Instructor Certification Challenge Process

Although not realy a class, trainers need to know about certification challenges and when this is necessary.  In very rare circumstances, an instructor or Trainer may have their certification challenged.  The challenge can be initiated by almost anyone and is very serious business.  The challenge process has been carefully thought out by the ACA & SEIC to ensure a fair and unbiased review of the allegations.  Challenges may be made for a variety of short-comings like:

  • Careless disregard for safety when conducting classes.
  • Grossly inadequate discipline skills.
  • Blatant disregard of ACA policies & procedures.

The ACA-SEIC challenge process is very extensive and well documented in the SEIC policy manual in Chapter 5, section C.

Instructor Update Class

The instructor update class is a much less formal process and generally takes only one day.  Trainers can provide instructor updates as one of their offerings.  What is involved in an update class is a great question.

  • Discipline skills assessment, all skills do not need to be assessed.
  • Cover all changes in the discipline that have taken place over the past 5 years.
  • Cover all changes in the ACA that have taken place over the past 5 years.  A great example are the relatively new First Aid and CPR requirements.  The new skills assessment program is another great example.
  • Share teaching techniques.
  • Verify teaching skills.
  • Verify the instructor knows about all the various ways to register and report skills and assessment courses.

The objective of an update class is pretty simple - ensure the instructor stays current in knowledge of the discipline and the ACA.

Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)

Many trainers combine the IDW with the ICE into one continuous course called an ICW - Instructor Certification Workshop.  To find out more about these two types of classes, refer to the following articles:

  1. Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)
  2. Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

There really isn't a typical ICE course, it really varies from discipline to discipline.  On the other hand, this is where the trainer carefully evaluates whether the candidates will become solid instructors.  In general, instructor candidates must complete an IDW in the discipline before taking the instructor certification exam.  Trainers will use a variety of methods to assess candidates which may include any of the following:

  • Skills assessments
  • Demonstrate extended and prepared presentations
  • Demonstrate quick impromtu presentations - the 30 second pitch
  • Written exam
  • Evaluation of interpersonal skills - be on time and presentable
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ACA paperwork, policies, and procedures
  • Homework assignments

Where possible, trainers should have a gap between an IDW and an ICE to allow candidates time to digest their new skills.  Once a candidate has passed both an IDW and ICE, they will get a written instructor evaluation and be awarded a pass or continuation for a certain level.  Assuming the candidate has passed the ICE, they will be awarded a 60-day temporary certification card.  If the candidate is continued, a continuation form is provided with a remediation plan that can be evaluated by any trainer in that discipline.  Candidates often are passed at a lower level than the highest level taught in an ICE. 

Once you have passed your IDW/ICE (ICW), pay your SEIC dues and make certain you have completed your First Aid and CPR certifications.  Once all of this is completed, you are an official ACA certified instructor.

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