One Week of Top-Notch Education
Whether you are new to the industry or a long-time professional, AFA University offers something for everyone. We offer a variety of schools and certification opportunities in all subject areas to help our members stay up-to-date with emerging industry trends and new technologies. If you are looking to improve your technical skills, advance your career and stand out in your industry market, then AFA University is for you.
Registration is now open! The November 4-9, 2018 schedule is posted below for your convenience.
A Wise Business Investment
Employees: If you are passionate about your industry, it’s always important to invest in yourself and in your career. You can change the course of your professional future with a couple days off of work and a small investment in registration fees. Not sure how to ask your employer? Here is a sample letter to share with your employer and explain why attending AFA U is a wise business investment.
Business Owners: It could be a great investment to your business by sending your most promising employees to AFA University for career development. It doesn’t have to be risky: in exchange for employer-paid education, many employees guarantee they’ll stay with the company for a fair amount of time afterwards – or pay back costs. Here is a sample agreement that you can use with your employees.
Schedule of Events
Full class schedules with room assignments will be distributed at on-site registration on Sunday, November 4.
| Sunday, Nov. 4 | Monday, Nov. 5 | Tuesday, Nov. 6 | Wednesday, Nov. 7 | Thursday, Nov. 8 | Friday, Nov. 9 | |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Note: Daylight Savings Time ended Sun, Nov 4, 2:00 AM |
Breakfast, Capitol Ballroom |
Breakfast, Capitol Ballroom |
Breakfast, Capitol Ballroom |
Breakfast, Capitol Ballroom |
Breakfast, Capitol Ballroom |
| 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM | AGSD / FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
AGSD / FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
|
| 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch, Capitol Ballroom |
Lunch, Capitol Ballroom |
Lunch, Capitol Ballroom |
Lunch, Capitol Ballroom |
Lunch, Capitol Ballroom |
|
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | AGSD / FCBS / FIS / OIS On-Site Registration, Grand Foyer |
AGSD / FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
AGSD / FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Class |
FIS Class CFC Exam CFP Exam |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | CAGOI Review | |||||
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | CAGSD Exam | CAGOI Exam | ||||
| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | AGSD / FCBS / FIS / OIS Welcome Reception, Capitol Foyer Dinner (-8:30 PM), |
Dinner, Capitol Ballroom |
AGSD Graduation & Dinner, Capitol Ballroom |
Dinner, Capitol Ballroom |
Dinner, Capitol Ballroom |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Graduation & Dinner, Capitol Ballroom |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | First Aid Training (optional add-on) |
AGSD Hotel Check-Out: Wednesday morning |
CPR Training (optional add-on) |
FCBS / FIS / OIS Hotel Check-Out: Saturday morning |
Schools
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Introducing a New School and Credential: Fence Contractor Business School (FCBS) and Certified Fence Contractor (CFC)
The Certified Fence Contractor (CFC) is the most comprehensive credential available to fence contractors. It is designed to demonstrate an exceptional level of knowledge in all facets of the fence industry. Eligibility requirements do apply.
The five day Fence Contractor Business School (FCBS) course will review the menu of fence industry topics to help prepare the individual to take the certification exam. The CFC is the first certification in the industry that enables fence professionals to demonstrate expertise in:
Read More About FCBS Read More About CFCBusiness Practices
- Marketing, Advertising and Sales
- Estimating and Bidding
- Insurance and Legal
- Accounting and General Business Practices
- OSHA and Safety
- UL 325 and ASTM F2200
Disciplines
- Ornamental
- Farm and Ranch
- Chain Link
- Wood and Composite
- Vinyl and PVC
Core Trade Practices
- Personal Safety
- Equipment/ Tools
- Truck/Trailer Safety and Loading
- Blue Print Reading
- Site Reading/ Layout
- Introduction to Fence Welding
- Post Hole Digging
- Concrete Mixing
- Post Setting/ Anchoring
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Automated Gate System Design (AGSD) School
The AGSD program is a two-day school that covers the essential subjects needed to properly design an automated gate operator system in compliance with all automated gate and gate standards.
The AGSD topics covered include:
- Types of Gates
- Introduction to ASTM F2200 and M.U.T.C.D.
- Types of Gate Operators
- UL 325
- Electrical Wiring 101
- Access Control Devises
- Vehicular Detection Systems
- Failure Options
- High Security Installations
- Site Considerations
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Operator Installer School (OIS)
This intensive 5 day program is geared to operator installers, both novice and those with years of experience. Students will attend technical classroom training combined with extensive hands-on workshops to provide an in depth look at all aspects related to installing an Automated Gate System. The school includes detailed instructions on a wide range of topics. Students work in teams throughout the week developing a deep understanding on a gate system installation, from ground breaking and conduits to job testing and turning the system over to the property owner.
