Associate Level Certification

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General description:

Associate level practitioners have received some training in each of the seven (7) core competency areas. Although they have not developed the full range and depth of skills expected of a fully professional practitioner, Associate level practitioners:

1. demonstrate the ability to apply core knowledge, concepts, ideas, and skills in at least one field practice setting;
2. demonstrate some knowledge and skills in all core competence areas;
3. require moderate supervision by practitioners with higher certification/education levels who provide consultation, direction, and guidance.
4. demonstrate the ability to identify/collect information, evaluate its relevance, and make appropriate responses.
5. demonstrate insight in assessing personal knowledge and skills within the context of professional practice.
6. utilize guidance and feedback from practitioners with higher certification levels to enhance personal competence.

The Associate level examinations are in their 1st edition and are currently in the pilot-testing phase. When an adequate number of tests have been administered, statistical analysis will be undertaken and the tests revised based on the results.

At this time, all practitioners taking these tests are considered to have passed. These practitioners can be certified when adequate documentation and references have been submitted. When these practitioners apply for recertification in 2 years they will be asked to retest (no additional charge) if their scores fall below the number determined to have been the passing score for the exam. The passing score will be determined when the tests are analyzed for validity, reliability, and bias. If they do not pass the exam when retesting they will not be recertified. Practitioners with scores at or above the passing score will not be required to retest.

Certification requirements:

To be certified, a practitioner must complete testing, submit an Associate level application packet, and submit supporting documentation to demonstrate:

Higher Education and Experience Requirement:

• No college or university education; three-years (6000 hours) of documented experience in direct care youth/child care practice; a minimum of 150 hours of training in core competencies by a instructor approved by the Certification Institute;

Or

• Completion of Associate Degree in child/youth care work or a closely related field from a college or university program approved by the Certification Institute; one-year (2000 hours) experience in direct care youth/child care practice.

Professional Education Requirement:

• Current certification in CPR and First Aid;
• Current certification in approved Physical Management of Aggressive Behavior and Crisis Prevention or Child Guidance (training must have been received within one year of applying for certification);
• Completion of approved training in ethics;

References:

• Two letters of reference from certified practitioners or three letters of reference from co-workers recommending applicant for certification;

And

• Completion of the Competence Self-Assessment documenting ability to apply required skills and knowledge;

And

• Completion of the Competence Assessment by current or former supervisor documenting ability to apply required skills and knowledge;

Professional Membership:

Current individual membership in one of the listed organizations:

• Texas Youth and Child Care Worker Association;
• Texas Network of Youth Services;
• Texas Alliance for School-Age Care;
• Texas Association for the Education of Young Children;
• Texas Juvenile Detention Association.
• Texas State Foster Parents, Inc.

Certification and Testing Fee:

• Payment of $75.00 certification fee to the Certification Institute

Forms

The application packet (including reference forms) is available in WORD or Adobe Acrobat formats.

Re-certification

Re-certification is required every two (2) years. Retesting is not required. The following documentation is required for recertification:

• Current certification in CPR and First Aid;
• Current certification in approved Physical Management of Aggressive Behavior and Crisis Prevention or Child Guidance (training must have been received within one year of applying for certification);
• Fifteen (15) hours per year (30 hours total) of Continuing Education in core competency areas by an instructor approved by the Certification Institute;
• Current individual membership in TYCCWA, TNOYS, TAA, TAEYC, TSFPI or TJDA;
• Payment of a $75.00 re-certification fee.