radio system design and integration including satellite systems.

I later migrated into the digital world of computer networks designing and implementing networks. I have had the opportunity to work with great people from around the world and it truly has been an enriching experience.

I am at a stage now in which I would like to apply my knowledge and experiences in a different direction. My vision is just to create a small private business which prides it self on the quality of work and not mostly on the quantity. I'm also banking on my skills and work ethics to slowly start getting small contracts to grow my venture.

I have always been a self-taught individual and this is an instance where I need to learn something I do not know very well. The price for the course is $1915 and the final exam cost of $260. The book for the course is $225. I am trying to raise $2600 to cover the study and fees associated with GoGetFunding.

I don't have the kind of funds to attend the course and I'm asking for your help. This course will serve as part of the credentials needed for success.

Those of you who know me know that I'm not very good at asking for help, but this is my dream and at least i have to give it a shot.

If you have any questions about the details of the training course or simply what to ask for some technical help within my expertise, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions or guide you in the right direction. Thank you for taking your valuable time in reading my request and for your help.


Technician Details:

Bicsi Technician candidates are tested on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information. After you have acquired your Technician designation, you will be able to:

- Successfully lead an installation group or team using project management skills.

- Perform advanced testing and troubleshooting for both copper and optical fiber installations.

- Discuss and evaluate numerous specific applications of information and communications technology (ICT) cabling installation.

- Make recommendations based on applicable codes, standards, and best practices.

- Implement the job plan and scope of work as well as perform retrofits and upgrades for existing infrastructure.

Experience and Skill Requirements
Individuals applying for the Technician exam must possess at least three years of current and verifiable ICT industry installation experience. Those applying for the Technician exam must be able to distinguish between different colors and possess manual dexterity to complete fine motor tasks.

Course Materials
Students must bring a print version of the Information Technology Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM) to class, along with any errata sheets. Please reference the course confirmation letter as to which edition is appropriate. The manual is not included in the course fee. Personal or prescription safety glasses are also recommended.

Suggested Study:
IN101: Installer 1 Training course
IN225: Installer 2, Copper Training course
IN250: Installer 2, Optical Fiber Training course
Information Technology Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM)
A minimum of 50 hours of independent study

Examination Information
Exam Process
A completed exam application, including the experience check list and a nonrefundable application fee of $260 must be received by BICSI for processing at least 10 days prior to the exam date. If BICSI receives the exam application less than 10 business days prior to the exam, an additional $50 expediting fee will apply. BICSI will not accept exam applications received less than five business days prior to the exam date. The completed exam application and application fee can be faxed, emailed or mailed to BICSI (see the exam application for contact information). Once the application is approved, it is valid for one year.

Exam
The Technician exam is delivered in two parts. The first part is hands-on and includes a number of manual tasks that must be properly completed, as well as written scenarios that will test the examinee's knowledge of codes and standards. The second part is written and is based on the content of BICSI's ITSIMM. To become a BICSI ICT Technician, you must successfully pass both parts.

Hands-On Exam
The hands-on performance exam consists of completing six assigned tasks to industry standards, within a 20-minute-per-task time limit.

Proctors will give pass/fail results on site. If the applicant fails to successfully complete one of the hands-on exam tasks, same day retakes on the failed task will be given at no additional cost, time permitting. If the applicant fails the same task twice or fails two hands-on tasks, the hands-on exam will be rescheduled.

Written Exam
The written exam is closed-book and contains 140 questions in multiple choice. If an individual does not hold both the Copper and Optical Fiber Installer 2 credentials or an Installer 2 credential, the written exam will have an additional 30 questions (170 questions total). Questions are taken from all chapters of the BICSI ITSIMM, and are both knowledge- and application-based. 2 1/2 hours are allowed to complete the written exam.

After Passing the Technician Exam
Once you successfully pass both the hands-on and written exam, your credential will be valid for three full years from the date that you passed the last portion of the exam. Within 30-45 business days of passing the exam, you will be mailed a congratulations letter, a registration card for you to carry in your wallet, a certificate suitable for framing, and an On-the-Job-Training (OJT) Booklet.