New 2010 MECP Test

[ElementXofXMusic]

Hey guys I am new and have a question. I just acquired a trainee spot at my job to work in car audio install, but I need to pass my MECP basic certification exam to advance within the company. Unfortunately the test is all new now so the information and study guide given to me by my job was virtually useless which means I did not pass my exam.

Does anyone know where I can obtain a copy of the new 2010 MECP basic exam for studying?

[Norm]

It is better to learn the material rather than cram for the exam. Go to a local install school.

[ElementXofXMusic]

My work won't pay for an install school.

[Norm]

If they hired you as a trainee then it is their job to train you. They should have a training plan and tasks for you to perform which should lead you to the basics needed. The material is not so new that the old study guide won't help some. Just keep at it. I am sure there are online resources available as well.

[JBONDOx]

well, how you could not pass the test is beyond me, even with the old study guide and basic knowledge you should of passed it.

It is obvious you don't know a lot, and I am not kicking you in the nuts when I say this either, but I wouldn't expect anyone with less than a year of professional experience with hands on training (and failing) to pass the test, and I do not think it should be available either to you until you have 1 year of professional experience.

I do not recommend a school, waste of money and time, you get a gratuitous certificate at the end because you spent the money... not earned it.

which is why I think the mecp program is lacking...

you need experience, learn as much as you can, but no matter how hard you strive you'll never make 6 figures in less than 10 years so why bother...

[Todd Ramsey]

To answer the original question (and to help you study more effectively) you can purchase the MECP Basic Installation Technician study guide the same way you always could:

1) Call CEA customer service at 866 858-1555 and order over the phone
2) Use the link from MECP.com and purchase through the CEA store - http://www.mecp.com/study_guides.asp
3) If you are in the business, many distributors/resellers like AAMP, Mobile Solutions, and InstallerNet sell them to retail shops

and recently in Jan 2010 Amazon.com began selling MECP study guides (which qualify for free shipping since it's over their $25 minimum)

So you have plenty of ways to acquire the new guide.

The new guide is VASTLY different and improved over the old one, primarily due to the degree of change and broader range of topics today's "Basic" level technician is expected to understand.

The new guide is over twice the size of the old one it replaces and it's a very comprehensive bit of reference reading even if you never intend to get MECP certified. A lot of recommended practices and other good habits to get into along with great, non product specific technical information at the ground level. Also comprehensive use of a DMM - which these days is critical.

Here's a link to the Job Description for the MECP Basic Technician. To James' point about installation schools, this Job Description was created, in part, to help them tailor their training activities to more relevant skill sets that retailers need in entry level technicians rather than some of the "arts and crafts" that many programs teach, but the technician will not be doing that kind of work off the bat. It also provides a more realistic expectation of what the prospective employee and prospective employer should expect from someone with a "Basic" certification.

Here's a link to the Exam Contents document where the new MECP Basic level exam (as well as the others) is described in detail. That too may help you direct more study time into your weak topic areas.

[iinfotech01]

MECP exams are easier than ever to take. Since July of 2005, MECP no longer offers "paper testing" and all MECP exams are now available exclusively electronically through computer based testing. This makes it possible to deliver the exams in a wider range of locations that work with your schedule and it allows more instantaneous results so you know right away if you have passed or not.