Auditor training

Assessor trainingInterstate Renewable Energy CouncilIREC ISPQ Accreditation and Certification

Assessor Training

Welcome to the Interstate Renewable Energy Councils Training Program for ISPQ Assessors.

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WelcomeThe assessor plays an important role in the IREC ISPQ processWere growing!

Assessor Training

The growing number of training programs offering courses in renewable energy or energy efficiency has brought a corresponding increase in applications from these training providers seeking to obtain IREC ISPQ accreditation or certification. Because the Assessor plays a pivotal role in the IREC ISPQ process we have created this training course to quickly orient and train new Assessors and to serve as a refresher for current and returning Assessors.The course is self-paced and covers key aspects of the IREC ISPQ process and the Assessors tasks. We hope you will find it enjoyable as well as informative.2Purpose of this TrainingUnderstand the IREC ISPQ standard and the assessors role and responsibilities in the accreditation/certification process

Know how to use the forms and reference materials in conducting an assessmentFeel ready to begin your first assessment

Assessor Training

Assessor Training

By the end of this training you will have a clear understanding of the ISPQ accreditation and certification process and your role and responsibilities as an ISPQ Registered Assessor. You will know how to use the Standard and the various forms and reference manuals needed when conducting an Assessment, and you will be ready to take on your first assignment.

Lets get started with the first module about the IREC ISPQ Process.

3The IREC ISPQ ProcessExplain the importance of IREC ISPQ accreditation and certification

List and describe the various components of the IREC ISPQ program

Identify the critical points in the IREC ISPQ process for both candidate and assessorBy the end of this module, you should be able to:

Lesson:ISPQ Basics

Assessor Training

M1L1S1

By the end of this module you should be able to:Explain the importance of IREC ISPQ accreditation for training programs, and certification for trainers, in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and distributed generation fieldsList and describe the various components of the IREC ISPQ programIdentify the critical points in the basic flow of the IREC ISPQ process for both the candidate and the Assessor4A Little History...Since 1982, IREC has worked with industry, government, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the broader use of renewable energy is possible, safe, affordable, and practical.

Lesson:ISPQ BasicsEasier, more affordable connection to the gridBest practices for states, municipalities, utilitiesUniform Guidelines & Standards

Assessor Training

M1L1S2

Since 1982, IREC, a tax-exempt non-profit corporation, has worked to ensure that the broader use of renewable and clean energies is possible, safe, affordable, and practical, particularly for the individual consumer.

Now widely recognized as a significant player in the renewable energy arena, IREC remains at the forefront of policy, education and workforce development.

To address the industrys need for quality assessment for training of the growing green workforce, IREC adopted the ISPQ Assessment Framework in 1996 for credentialing trainers and training programs.

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Created by a collaboration of experts

Lesson:ISPQ BasicsIREC ISPQ Standard 01022: 2011Provides standards and metrics

Sets the bar for quality training

Guides students in selecting training providers

Assessor Training

M1L1S3

The IREC ISPQ Standard 01022 was created by a collaboration of international renewable energy, education, training, and accreditation experts.

It sets the bar for the accreditation of training programs and the certification of trainers in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and distributed generation fields.

To ensure continuity, consistency, and quality in the delivery of training, IRECs ISPQ framework provides a set of standards and metrics for comparing content, quality, and resources across a broad range of training programs.

This international framework ensures legitimacy of whats being taught and by whom.

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Lesson:ISPQ Basics

Assessor Training

M1L1S4

The surge of interest in renewable and efficient energy technologies has brought a corresponding increase in training programs offered by a range of different educational providers including high schools, colleges, and the building trades. The need for quality standards in training curriculum has become increasingly necessary to guide students in their selection of a training provider.The table here shows the growth in IRECs ISPQ program over the past decade. It is a good illustration of the growing recognition among training providers and instructors and the need for quality standards in our industry. 7Assessors are pivotal in the IREC ISPQ Program!

Assessors review and verify all applications and evidence before submitting their recommendations.

Lesson:ISPQ BasicsThe Role of the Assessor

Assessor Training

M1L1S5

The role of the Assessor is pivotal in the IREC ISPQ accreditation and certification program. IREC, as ISPQ administrator, receives application packets from candidates for IREC ISPQ accreditation and certification.

It is the Assessors job to review and verify these packets in a process called The Desk Assessment, where Assessors work with candidates through an ongoing exchange, called iteration, to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the IREC ISPQ standard before making a recommendation to the Award Committee.

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Lesson:ISPQ Basics

Iterate whaaat?Who is a candidate?What is the difference between accreditation and certification?

