Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1236528
APRIL 2020 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 81 Blackfox and IPC Working to Minimize the Impact of COVID-19 on Training and Certification for Our Industry Dear valued Blackfox customer, Blackfox recognizes the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for the electronics manufacturing industry. Blackfox is taking steps to maintain a healthy training environment for our students, and IPC has made a few temporary modifications to their policies to make it easier to remain certified without interruption. There is great concern about the coronavirus and how quickly it can spread. We want to assure our customers their health and well-being is our top priority. As extra precautions, our cleaning service is currently using a disinfectant according to the CDC that will kill the virus. They are paying special attention to doorknobs, light switches, and all hard surfaces. The restrooms are also being cleaned with this product. We have included hand sanitizer in all of our classrooms and restrooms. If you are feeling ill, we encourage you to not attend classes until a later date. There will be no penalty for rescheduling. We have informed all of our staff to stay informed, aware, and protected during this situation. IPC Certification Extensions Effective immediately and upon request, IPC will temporarily authorize 90-day extensions to those who have expiring certificates. CITs need to request an extension to an expiring certification through the Certification Help Desk. When completing the form, please select the "Extension Request" in the "Request Type" field. CISs that are seeking an extension should make a request to CIT or MIT that conducted their training. The CIT or MIT will complete the "CIS Extension Form" that has been added to the "Training Resources" section on IPC EDGE. Forms must be filled out completely and emailed to certification@ipc.org. The certification expiration date will still follow the current policy for all certifications that were obtained by the temporary extension. IPC will currently only process extensions for certifications that expire within the months of March or April. IPC will reevaluate the situation in early April. Future IPC Remote Testing Option IPC has engaged with several organizations that offer remote proctoring services to universities and certification bodies. IPC is currently in the process of integrating one of those services into IPC EDGE. IPC is working to make this available as soon as possible. IPC's goal is to begin internal and Beta testing as early as next week, but there are still many details to be worked out. We will send another email out with details when available. As always, the health, safety, and well-being of our customers, our associates, and our communities is of paramount concern. We continue to monitor this quickly evolving situation and are here to assist our customers as needed. hank you for being a Blackfox customer! Sincerely, Sharon Montana-Beard Vice President, Sales Blackfox Training Institute