A working group of subject matter experts will begin the translation into Spanish of TTT-1 and TTT-2 trade certification testing
The National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved proceeding with the Spanish language translation of assessment tests for the Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) and Telecommunications Tower Technician 2 (TTT-2) trade certifications.
Aiding the translation undertaking are Leticia Latino-vanSplunteren, CEO of Neptuno USA, Corp. and Rick Suarez, Group President at MasTec Network Solutions along with other members of the Spanish Language Working Group.
MasTec Network Solutions is sponsoring the effort with a generous contribution to cover the cost of translating written tests and associated documents for the TTT-1 and TTT-2 programs. NWSA expects to the launch the Spanish version of the exams in the second half of 2020.
“MasTec, being an immigrant-founded and owned company, is pleased to sponsor the translation of the NWSA TTT-1 and TTT-2 exams to help benefit the industry and its Spanish-speaking workers, who have been vital to the successful deployment of 5G network infrastructure,” said Rick Suarez, Group President at MasTec Network Solutions. “Once the translations are complete, these men and women will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to earn their trade certifications.”
To accomplish the test translations, NWSA has formed a Spanish Language Working Group that includes bi-lingual subject matter experts who will guide the effort to ensure conformance with NWSA’s recent program accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard. Consistent with accreditation requirements, participants will be involved in test translation activities, including oversight of forward and reverse test translation using an independent ISO-certified translator, psychometric validation, and development of a Spanish glossary of industry terminology.
“I am glad to participate in this worthwhile effort as a member of Spanish Language Working Group,” said Leticia Latino-vanSplunteren, CEO of Neptuno USA, Corp. “Our industry needs a well-qualified workforce, including Spanish-speaking workers to ensure broadband connectivity is provided across America. The translation of NWSA exams is a very important element to ensure tower technicians who speak Spanish are able to be tested in their language to achieve certifications.”
This announcement comes on the heels of NWSA receiving ANSI accreditation of the TTT-1 and TTT-2 programs. Both the effort to become accredited and the decision to move forward with Spanish language assessments demonstrate NWSA’s continuing commitment to further advance the quality and safety of the industry.
“Translating the TTT-1 and TTT-2 trade certification tests into Spanish is the next step for NWSA following achievement of ANSI accreditation of those programs,” stated NWSA Executive Director Duane MacEntee. “With the generous sponsorship of MasTec and help of the Working Group volunteers, we look forward this year to delivering translated exams to Spanish-speaking candidates who serve important roles in today’s communications industry workforce.”
Industry workers, companies and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the NWSA website at www.nws-a.org to learn more about the organization and its transformative trade certification offerings.