- How do I become a part of the CSS Certification Program?
- If you are a DHS employee and have been with CSS for at least one year you may complete the CSS Certification Program Application – DHS Form 03GN555E (PDF) and enroll in the first available Core Assessment.
- What are the two types of certification?
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- Functional Area Certification (successful completion of all core assessments and one or multiple functional area assessments) and
- Full Certification (successful completion of all core and all functional area assessments and application for full certification)
- How often are Assessments offered during a year?
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- Core Assessments are offered during the months of March, April, May, July, August, October, and November.
- Functional Assessments and Re-certification Assessments are offered quarterly in March, June, September, and December.
- How are assessments offered?
- All Certification Assessments are offered online (in LMS) and monitored via Zoom.
- How many core area assessments are allowed per scheduled month?
- Participants may enroll in one, two, three, or all four core area assessments in any scheduled month.
- How many functional area assessments are allowed per quarter?
- Participants are allowed to enroll in only one functional area assessment per quarter.
- How long do I have to wait to get my assessment results?
- Participants receive their official assessment results via email from OUCPM within a few days of completing the assessment. Participants may view their non-official assessment results immediately after taking assessment.
- Are skill-based pay and the monthly differential the same thing?
- No, skill-based pay is the $688 payment that you receive for passing a functional assessment. Monthly differential is the $200 payment that you get monthly for two years for becoming fully certified.
- When does the monthly differential take effect?
- The monthly differential payment becomes effective the next quarter after the final lump sum payment.
- How do I find out what my re-certification date is?
- Contact the Certification Program Manager.
- How often must I re-certify to retain my monthly differential payment?
- Specialist must complete 20 Service Credit Hours every two years and successfully complete the Recertification Assessment
- I have successfully passed my Recertification Assessment. What do I do next?
- To the Certification Program Manager:
- Provide proof of Service Hours by submitting Recertification Service Credit Hour Documentation Form – DHS Form 03GN553E (PDF)
- Submit the Certification Program Monthly Differential and Re-Certification Application – DHS Form 03GN552E
If you have additional questions, please contact the Certification Program Manager.