Teaching Credential Guidelines

Being an ACA is NOT the end. It’s just the beginning! A while back, I shared how ICAN members could benefit from the ICAN x CPA MOU. Many ACAs reached out, eager to explore the opportunity—only for most to realize they weren’t even eligible! Not because of when they got inducted, but because they weren’t compliant with ICAN’s basic requirements. Now, ICAN has of last month issued another reminder: Reiterating that "Access to ANY Institute service or grant is strictly for members who meet certain eligibility criteria" To qualify, you must: ✔ Be financially up to date (all outstanding dues must be paid). ✔ Maintain good professional conduct (no pending cases with the Investigative Panel or Disciplinary Tribunal). ✔ Fulfill the updated Minimum Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) requirements. Without these, you cannot access: ❌ Transcripts issuance ❌ Practice Licence (Fresh or Renewal) ❌ Letter of Good Standing ❌ PhD Research Grant ❌ Professorial Inaugural Lecture Grant ❌ Fellowship Conferment ❌ Technical Assistance ❌ Benevolent Fund ❌ Death Benefit ❌ Other Institute-related services And here’s the big one—you need 110 MCPD credits before ICAN will even process your transcript! Yet, many ACAs don’t even have 5 credit points, not to talk of 110. Some don’t pay their yearly dues. Some don’t even bother with MCPD. Then, when it’s time for Fellowship conferment, or when they need a letter of good standing for an international opportunity, that’s when they realize they are not even eligible! Imagine waiting for years just to clock the due date for the almighty fellowship conferment (FCA) , only to be sidelined because of not being in compliance with these basic requirements. And you can’t even use the excuse, “I don’t have money to register for MCPD.” What about the free webinars ICAN organises from time-to-time that come with 2 credit hours each? If you attend just 5 of these free MCPD webinars, do you know how many credit hours you’d have? We really need to be intentional about our professional growth. Getting ACA is not the end of the road—in fact, it’s just the beginning of your professional journey. That ACA after your name is a badge of trust that must be upheld and defended at all times. So, let me ask—Are you financially up to date? Is your professional conduct in check? Have you met your MCPD requirements? If not, now is the time to take action. Cheers 🥂

When it comes to Professional Development Units (PDUs) do you know what you are looking for? I ask some of the Certified professionals I met this question and many of them responded; "60 every 3 years"! Their answer is partially correct if all you care about is keeping your Certification active, 60 PDUs will accomplish that. Post 1984, the PMP committee realized that simply amassing 60 PDUs in that 3 year period was inadequate and the concept of the Talent Triangle was implemented to assure that the 60 PDUs generated a minimum in the three Talent Triangle categories (currently Way of Working, Business Acumen, and Power Skills) in hopes of maintaining a balance in the person's project management knowledge base. Earning the necessary PDUs to maintain a person's Certification is not difficult or expensive. In fact all the PDUs you need in each 3 year period can be found easily and free of charge. But I think there is a whole lot more to PDUs than meet the eye. PDUs are meant to keep you current with the constantly evolving Body of Knowledge. For that reason the PMI Standard PMBoK is revised approximately every 4 years. These revisions to the PMBoK reflect the advancement of the inner workings of profession. When you earn your Certifcation your knowledge base should be consistent with the status of the profession currently in use at the time relative to tools, techniques, etc. However, as time passes and new concepts, tools and techniques come along, they potentially make your knowledge base inadequate or inferior. This is the real purpose of PDUs -- to give everyone a chance to practice continuous learning and maintain syncronization with the status of the profession"s knowledge base. Simple example, professionals who were certificed several years ago when AI was not being talked about much (if at all), would need to take learning programs that augmented their current personal knowledge base to stay current. So, at the beginning of each year you must conduct a personal "Knowledge Assessment" to determine where you have voids from the existing profession's status. You must conduct this assessment with a candid examination of your weaknesses and plan those learning programs that will fill your knowledge voids. From a career perspective the 60 PDUs are not nearly as critical as are they the right PDUs needed to keep your knowledge base current. Don't look for easy PDUs, look for the right PDUs. The question might be; "if you earned your PMP in 1990 and you have not practiced targeted learning since, are you actually still a PMP? It's your career, manage it! #leepmp Dave Garrett Sierra Hampton-Simmons Gina Alesse

