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How long does the entire course take to complete?
The entire full-time course is eight weeks long. Classes are from 9am until 5pm
Monday through Friday. The part-time course is sixteen weeks
long and is conducted on Tuesday and Thursday nights and
alternating Saturdays. Advanced Workshops and MECP preparation
seminars vary in length depending on the course taken. More curriculum
information.
How much does
your course cost?
Tuition for both the full-time and
part-time classes varies slightly, the part-time curriculum
costs less due to the reduced number of instruction hours as
compared to the full-time program. Advanced workshops and MECP
certification workshops are priced on a per workshop basis.
Tuition pricing: full-time program,
part-time program.
Will I get a good education?
Started in 1985, the Ritop School was the first mobile
electronics school in the world. Our teaching staff has over 30
years of experience in the mobile electronics industry.
Additionally, our administrative staff has over 50 years in the
fields of education and electronics. Our school facility was
newly expanded in 2002 with over 5,000 feet of modern classroom
and shop facilities. The emphasis on hands-on and classroom
education utilizing the latest state-of-the-art equipment along
with the most experienced staff in the field assures you of
receiving the best education possible. Our students design and
install mobile electronics systems in actual vehicles using
state-of -the-art audio, video, security, navigation and other
electronics components. For those students who
need extra assistance, we offer weekly lunch and learn sessions
and no-charge weekly math tutoring. The Ritop School offers all
our students the knowledge and tools to become proficient,
successful installers. The rest is up to you!
Do you offer accommodations for
students with special needs?
The Ritop School does not discriminate against students with
disabilities. We welcome differently abled students to all
our programs. Our policy is consistent with relevant
governmental statutes and regulations, including those pursuant
to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Federal
Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Federal
Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The Ritop School is completely
handicap accessible. We offer accommodations to our students
that have demonstrated special needs. If you require educational
or housing accommodations, please notify the Director prior to the start of
classes. If you have an existing Individualized Educational
Plan (IEP) or 504 plan it may be helpful to forward a copy to the
Director prior to the start of classes. Ritop is committed to
the principle of equal opportunity for all qualified persons
without discrimination against any person by reason of sex,
sexual preference, race, color, age, religion, national origin,
or handicap.
Do you offer correspondence or web-based courses?
No. We believe a "hands-on"
classroom and shop approach is the
only effective way to learn mobile electronics
and become a qualified installer. The success of our
graduates is a testimonial to the effectiveness of our approach.
When do you offer classes?
We offer full-time 8-week classes six times a year, part-time
classes are offered twice a year. Advanced workshops and MECP
certification workshops are offered on a varying schedule.
Complete class calendar.
How much education and/or experience
is required
for your courses?
A high school degree or GED certificate
is required to attend the Ritop School. Prior shop experience is
not necessary. Our students prior installation experience
ranges from little or none to previous experience as an
installer.
Is there a certificate
or diploma for each course?
Yes, all students who
successfully complete courses at the Ritop School are presented
with a diploma or certificate of completion.
Do you offer job placement?
We offer all graduating students
job placement assistance. Students enrolled in both the
full-time and part-time courses also receive training in resume
writing, job searching skills and interview techniques as part of the curriculum. We
actively work with many employers and make recommendations to
employers based on our graduates skills and abilities.
Job Central.
What is "MECP certification"?
MECP stands for the "Mobile Electronics Certification Program". The program is sponsored by the
Consumer Electronics Manufacturer's Association
(C.E.M.A) and provides a way to certify mobile audio installers to assure the quality of the work for the consumer. There are 6 different certifications
including Basic Installer. First
Class Installer, Autosound Specialist, Security Specialist,
Master Installer and Mobile Product Specialist. Prerequisites
for each certification are available on the
MECP
web site. Preparation and exam fee for the Basic Installer
Certification exam is included in the full-time and part-time
classes. Ritop is a testing site for all the MECP certification
exams. In addition to our regular course offerings, We also
offer preparation classes for all the MECP certification exams
at low cost throughout the year. It is not a requirement that
installers be MECP certified, however most employers will only
hire installers that are MECP certified.
Is there a study guide for the MECP test?
All students in the full-time and part-time classes receive
the MECP study guide as one of the textbooks used in the
curriculum. Complete listing of
textbooks used in our classes.
What types of equipment
are students trained on at your school?
The Ritop school features a state-of-the-art woodshop, paint
booth, prep rooms and installation bays. Our classrooms are
outfitted with the latest technology and a computer lab
outfitted with computer programs including DC electronics
simulations, box building, resume writing and more is
available to our students . Our students are taught the latest techniques
using the finest equipment and tools. Additionally, our
relationship with most mobile electronics manufacturers gives
our students access to training, technical support and exposure
to the latest mobile electronics products.
Can my car
be a project vehicle?
The Shop and Classroom
teaching staff
review all project car installations prior to class
commencement. If you want your vehicle considered, you must
submit vehicle information and proposed installation plan to the
school prior to the commencement of classes.
If I
need housing, what type of facilities do you offer?
We offer students needing housing a choice of
single-occupancy studio apartments or double-occupancy hotel
accommodations at reasonable cost. More information on
single-occupancy
apartment housing information. Double-occupancy
hotel housing.
If I am staying in the housing, what should I bring with me?
You should bring clothing appropriate to the season of your
classes as well as any necessary personal hygiene items. The
housing facilities are completely furnished.
You may want to bring an alarm clock, radio,
small appliances, coffee maker, phone, toaster oven or microwave
oven for your room if you are staying in the apartment facility. More information on
what to bring if you are staying in our housing facilities.
What do I need to bring with me
to class?
You will need to wear clothing that you are
comfortable working in depending on the season. Our shop
facilities are equipped with all the hand and power tools you
will need to use at Ritop. Students should also bring school
supplies and a calculator for classroom and shop work.
Additional information on what to bring to the Ritop School.
Do I need health insurance?
All students are responsible for their own health and accident
insurance. Please provide a copy of your insurance card to the
school prior to the start of classes. In the unlikely event that
a student is injured at our facility, they will be taken to the
nearest emergency room for treatment at their own expense.
What do I do if I have a question that is not
answered here?
Call us toll-free at 888-44-RITOP, fax to 617/923-4886, send a
note to Ritop, 200 Dexter Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 or
Click here to send us an e-mail with your question. A
representative from the Ritop School will respond to you as soon
as possible.
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