Topics include:
- UL325 and ASTM F2200 Standards
- Types of Gates and Types of Operators
- Safety on the jobsite
- Accessories and Controls
- Telephone Entry and Access Control
- Vehicle Detection Systems
- Electrical, high and low voltage needs for gate systems
- Gate System Installation
The course curriculum was developed in conjunction with the Self Study Guide for the Certified Automatic Gate Operator Installer program.; For those students working towards this nationally recognized Certification, this is an intensive learning environment to help you towards this goal.
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Fence Installation School (FIS)
NEW for 2018: We now offer Spanish translation services as part of Fence Installation School. You can request a Spanish translator during registration.
This school is geared toward the fence installer with little or no experience and for fencers who want to assure their installations are based on current standards and best practices.
The following disciplines will be taught at the Fence Installation School:- Wood
- Vinyl
- Chain Link
- Ornamental
- Farm and Ranch
AFA University Pricing
Register here
| Tuition Includes: registration, materials, hotel (shared double room), and meals. |
Housing Upgrade | ||||
| Member (Send 3 or more employees from the same company and save 10% off school tuition.) |
Non-Member | Housing & Meals (Shared double room) |
Upgrade to single/private room |
Add Extra Night (arrive day earlier / depart day later) |
Fence Contractor Business School (FCBS) | $1,849 | $2,649 | Check-in: Sun. Nov 4 Check-out: Sat. Nov 10 Meals: Sun: Welcome Reception & Dinner; Mon-Fri: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner |
+$850 | +$143.83/night |
| Operator Installer School (OIS) | $1,849 | $2,649 | Check-in: Sun. Nov 4 Check-out: Sat. Nov 10 Meals: Sun: Welcome Reception & Dinner; Mon-Fri: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner |
+$850 | +$143.83/night |
| Fence Installation School (FIS) | $2,349 | $3,149 | Check-in: Sun. Nov 4 Check-out: Sat. Nov 10 Meals: Sun: Welcome Reception & Dinner; Mon-Fri: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner |
+$850 | +$143.83/night |
| Automated Gate System Design (AGSD) School | $899 | $1,699 | Check-in: Sun. Nov 4 Check-out: Wed. Nov 7 Meals: Sun: Welcome Reception & Dinner; Mon-Tue: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner |
+$425 | +$143.83/night |
| First Aid Training or CPR Training |
$45 | $45 | |||
Register here
AFA University Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing; no telephone requests will be honored. Requests may be submitted via email to: memberservices@americanfenceassociation.com.
Cancellation requests submitted on or before October 11, 2018: $100 cancellation fee
Cancellation requests submitted after October 11, 2018: No refund
Exam Pricing
| Member | Non-Member | |
| Certified Fence Contractor (CFC) Exam* *Additional eligibility requirements apply. See CFC Program for more details. |
**Special one-time only introductory rate. |
|
| Certified Fence Professional (CFP) Exam*** ***Additional eligibility requirements apply. See CFP Program for more details. |
$250 | $595 |
| Certified Automatic Gate Operator Installer (CAGOI) Exam**** | $250 | |
| Certified Automatic Gate Systems Designer (CAGSD) Exam**** | $200 | |
| ****New for 2018: The CAGOI and CAGSD exams will be offered in both English and Spanish. Select your preferred language during registration. | ||
Register here
Travel
Air Travel
AFA recommends that participants fly into DFW International Airport. All airlines fly into DFW International Airport, except Southwest. The Hilton Arlington is 11 miles from DFW and provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport (7:00 AM to 10:30 PM).
Southwest flies into Dallas Love Field, which is 20 miles from the Hilton Arlington and a ~$30 Uber/Lyft ride.
Arrival
Students are expected to arrive the afternoon of Sunday, November 4, prior to the Welcome Reception and Dinner at 6:00 PM.
Departure
AGSD Students are expected to attend all sessions, including the graduation dinner on Tuesday, November 6, in order to receive credit for attendance. Departures should be scheduled for Wednesday, November 7.
FCBS / FIS / OIS Students are expected to attend all sessions, including the graduation dinner on Friday, November 9, in order to receive credit for attendance. Departures should be scheduled for Saturday, November 10.
Hotel
| Hilton Arlington 2401 East Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006 Conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth, TX in Arlington’s entertainment and business district and just south of DFW Airport, Hilton Arlington offers the complete hotel experience. AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, and Texas Live are all just a few minutes away. Hotel amenities include:
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Sponsorships/Promotional Opportunities
AFA University would not be successful without the support of our sponsors. AFA offers several ways to promote your brand to current and potential customers. Consider being a school sponsor or material donor.
Thank You to Our 2018 Sponsors
First Aid & CPR Training Sponsor
OIS Hat Sponsor & AGSD Hat Sponsor
Pen Sponsor