Assessor Training

M1L1S5a

Yes, there are a lot of terms used in the ISPQ process. For some, the meaning and use is self evident, a few terms have more complex definitions, and others are simply conventions used in the process.

We will be dealing with terminology more in the next lesson. 9

Lesson:ISPQ TermsStandard

Assessor Training

M1L2S1

There are a number of pieces to the ISPQ program that work together. Lets review them briefly here and then go into greater detail later in the course.

A Standard is a defined measure against which an evaluation may be made. The ISPQ Standard was developed in alignment with quality standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. It is comprised of a number of requirements that candidates must meet.

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Lesson:ISPQ TermsAccreditation and Certification CandidatesPrograms and courses are accreditedPeople are certified

Assessor Training

M1L2S1a

Accreditation and Certification Candidates are organizations or individuals whose application materials have been received and acknowledged, but who have not yet completed the review process. Accreditation Candidates are organizations and institutions, while individuals are candidates for Certification. 11

Lesson:ISPQ TermsJob Task Analysis (JTA)

Assessor Training

M1L2S1b

The Job Task Analysis is usually called the JTA. It is an itemization of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to safely, properly, and reliably perform a specified job, as defined by subject matter experts, also called SMEs. 12

Lesson:ISPQ TermsThe Candidates Application

Assessor Training

M1L2S1c

The Candidates Application is downloaded from IRECs website and is supplemented by substantial documentation that the candidate submits as evidence that they meet the requirements.13

Lesson:ISPQ TermsThe Desk Assessment

Assessor Training

M1L2S1d

The Desk Assessment is done by the Assessor. It is an extensive, in-depth review and verification of the candidates application and documentation against the Standard.

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Lesson:ISPQ TermsThe On-Site Assessment

Assessor Training

NREL: Dennis SchroederM1L2S1e

The On-Site Assessment - requires an Assessor to travel to the training locations and physically confirm that the training provider meets all requirements. Generally, only Independent Master Trainers and Training Programs are required to undergo an on-site Assessment.15Award CommitteeSubject matter and process experts

Makes the final determination on an awardBases determination on assessor reportsAssessor Training

Lesson:ISPQ Terms

Assessor Training

M1L2S1f

The Award Committee is composed of subject and process experts who make the final determination of a candidates qualification based on Assessor reports. 16

Lesson:ISPQ TermsMaintaining Accreditationor Certification20122017

Assessor Training

M1L2S1g

Maintaining Accreditation or Certification is the final and ongoing part of the IREC ISPQ process. Candidates submit annual reports and reapply every 5 years. Sometimes there are interim requirements depending on Assessor recommendations and Award Committee decisions.17Learning Activity

Assessor Training

The questions in these activities are a different way to think about the material and should not be thought of as tests. For your convenience the questions are also included in the Practice Exercises. You can use these to jot down your answers before moving to the answer slide.

Use your down arrow to continue with this module.

Learning Activity

Assessor Training

Which of the following terms and definitions were not covered in this lesson but can be found in the glossary in your Assessor Manual? Are any of these terms not in the glossary?

StandardJob Task AnalysisMaster TrainerAccreditationSyllabusCandidate

Use your down arrow to see the answer.Syllabus is the only term listed that was not used in this module, although reference to Standard was very brief. All of these terms are in the Glossary.

Use your down arrow to continue with this module.

Lesson:ISPQ TermsSix IREC ISPQ Credentials

Assessor Training

M1L2S2

As an Assessor you will be reviewing applications from Candidates seeking one of six credentials:Accreditation will be sought for Training Programs or Continuing Education Providers. Certification will be sought for both independent and affiliated Instructors or Master TrainersIt is common for Training programs seeking accreditation to also submit applications for instructor certification but these are all separate applications even though they are often reviewed at the same time.20

Lesson:ISPQ Terms

Cycle of Quality

Assessor Training

M1L2S3

All the components of the IREC ISPQ Program come together to form a Cycle of Quality.

IREC is responsible for the full Accreditation and Certification cycle for North America, including processing applications, assigning registered Assessors, awarding the credential, and maintaining all records of applicants, candidates and certificants.For Assessors, your participation begins after the application is accepted, and ends when you have presented your report and answered questions at the Award Committee meeting.In the next lesson we will examine this process in more detail. 21

Lesson:ISPQ ProcessLetter of IntentIREC reviews application for completenessApplication submission60 daysAssessor confirms receiptApplication packet sent to AssessorIREC Nominates Assessor2 weeks

Assessor Training

The ISPQ ProcessM1L3S1

The ISPQ process begins with a Letter of intent sent by a potential applicant informing IREC that they intend to apply for a credential within the next 60 days.

This allows IREC to tentatively plan workflow and Assessor assignments.

