Participant Handbook updated November 2024

from a credential’s core requirements, staff will request that the applicant initiate the waiver process below if they elect to proceed.

Waiver process. A waiver is considered by a subgroup of the Committee upon the request of the candidate, with the approval of their supervisor. A statement in support of a waiver must be provided to the application waiver group, which takes into consideration all aspects of the application and any special circumstances set forth by the applicant. The group will grant a waiver when the applicant demonstrates that they fulfill the credential requirements through alternative, equivalent education and/or industry or federal regulator on-the-job experience. A simple majority of group members must vote in the affirmative to grant an application waiver. Determining education equivalency. Core education other than a designation’s stated requirement will be determined to be equivalent if it contains these three features: (a) conducted by qualified instructor(s) (instructor credentials must accompany an equivalency request); (b) consists of a minimum of forty (40) hours [or twenty-eight (28) for specialty designations] of classroom training; and (c) focused on skills-based training (not emerging issues, seminars, or roundtable discussions). Accommodation . No individual shall be deprived of the opportunity to apply for ECP certification by reason of disability. All disabilities shall be verified and accommodated where possible as long as the accommodation does not fundamentally alter the process by which the knowledge and experience of the applicant is measured. Credential Updates. A periodic review of credential requirements will be conducted; any changes will be made publicly accessible and will be communicated directly to training directors. New applicants and current credential holders must fulfill any new requirements instituted resulting from these periodic reviews. Initial Application 1. Applications for certification are submitted through the Certification portal. 2. Once an application is submitted, it will go directly to the applicant’s assigned level 1 reviewer in the online portal. 3. The level 1 reviewer will complete the narrative attestation on behalf of the applicant. 4. The application will go through any additional levels of review determined by the agency. 5. CSBS staff reviews each application and will reach out with any questions or clarification. 6. If necessary, the application may go to the certification committee for review. 7. Once an application has passed review by CSBS staff, the applicant and their supervisor are notified of the results by automated email. Within seven (7) days, digital credentials (certificate and badge) are sent by email link from the Accredible platform.

5 Examiner Certification Program / Participant Handbook