Maintaining CSA Program

Transitioning to the Site Assessment Certificate Program

On January 1, 2012, the MREA launched the new Site Assessment Certificate Program (SACP), marking an end to the CSA Program.

 

MREA will continue to maintain the CSA program for those who are already recognized until the end of their three year term. At the end of the three year period, CSA who have stayed current with their program will be eligible to transition to the Site Assessment Certificate Program (SACP).

 

What is the difference between the Site Assessment Certificate Program and the CSA program?

The CSA program required a 3-year assessment and oversight process, the certificate program solely focuses on ensuring that participants satisfy the knowledge and competency requirements associated with the certificate. The MREA will provide certificates to all individuals who complete the required site assessment training and program requirements. By focusing on education and student assessment, the certificate will allow the MREA, through the Midwest Solar Training Network, to build partnerships with technical and community colleges to provide uniform, high-quality training that helps advance the installation of solar energy systems across the Midwest.

 

 New Certificate ProgramFormer CSA Program (ended December 31, 2011)
CoursesPV/SW/W 101 and 201

PV/SW/W 101 and 201

Skills AssessmentSubmit 2 practice site assessments per technology (must be submitted within 365 days of completing PV/SW/W 201)Submit 2 practice site assessments
ExamYes, plus $50 exam feeYes
Code of EthicsYesYes
Certificate Feen/a$300 fee
Time FrameValid for 3 yearsValid for 3 years
Online DirectoryYesYes
Grievance ProcessYes
Yes
Renewal Process- Take online certificate renewal course at end of 3 years
- Submit 1 site assessment
- Pass exam
- Take 8 hours of continuing education credits per year
- Submit 1 site assessment per year
- Pay $300 fee
Renewal FeeOnline course fee and $50 exam fee$300 fee
ProcessResults from an educational process.Results from an assessment process.

 

How do I stay current with CSA Program?

1. Continuing Education
As a part of the CSA Program it is required that all people holding an old certificate show evidence of continuing education. Continuing education would include any type of workshop, lecture, conference that would broaden an assessor's knowledge of business skills and/or renewable energy knowledge.

CSA program participants are required to show evidence of 8 classroom hours of continuing education/year. Site assessors will upload documentation of their attendance such as registration confirmation, class syllabus, sponsoring organization, training materials, dates, hours and location of the training for their records as evidence of attendance.

2. Maintenance Reports
To maintain certificate it is necessary to perform and turn in one site assessment report each year. Please provide site assessment documentation for each year of CSA program. Your annual maintenance report can be uploaded on the Site Assessor Maintenance Form.

 

What if I am not current with the CSA Program?

Non-Compliance

Definition
: Site assessors that have not fulfilled their 8 hours per year of continuing education and/or have not submitted at least one site assessment each year are considered inactive.

Assessors that are non-compliant will have their name removed from the MREA Site Assessor List.

Transitioning to the Site Assessment Certificate after Non-compliance Process
  

  1. Pay non-compliance fee
  2. Register with the MREA for the next Certificate Renewal course
  
  3. Pay $50 exam fee
  4. Pass the Certificate Renewal exam (85% or higher) 
  5. Sign Code of Ethics
  
  6. Submit Assessor Contact Information

 

Grievance Procedure

All e-mailed, written or telephoned grievances or complaints of any nature in regards the Certificate requirements, policies, and/or procedures will be forwarded immediately to the MREA Training Network Coordinator. The Training Network Coordinator will note grievances or complaints and request a written statement from the individual making the grievance or complaint. Upon receipt of the written grievance or complaint the Training Network Coordinator will follow the below steps and have a resolution within 30 business days. Email Nicole Rice if you have an official grievance or complaint to file.

The Training Network Coordinator will:

•    Determine whether the grievance or complaint is of a minor or serious nature. Such decisions shall be at the discretion of the Training Network Coordinator.
•    If the grievance or complaint is of a minor nature the Training Network Coordinator will take appropriate action.
•    If the grievance or complaint is of a serious nature the Training Network Coordinator shall notify the Executive Director and the Site Assessor Certificate Committee.
•    If the grievance is filed against a site assessor who earned their certificate from one of MREA’s Recognized Training Providers (RTP) the Training Network Coordinator may choose to notify that specific RTP that a grievance has been filed against one of their former students. If appropriate, the RTP maybe involved in the process to resolve the grievance. Any grievance information shared with the RTP will be kept confidential by the RTP.
•    The Training Network Coordinator shall send a copy of the written grievance or complaint to the Executive Director and the Site Assessor Certificate Committee.
•    The Training Network Coordinator shall set a Site Assessor Certificate Committee meeting within the time frame specified above.
•    At the meeting, the grievance or complaint will be reviewed and a decision regarding appropriate action will be made. Decisions of the Site Assessor Certificate Committee shall be based upon the specifics of the allegations.
•    The Training Network Coordinator will prepare a written report of the resolution and mail it to the complainant within 30 business days of receiving the written allegation.

Appeals:
•    A written appeal can be submitted within 10 days of receiving the decision. Upon receipt, the Training Network Coordinator will forward the appeal to the Executive Director and the Site Assessor Certificate Committee.
•    The Committee will review the appeal and respond within 30 business days of receipt of the appeal.
•    Decisions of the Site Assessor Certificate Committee are final.