Once an application and all its supporting documentation are received, IREC reviews the application for completeness and then nominates an Assessor.

Candidates have up to two weeks to accept or reject the Assessors nomination. Once the nomination has been accepted, IREC will send the application packet to the Assessor, who confirms receipt and begins the Desk Assessment.22

Lesson:ISPQ ProcessStart Desk AssessmentIterationDesk Assessment ReportOn-site Assessment(if required)Award Committee review and decisionAssessor recommendation submittedMonthly as needed

Assessor Training

The ISPQ ProcessM1L3S1a

The Assessor should begin, and ideally complete, the Desk Assessment within four weeks of receiving the application packet.

Iteration refers to a back and forth process in which the Assessor seeks clarification or answers to questions that come up during the Desk Assessment. As you review the Application Packet step-by-step, you may find confusing or missing information, or nonconformities. Where questions or uncertainty exist about the candidates adherence to the ISPQ Standard, you should seek answers to questions and solicit additional documentation.Following the Desk Assessment, the Assessor sends a cover letter and Report to the ISPQ office giving their conclusions about the degree to which the candidate has met the relevant parts of the Standard and their recommendations.

If a candidate is seeking Training Program Accreditation or an Independent Master Trainer Certification, the next step in the process will be to work with the Assessor in setting up an On-Site Assessment.

Depending on the type of credential sought, the Assessors final recommendations are given either, after the desk, or on-site assessment. This recommendation will be to award the credential, terminate the candidacy, or for additional iteration or Assessment.

The Award Committee generally meets monthly, to review, discuss and decide on the final status of candidates. Assessors whose candidates are on the agenda attend this meeting via conference call to make a short presentation and answer questions. IREC will contact the candidates/awardees following this meeting.

23Learning Activity

Can you identify the critical points in the IREC ISPQ process for both the Candidate and the Assessor? Use the flow diagram below as a reference and make notes on scrap paper of the numbered items that are critical for each. Note: some items will be important for both. 1

Letter of Intent2Application submission3IREC reviews application for completeness6Assessor confirms receipt5Application packet sent to Assessor4IREC Nominates Assessor7Start Desk Assessment8

Iteration9Desk Assessment Report12Award Committee Review and Decision11Assessor recommendation submitted10Onsite Assessment (if required)

Assessor Training

Use your down arrow to see the answers.Learning ActivityItems circled in purple are important to the candidate; items circled in blue are important to the assessor. All steps are important to the entire IREC ISPQ credentialing process.1Letter of Intent2Application submission3IREC reviews application for completeness6Assessor confirms receipt5Application packet sent to Assessor4IREC Nominates Assessor7Start Desk Assessment8Iteration9Desk Assessment Report12Award Committee Review and Decision11Assessor recommendation submitted10Onsite Assessment (if required)

Assessor Training

Use your down arrow to continue with this module.

SummaryGrowing interest is driving the need for continuity, consistency, and quality in the delivery of training

IRECs ISPQ framework provides standards and metrics that set the bar for quality training and guides students in selecting training providers In this module you learned:

Assessor Training

M1SS1

In this Module you learned that continued growth in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and distributed generation industries is driving the need to ensure stakeholders of continuity, consistency, and quality in the delivery of training.

You learned that the IREC ISPQ framework provides a set of standards and metrics for comparing content, quality, and resources. This sets the bar for quality training and guides students and trainees in selecting training providers.26AssessorNomination acceptedDesk assessmentIterationOn-site assessmentFinal reportAward Committee meetingSummary

CandidateLetter of IntentApplicationIterationOn-site assessment (if needed)Award Committee decision

Assessor Training

M1SS2In the learning activity, you also learned that the IREC ISPQ process has eight components, and that the components that most involve the Assessor were:

Nomination Accepted; Desk Assessment; Asking for Clarifications (or iterations); On-site Assessment, Final Report, and Award Committee Meeting

And for Candidates these were:

Letter of Intent; Application; Iterations (or Responding to Assessor questions); On-site Assessment (if needed); and Award Committee Decision27

Letter of IntentApplication submissionIREC reviews application for completenessAssessor confirms receiptApplication packet sent to AssessorIREC Nominates AssessorStart Desk AssessmentIterationDesk Assessment ReportAward Committee Review and DecisionAssessor recommendation submittedOnsite Assessment (if required)

Assessor Training

M1SS3

You were also walked through each step of the IREC ISPQ Process and were introduced to some of the terminology commonly used.

Remember, there is a glossary as well as other useful information in your Assessors Manual . 28Module 1 complete. Thank you.

Assessor Training

M1SS3

You have now completed Module 1 of the Interstate Renewable Energy Councils Training Program for ISPQ Assessors.29