The NEW Testing Platform and Process – Coming Early July!

Danielle Filippone July 1, 2024 No Comments

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.

      • 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.


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:

    • 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:
        • Inside, Installer/Tech, Residential Core
        • Inside, Installer/Tech, Residential Advanced
        • Substation, Underground Cable Splicing and Underground Distribution
        • All remaining courses

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.

SMS Option Added to LMS and TMS for MFA

Greg Greiner June 20, 2024 No Comments

Can there ever be enough acronyms and abbreviations?  My take, yes, but the addition of the SMS option to the TMS and LMS is needed and has been at long last added to the ProTech Skills Institute Online Learning System. Please see important details below.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

The two existing MFA methods for receiving the authentication code, E-mail and Authenticator Application, have been joined by a third, SMS text message. Existing LMS users can access this new MFA option by clicking on their name in the upper right corner and selecting Login Preferences. When Text Message is selected, the user will be asked to input the cell number where they want the authentication code delivered and hit save. All MFA codes from that point forward will be delivered to the number provided.

New LMS users still, and always, need to initially authenticate using E-mail, but after that they can choose to select from Authenticator Application or Text Message if preferred.

E-mail remains the default MFA method unless changed by the user. Users can change their MFA method at any time.

TMS users will also see this as an option.  Once logged into the TMS, click on your name in the upper right corner to choose SMS Verification if desired.

 

Last Thing:

There are online resources that do not require MFA to be used each time you log in and then some that allow you to select how secure you prefer to be by allowing you to choose how often you must verify.  In our cases as ERISA governed organizations, we are held to a very high security compliance level.  It’s also something to note that using systems that send automatic messages charge by the quantity of messages.  With email or with SMS, the number of messages the system sends equates to a charge.  We monitor these charges to watch for concerns and will communicate those if they arise.  While we, and you, are required to have these measures in place we try very hard to make them as user-friendly as we can, meet the required security benchmarks, and keep the costs down.

 

Thanks for reading!

LMS Quiz Error Issue – June 12, 2024 (8:50 am – 10:57 am Eastern)

Danielle Filippone June 12, 2024 No Comments

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.

Significant Code Changes to the NEC 2023 – CML

Danielle Filippone January 10, 2024 No Comments

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

Danielle Filippone December 13, 2023 No Comments

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…)