I spend 15+ hours monthly on professional development that most agents skip. Most real estate agents think their license renewal education is enough. It's NOT. My continuous learning approach: 1️⃣ Mandatory + strategic education Beyond California's required 45 hours every four years, I complete additional certifications in buyer representation, fair housing, and risk management. The Bay Area market changes too rapidly for minimum compliance. 2️⃣ Technology mastery I test new platforms monthly - from AI-powered market analysis tools to blockchain transaction systems. 3️⃣ Market intelligence sources Daily consumption of specialized publications, MLS trend reports, and local market data. Recent example: Spotted the East Bay price correction trend three months before it became obvious, helping clients time their moves strategically. 4️⃣ Active industry engagement Monthly Bay Area real estate investor meetings, quarterly networking events, and even meeting people personally. The insights from experienced agents and market professionals often prove more valuable than formal coursework. 👉 Why this investment matters? When MLS rules changed in August 2024 regarding cooperative compensation, I had already updated my processes. When AI valuation models started affecting appraisals, my clients weren't surprised by the impact. 👉 The Result: My clients receive market insights that help them avoid costly mistakes and capitalize on opportunities others miss. Professional development isn't about collecting certificates - it's about delivering expertise that protects my clients' biggest investments in an ever-evolving market. How do you stay ahead of industry changes in your field? #bayarea #realestateagent #realtor #learning

Isolator Qualification Test: 1. Leakage Test •Method: Use of pressure testers or nitrogen gas to detect leaks in the system. 2. Positive/Negative Pressure Test (Pressure Decay Test) •Method: Pressure sensors are used to monitor changes in pressure over time. 3. Airflow Test •Method: Measurement of airflow velocity and volume through the isolator's inlets and outlets. 4. Microbial Validation Test •Method: Use of microbiological swabs and cultures at critical points inside the isolator, especially near areas prone to contamination. 5. Particulate Matter Test •Method: Use of particle counters to measure the number and size of suspended particles inside the isolator. 6. Ventilation System Test •Method: Evaluation of fans, air filters, and analysis of air pressure and flow rates. 7. Emergency and Safety Performance Test •Method: Simulating emergency conditions and assessing the isolator’s ability to function correctly. 8. Environmental Control Test • Method: Continuous measurement of temperature, humidity, and pressure within the isolator. 9. Hazardous Materials Control Test • Method: Measuring the dispersion of hazardous materials and evaluating the isolator's containment effectiveness. 10. Automation System Test • Method: Assessment of control and automation systems' performance and verifying their accuracy under all conditions. References: 1.#ISO 14644-7, ISO 14644-4 (Standard for Cleanrooms and Controlled Environments) 2.#ISO 14644-4 3.#ISO 14644-3 (Airflow characteristics of cleanrooms) 4.#ISO 14698-1 (Cleanroom and associated controlled environments – Biocontamination control) 5.#ISO 14644-1 (Classification of air cleanliness by particle concentration) 6.#ISO 14644-3 7.#OSHA 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Safety standards for workplaces) 8.#ICH Q7, WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) 9.#ISO 14644-4, ICH Q7 10.#GAMP 5 (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice)

