Instructors play a vital role in keeping both new and seasoned apprentices updated on our ever-changing industry. To help, ECmag.com has launched the Apprentice Center. The Apprentice Center at ECmag.com with tailored newsletters, a free monthly magazine, and access to the latest industry trends and insights is the ultimate resource to (more…)
The NEW Testing Platform and Process – Coming Early July!
After much anticipation….
The New Testing Platform and Process (TPP) is all new and shares nothing with its predecessor. It is built on the same platform as the quiz engine that has been used by the PTSI Learning Management System courses since the debut of the OLS almost a decade ago.
Overview
Test delivery will be through a lockdown browser called Respondus (full details at web.respondus.com). Respondus Lockdown Browser disables keyboard shortcuts, right-click menus, and more. It also makes opening new windows and applications impossible during a test. It forces students to focus on the test simplifying proctoring. Proctors are not tied to their computer, but free to walk around and monitor progress or answer questions.
Note: A link to download Respondus will be provided on the LMS under the EXAMS section 
TPP only allows online tests. No paper tests will be available using the new system. TPP will scramble the question order, but students in a group will all see the same questions.
Use of either local program computers or student personal computers is at the discretion of the local program.
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- TPP exams are supported on Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and iPad operating Systems – Phones are not supported.
- Keeping up to date machines and browsers is always important.
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Test Availability Timeline
The New Testing Platform and Process and existing testing platform will coexist, and individuals who prepare and/or administer tests will need to be fluent in both. Here is a breakdown:
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- All new CML courses released in 2024 and after will only have tests available on The New Testing Platform and Process
- CML courses are delineated with “ – CML” in their course title
- Existing CML courses will be available on both platforms
- All Outside Program tests will be available on both platforms
- All other courses are only available on the existing Assessments system but will be added to the New Testing Platform and Process in the following order:
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- Inside, Installer/Tech, Residential Core
- Inside, Installer/Tech, Residential Advanced
- Substation, Underground Cable Splicing and Underground Distribution
- All remaining courses
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Still Have Questions?
Details about preparing and administering tests using the new system will be covered in a webinar scheduled for July 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern.
LMS Quiz Error Issue – June 12, 2024 (8:50 am – 10:57 am Eastern)
At 8:50 am Eastern on 6/12/2024 we were alerted about an issue with the Learning Management System affecting quizzes in the Tech Math – CML and Construction Drawings – CML courses. The development teams were able to pinpoint the cause and resolved the issue at 10:57 am.
So… what happened?
Tech Math – CML and Construction Drawings – CML both use questions that generate random variables that make each quiz and quiz attempt unique. When a student (or instructor) attempts a quiz, the system pulls the random variables needed for those question types. This morning, the number of concurrent random variable requests hit the limit that prevents overloading servers.
So… what did we do?
Because our LMS servers can automatically scale up and down as needed, the team was able to disable this parameter and the random variable function for these quizzes was restored.
We apologize for any interruptions and frustration caused by this incident. We will continue to monitor the LMS for issues, learn from incidents like this, and strive to deliver an online learning environment that performs flawlessly for your students and programs.
USA Membership – Available for Apprentices!
The IBEW is proud to offer all IBEW/NECA apprentices a complimentary membership in the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), an organization that unites union members of all trades through a shared love of the great outdoors. This popup will direct apprentices to a custom-tailored membership portal where they can gain access and obtain special membership benefits with the click of a button!
How it works:
Anyone who registers from April 30th to June 27th will be entered for a chance to win a Milwaukee Tool package worth $1,500…and one lucky IBEW/NECA apprentice will win!
Beginning April 30th, here’s what they will see when they log in to the LMS:
The notification will inform them of how to access and create their account. Their choices will be:
- Select Register Here to get started.
- Select Remind Me Later – the notification will close and reappear on their next log in.
- Select Acknowledge – the notification will close and not return.
We are excited to make it easier for them to activate their membership and start enjoying the benefits of this unique space the IBEW and USA have created for them!
Thanks for reading!
Significant Code Changes to the NEC 2023 – CML
Significant Code Changes to the NEC 2023 – CML
We are very excited to announce the rollout of an online Significant Code Changes to the 2023 NEC course and communicate how this course can further support the needs of the industry. You will now find this course available to programs within the etA bookstore. Stay tuned for future courses like this as they also become available on the SkillsPrep.org website. Read on to learn more about this new offering!
Course Layout
The Significant Code Changes to the 2023 NEC course is an asynchronous course and contains the most significant revisions and new requirements associated with the 2023 NFPA 70 NEC. The course has seven topics that each cover Code articles and their associated changes, along with a course completion certificate.
All training and reference material is contained within the course itself, but it is highly recommended to purchase the Significant Changes to the NEC 2023 textbook or e-Book that follows closely to the course and can provide the user with the information in a single-page format. Access to all materials is dependent upon an active internet connection and access to the LMS.
Each module within the course is presented with narrated instructions, followed by interactive knowledge checks on the Code-related changes of the associated article. You will need to achieve an overall score of 80% or higher to pass the module and continue through the course.
You can reattempt incorrect questions as many times as needed to obtain a passing score. Once a passing score is obtained, you will continue onto another module.
This course is designed to be completed within 60 days, even though your access will be determined through your training center. This is due, in part, to the ability for you to access the NEC language via the NFPA’s LiNK software. This access will last for only 60 days, so plan accordingly!
After completing all of the course modules, you will gain access to the course assessment quiz, which you will be required to pass with a score of 75%. A single score of 75% or greater will unlock the course survey and completion certificate.
Want to learn more about the basic structure of the course and see how it works? Check out this Course Directions Video that will give you a look at what is offered.
Still have questions?
Please read through the answers to the FAQs to see if we already have an answer for you.
If after you have read the FAQs doc and you have further questions, please contact Steve Strickland, your friendly customer service advisor, at 1.888.652.4007, or via email sstrickland@electricaltrainingalliance.org
Thanks for Reading!
Tech Math Announcement
The new home for the Tech Math course is https://www.skillsprep.org.
SkillsPrep.org is a site that allows you to send your applicants or students directly to purchase access to the Tech Math course. This is the same course available on the PTSI LMS and is a good primer for pre-apprentices to experience the system and other electrical industry courses.
Please read on to learn more about the new location for Tech Math and the skillsprep.org website. (more…)
The PTSI Software Feature Tiers in the LMS
The choice of which features of the Learning Management System (LMS) your program would like to use is finally here! We sent out emails over the last two weeks to the program admins but here is a recap.
Since July, all programs have (more…)
Electrical Job Information 1 – CML Course Update
Electrical Job Information 1 – CML is a unique course that contains nine lessons covering nine topics from the electrical industry that can seem unrelated to each other. Preparing students to take the final exam for EJI1, usually involves planning time reviewing important topic concepts and learning objectives with students. A new optional (more…)