Certification and Accreditation: An Overview

Why Certify Bus Operators? Professional designation is regarded as having significant value Similar designations exist in other industries (e.g. Mechanics’ Red Seal program) Operators overwhelmingly in favour of certification (2003 survey) Recognition of operators’ professionalism and commitment

Why Certify Bus Operators? Helps improve perception of bus operators as competent professionals with proven skills Logical extension of the National Occupational Standards and Best Practices developed for the industry by MCPCC Sets professional tone for the “next generation” of bus operators

Why Accredited Training Programs? Positions bus industry as professional, competent, and employing best practices Validates industry efforts to improve itself and raise standards and best practices through work of MCPCC Awareness, within the industry, of the need for on-going professional learning Links companies to MCPCC via excellence

Objectives - Accreditation Canada-wide standardization of training scope and content for professional bus operators which will significantly promote both Operator and Industry professionalism and image Formal recognition of licensed bus operators through demonstrated knowledge, experience and abilities evaluated using the National Occupational Standards

Goals of the Program Training providers commit to NOS as benchmark Ensure access to training by developing Accredited sites Elevate pride and professional recognition within industry and gaining respect with outside audiences

Scope – Accreditation & Certification Scope – Accreditation & Certification Both accreditation and certification are voluntary Accreditation to be awarded to programs that cover NOS and “benchmark curriculum” Certification based on the NOS and combines experience, knowledge, and skill attainment

Governance and Management Board MCPCC Board of Directors establishes Accreditation and Certification (AC) Board Board provides technical expertise and broad industry acumen 19 members, two-year term, formally meets twice per year Reviews, assesses and responds to written complaints Participates in all revocation decisions

Governance and Management Secretariat Interface between public and Board with management and control functions Provides logistical, secretarial, and admin support Maintains Code of Ethics Comprehensive review of NOS every 3 years Manages Formal Complaint Process

Accreditation Categories Accredited Program: Complete training program covering NOS Blocks A-E plus one specialty area, and has been found by the AC Board to meet all benchmarked criteria of the NOS Accredited Course(s): Field or workplace training course(s) offered by an institution, association or similar non-bus operating entity that provides all of the criteria contained in any one or more of Blocks A-E from the NOS which can be used by a bus operating company as part of its Training Program

Accreditation - Steps Training provider accesses Application Package Applicant self-assesses Training Program against the NOS & Benchmark Curriculum criteria Applicant forwards Application Form and Training Declaration attaching all required documentation to the Secretariat Applicant assessed by AC Board and notified via Secretariat

Bus Operator Certification - Criteria Validated knowledge, skills and abilities using National Occupational Standards (NOS) 3 years bus operator experience within consecutive five-year period Familiarization and conformity with MCPCC Code of Ethics

Bus Operator Certification – Grandparent Window Operators: 3 years bus operator experience within consecutive five-year period Trainers, managers, union representatives: 3 years career bus operator experience Completion of the applicable areas of the Certification Journal Familiarity and conformity with the Code of Ethics

Bus Operator Certification - Steps Operator accesses Application package Applicant completes Application Form, required documentation and Certification Journal and forwards to Secretariat Application assessed by the AC Board

Bus Operator Certification - Revocation MCPCC may revoke Certification because of: –Loss of driving license –Criminal conviction –Substantiated flagrant or repetitive driving infractions suggesting an unfavourable pattern of driving performance –Non-compliance with MCPCC Code of Ethics –Non-payment of any required Fees –Revocation may be appealed

Program Information MCPCC website: MCPCC office: Yonge St. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 9M –