The number of training opportunities for emergency vehicle technicians has grown dramatically over the past 10 years. Choosing the right ones can make sure you get your money's worth.

Looking ahead to the coming year, there will be a wide range of training classes offered by apparatus and component manufacturers, state fire mechanic and emergency vehicle technician associations, national fire service organizations and local dealers and distributors. (See the Calendar in every issue.) These classes can help technicians improve job skills and learn about the latest advances in vehicle technology. More importantly, they can help ensure that the persons working on emergency vehicles and equipment are qualified to perform specific jobs.

To help departments get the best value for their budget dollars, here are several points to consider when selecting EVT training classes:

Class topics. Selecting classes that meet your department's specific needs is probably the most important consideration. First and foremost, all technicians should obtain, and maintain, the appropriate EVTCC certifications. For most departments, that means certification in general performance specifications (F2), pumps and accessories (F3) and basic electrical systems (F4). Departments that perform maintenance on aerials, automatic transmissions, hydraulic systems, ambulances and other specialized components or apparatus should make sure technicians have appropriate certification in those areas as well. One of the best ways to prepare for the EVTCC exams is to take review classes a few days prior to taking the exams. Not only does this give technicians an opportunity to study the important points, but it lets them interact with other technicians to share their experiences. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications are also important, and some EVT training events are now including review classes for those tests.

Class length. Departments should match the class length to the individual technician's needs. Technicians who are familiar with the subject and have taken similar tests before may need only 4 hours of instruction. Other technicians may benefit from 24 hours of instruction spread over several days. Different training events offer classes of varying lengths. Also consider how the class length may limit the ability to take other classes offered during the same time. Check the class schedule to determine what classes are available and when they are scheduled. Many training events take this into consideration and try to repeat key classes or distribute them throughout the week.

Class costs. One good way to determine the value of a particular training event is to calculate the cost per hour of instruction. Take the registration cost of the entire event and divide it by the total number of hours of instruction that an individual can take. Events sponsored by state associations usually cost about $10 per hour. Those sponsored by national fire service organizations run about $20 per hour. Do a little comparison to spot bargains -- for example, there are some excellent training sessions that cost as low as $5 per hour.

Other costs. Unless the training is being offered in your immediate area, you will need to consider the costs of travel, lodging, meals and other items. Some classes also require students to purchase books and study guides before arriving. Fees for certification exams are extra and must be paid directly to EVTCC in advance. These costs can be substantial and should be added to the registration costs for a more complete comparison of dollars per hour of instruction.

Other benefits. Many events offer a number of other benefits to students such as meals, networking opportunities, trade shows or tours that are included in the registration cost. Some participants have said that the benefits of just talking with the instructors and other students was worth the cost of the event.

Qualification vs. participation. When considering any class or training event, be sure to determine what kind of certificates will be awarded. Ideally, any training class should include a test of each student's knowledge through a written exam or hand-on demonstration. Students that pass this test should be awarded a certificate of qualification in that subject. For EVTCC review classes, the testing takes place during the EVTCC exam, which is usually scheduled for the last day of the event. For other classes, the test should be part of the class. A certificate of participation just shows that the student was present, but does not provide any proof that he or she learned anything. Although both types of certificates can be used to help demonstrate a person's qualifications to perform specific tasks, a certificate of qualification is of much greater value and should always be the goal of any training.