Individuals who are interested in training for the electronics field from home can pursue a correspondence course at schools such as George Brown College. This type of program is self-paced, allowing students to work when and where they want and to have access to coursework 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Correspondence electronics school programs last about a year or less and lead to a certificate in the field. In order to get into an electronics correspondence course, students must submit their high school diploma or GED.
As part of a correspondence school on electronics, students simply use a DVD or CD-ROM as well as the Internet. Students have access to two-dimensional and three-dimensional animations as well as a laboratory simulation software. Audio and text lessons additionally are available. Students can complete pre-tests, exams and interactive exercises on the computer and can contact a technical support team if they experience any problems during their program.
Before enrolling at a correspondence electronics school, students should have access to a computer with high-speed Internet and meet other system requirements such as the proper word processing software, a certain amount of random access memory, the right computer operating system and available disk space.
Courses in an electronics correspondence program cover topics such as series circuits, parallel circuits, direct current measuring instruments, magnetic circuits and network theorems. Students also study concepts including transformers, resonance, capacitors, semiconductor fundamentals and digital electronics. In addition, classes at schools such as Penn Foster Career School cover fiber optic components and batteries.
Correspondence schools for electronics prepare students to seek certification in this field. Organizations that offer certification include the Electronics Technicians Association. In addition, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians offers certification for various competency levels. Becoming certified involves passing a comprehensive written or online exam and can make individuals more marketable in this field.