🎓 Looking to Earn #CTS Renewal Units (RUs) Outside AVIXA’s Website? Here’s Your Go-To List ✅ Earlier this morning, after sharing some guidance on preparing for the #CTSexam, I was asked the following question: Are there other training sources (beyond AVIXA) that offer CTS Renewal Units❓ Absolutely ! and here’s a curated list of manufacturers and organizations offering AVIXA RU-approved training for certified professionals: 🎛️ 1. #QSC: Courses in AV design, control and networked systems that support CTS renewal. 🌐 2. #NETGEAR: Specialized trainings in AV-over-IP and network infrastructure qualify for RUs. 📡 3. #SDVoE Alliance: Offers technical certification and training focused on Software Defined Video over Ethernet, eligible for CTS Renewal Units. 🎙️ 4. Shure: Wireless audio and system configuration training recognized for CTS RUs. ⚙️ 5. #Crestron: From programming to system integration, most training qualifies for RUs. 🎧 6. #Dante (Audinate): Dante Level certifications and workshops are widely RU-approved. 🔈 7. #Biamp: Training in AV network design and system deployment qualifies for RUs. 🔌 8. #HARMAN (AMX): AMX-specific courses in control and AV systems provide RUs. 📢 9. #Bosch: Focused on conferencing, communications and public address systems. 📽️ 10. Christie Digital: RU-eligible training in projection, video walls and visual systems. 📺 11. Panasonic: AVIXA-aligned courses in pro AV technologies and applications. 🎥 12. Barco: RU-certified training in visualization, collaboration and control systems. 🔊 13. AtlasIED: Communications, paging and sound system trainings qualify for CTS RUs. 🎼 14. #LAcoustics: Known for immersive audio courses with renewal credit options. 🎚️ 15. #Yamaha: Audio solution certifications often include RU-eligible coursework. 🗣️ 16. #ClearCom: Intercom and audio distribution training aligned with RU requirements. 🔧 17. #Extron: A wide portfolio of CTS RU-approved education in AV technology. 🖥️ 18. #SAVI Controls: Commercial AV system training sessions qualify for renewal. 🖼️ 19. #RP Visual Solutions: Visual and display tech courses approved for CTS renewal. 📊 20. #Watchfire: RU-eligible training focused on digital signage technologies. 📚 21. #ExertisAlmo: Training on a broad range of AV topics approved for RUs. 🎛️ 22. #ExertisJam: Certifications (e.g., Allen & Heath AHM) offer CTS renewal credits. 📌 For the most up-to-date list, refer to the AVIXA CTS RU Provider directory: https: //https://lnkd.in/dmdDVY9b 💡 In Conclusion: Maintaining your CTS credential is more flexible than ever. By tapping into these trusted manufacturers and training providers, you can continue your professional development while keeping your certification current — all while staying sharp in the fast-moving #AVIndustry. #CTS #CTSRenewal #AVTraining #AVProfessionals #AVEducation #ProAV #AVIXA #AVCommunity #AVCareer #AVTechnology #AVIntegration #AVCertification #AVTweeps #AVOverIP #SDVoE

Every 12 months, advisers find themselves in the same place. The clock runs out. The scramble begins. Everyone logs into a learning management system and clicks through content that doesn’t matter. Not because you want to. Not because it makes you better at your job. But because you have to. Meanwhile, the real professional development, the deep conversations with peers, the experts you pay, the licensee support, the articles and research that actually shift your thinking aren't counted. It’s too hard to prove. Too expensive. Too slow. Too manual to record. We've put an end to that. Over the last few years we’ve built a system that converts any piece of content: - Virtual meetings - Online articles - Compliance updates in your inbox - Quarterly investment committees - Video or podcast transcripts and convert it into compliant CPD. Here's how: We built technology that: - Checks the content against the legislative criteria - Allocates the points to the correct CPD areas - Generates a quiz in real time - Marks the results of the quiz - Issues a certificate All in as little as two minutes All you need to do is focus on the learning. The genuine professional development - wherever that occurs. The rest is on us. No waiting. No admin. No chasing details. Now, the internet itself - every conversation, every article, every insight is a potential learning experience that counts towards your annual compliance requirements. Imagine how much time that saves. How many frustrations that solves. Rather than searching for content behind a login, we’ve turned the entire internet into your LMS. Why does this matter? Because professional development should be about progress, not paperwork. It should reward curiosity and growth not compliance fatigue. The systems built to track learning have crushed the spirit of it. Advisers have always done professional development, we just built a way to verify it. Now, advisers can earn CPD from the content that truly pushes their advice process forward. Genuine learning, finally recognised as compliant learning. This isn’t a small improvement. It redefines what continuing professional development can be. And it starts soon at the upcoming ALPD #cpdcheck

