Why, What, When, and How Steve Saladin, University of IdahoJoseph Fenty, Washtenaw Community College Duane Goupell, University of Wisconsin OshkoshKimberly Moody, Temple University Theresa Scott, Florida Atlantic UniversityLinda Trevarthen, Michigan State University Jack Turner, University of South Carolina

A little background…. Idea of certifying centers goes back to before NCTA Concerns about implications, costs, etc. Current initiative launched in 2007 Based on NCTA Standards & Guidelines Important to note that are certifying Centers, not people Process is developed, now in the fine-tuning stage

So, how does it work?

Certifying that the Test Center meets established Professional Standards Which means that the Test Center has in place the facilities, resources, staffing, standards, policies, procedures, etc, as prescribed and published by NCTA Not certifying how well the staff are applying professional standards That would require on-site observations and detailed analyses of the programs performance and management---an audit.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles certifies your car is road worthy. It does not certify how well you drive it!

Mentor

How do I get started?

Provide basic identifying and contact information

Mission Statement Physical Facilities

Physical Facilities continued

Physical Facilities continued Test Integrity Confidentiality

Staff Training Program Evaluation Contracts and Agreements

Staff

Services Provided

Public Relations

Appendices

Whats it like?

The Trailblazers! Theresa Scott, Florida Atlantic University Linda Trevarthen, Michigan State University Joseph Fenty, Washtenaw Community College Jack Turner, University of South Carolina

Theresa Scott – Assistant Director of Testing and Evaluation Florida Atlantic University Office of Testing and Evaluation Test Center Certification

Linda Trevarthen, Manager, Testing Services Michigan State University Counseling CenterTesting Office Test Center Certification

Joseph Fenty, Director of Academic Testing Washtenaw Community College Testing Center Test Center Certification

Jack Turner, Testing Coordinator University of South Carolina Orientation & Testing Services Test Center Certification

Making a decision Why should I certify? Am I ready to apply? Application Process What was easy? What was difficult? How much time was involved? Did it cost you anything? What required additional information? Any surprises? Discussion & FAQ Post Certification Was it worth it? What did you learn? Have you seen any benefits from being certified yet? Tips and Cautions

For Certification Program Information: Go to: Click on About Click on Committees Click on Reference Documents Scroll down to: Certification...

Certification Program Information: and Project Objectives.doc Cert Process Graph.doc Certfication Tasks & Standards.doc Certification-2008 Presentation Outline.doc Current Committee Members.doc Proposed Certification Standards.doc Standards NCTA Self St. 3-Column Criteria June 2003.doc Test Center Certification Presentation 2008 Conf.pps FY10 Test Center Certification

Certification Program Information: MEETING MINUTES Test Center Certification Committee Minutes from Sixty One Meetings from February 2008 to the Present