As administrative professionals, we know that continuous learning is core to career success. Certifications can boost your credibility, expand your opportunities, and set you apart. But here’s the challenge: not everything labeled a “certification” actually is one. More and more courses are using the word “certification” when they are simply training programs that provide a certificate of completion. While learning is always valuable, it’s important to recognise the difference - because not all credentials carry the same weight, and I know how hard you work to get your training dollars signed off, so it’s important to understand what you are buying. A legitimate certification can only be issued by a recognised industry body or accredited institution. For clarity, a recognised industry body is an established professional organisation that specialises in setting standards for excellence in a particular field. An accredited institution is a school, university, or training provider that has been evaluated and approved by an official accrediting agency. These organisations often require rigorous training, exams, and ongoing education to maintain certification. Accreditation ensures that an organisation meets established educational standards. A certificate of completion, however, simply confirms that you attended a course. It does not validate expertise, nor does it carry the same industry recognition. While these programs may offer great learning, they should not be confused with certifications that truly enhance your professional standing. Why does this matter? • Your time and money deserve the best - If you’re investing in professional development, make sure it has real impact. • Your credibility is on the line - Employers and industry leaders recognise accredited certifications. A misleading credential won’t hold the same weight. • High standards matter – True certifications maintain rigorous industry standards, ensuring that those who earn them demonstrate proven expertise. So how do you spot a true certification? Before enrolling, ask these critical questions: 💡Who is issuing the certification? Is it from a recognised professional organisation or an accredited institution? 💡Is there an assessment and renewal process? Legitimate certifications require an exam and usually require continuing education. 💡Is this credential recognised by employers and industry leaders? Research whether it holds weight in your field. 💡Does the program clearly distinguish between a certification and a certificate of completion? Transparency is key. Make smart choices for your future Professional development is an investment in yourself. By choosing genuine certifications, you protect your credibility, maximise your career potential, and ensure that your hard work leads to meaningful recognition. 🔁 Repost to share 👉 Follow me Lucy Brazier OBE for administrative profession related content and inspiration.

Certification should mean competence. But often, it does not. Today, many professionals hold certificates. But when systems fail, audits go wrong, or safety is compromised we are forced to ask: Was competence ever truly assessed? This is where ISO/IEC 17024 makes the difference. It is not a course. It is a global standard that ensures people are certified based on performance, ethics, and real capability not just attendance. ↳ Independent assessment ↳ Ongoing evaluation ↳ Accreditation of certifiers themselves Let’s build systems where certification reflects what professionals can do not just what they completed. #ISO17024 #CompetenceMatters #Certification #Accreditation #ISO #JasminDhakaan #Impartiality #TheConformityEdge #TICIndustry #ISOStandards #Integrity

When an AI scorer enters a credentialing pipeline, it joins the rater pool. It does not replace it. The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing did not stop applying because the rater is now a model. The reliability evidence credentialing programmes have always needed for human scoring is the same evidence they now need for AI scoring — sometimes in more detail, always with the same statistical discipline. That means: - Inter-rater agreement statistics with the AI as a rater (Cohen's kappa or ICC, depending on your scale) - Bias and severity diagnostics, including Many-Facet Rasch Measurement where the design supports it, so the AI's severity sits in the same logit space as your human raters - DIF analysis at criterion level for every protected subgroup - Range and kurtosis checks, because AI scorers commonly compress toward the mean - Drift monitoring tied to model versions, because AI raters drift differently from humans → Generalizability theory and SEM underneath it all, so you can report defensible confidence intervals around credentialing decisions This is a substantial body of evidence. It is also what defends a credential against legal, regulatory, and reputational challenges. The full article walks through the methods, the thresholds, and the standards alignment — including AERA/APA/NCME Standards 2.3, 2.5, 2.16, 3.1, 3.6, NCCA Standard 17, ISO 17024 §9.3, and Ofqual Condition G4. It is the technical reference the psychometricians on your team will want. - Connect with me to help you stand up your diagnostics, monitoring, and reporting practices, or visit my website (link on my profile) to book a meeting. - Follow for more in-depth consulting articles on AI for regulated industries and credentialing. #Psychometrics #AIScoring #Credentialing #InterRaterAgreement #Reliability #AssessmentAI #NCME #Globebyte