1 Alabama Fire College Proctor Training -for Non-Traditional Test Administrations- Revised 08/31/11

2 Definition of a Non-Traditional Test Administration Administrations of the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission certification exam (initial or retest) that occur in locations or formats outside routine test operations. For example: Online testing, Individual requests for initial/retests, etc. Administrations of the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission certification exam (initial or retest) that occur in locations or formats outside routine test operations. For example: Online testing, Individual requests for initial/retests, etc. All testing requests must be approved by AFC Testing and Evaluation Division Director or designee. All testing requests must be approved by AFC Testing and Evaluation Division Director or designee.

3 Training Objectives The objectives for this orientation training: The objectives for this orientation training: Define certification, accreditation, and testing Define certification, accreditation, and testing Define test proctor qualifications, training requirements, and responsibilities Define test proctor qualifications, training requirements, and responsibilities Clarify roles of the student, proctor, and AFC staff involved in the arrangement, administering, and processing of the proctored written (cognitive) certification exam Clarify roles of the student, proctor, and AFC staff involved in the arrangement, administering, and processing of the proctored written (cognitive) certification exam Create awareness of and understanding for the certification and testing processes Create awareness of and understanding for the certification and testing processes State the policies and procedures for proctoring a written certification exam in a non-traditional setting State the policies and procedures for proctoring a written certification exam in a non-traditional setting

4 Training Objectives Clarify that these policies apply to all cognitive tests (any format) administered under the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission auspices. Clarify that these policies apply to all cognitive tests (any format) administered under the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission auspices. Clarify that these tests may only be administered in a professional/educational proctored environment (NOT in a private residence) Clarify that these tests may only be administered in a professional/educational proctored environment (NOT in a private residence)

5 What is Certification? The issuance of a certificate to acknowledge that an individual has acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to meet a particular standard of professional competency for fire service personnel. The issuance of a certificate to acknowledge that an individual has acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to meet a particular standard of professional competency for fire service personnel.

6 What is Accreditation? Accreditation serves as an affirmation that the certification test processes of the Alabama Fire College meet the standards of excellence as defined by the national accrediting body. Accreditation serves as an affirmation that the certification test processes of the Alabama Fire College meet the standards of excellence as defined by the national accrediting body.

7 What is Accreditation? Accreditation is a voluntary process Accreditation is a voluntary process It involves a third party review where a site team will study the policies, procedures and processes of certification testing and evaluation to insure compliance with the current NFPA standards. It involves a third party review where a site team will study the policies, procedures and processes of certification testing and evaluation to insure compliance with the current NFPA standards. The Alabama Fire College is accredited for levels with both the ProBoard and IFSAC The Alabama Fire College is accredited for levels with both the ProBoard and IFSAC

8 Accreditation Concerns Does the AFC have the capability to test every JPR (job performance requirement) for every NFPA standard or level that we submit for accreditation? Does the AFC have the capability to test every JPR (job performance requirement) for every NFPA standard or level that we submit for accreditation? Is this testing done fairly and safely for every individual? Is this testing done fairly and safely for every individual? Are there written policies and procedures that guarantee the above? Are there written policies and procedures that guarantee the above? Maintaining accreditation affirms that the AFC meets or exceeds the requirements.

9 AFC Mission Statement Our continuing commitment is to facilitate excellence in education, training, certification, and support services for the emergency response community. Our continuing commitment is to facilitate excellence in education, training, certification, and support services for the emergency response community.

10 AFC Definition of Testing The act of giving certification candidates an examination to determine what the candidate knows, what they have learned, or their level of competency as compared to a National Fire Protection Association standard using either a: The act of giving certification candidates an examination to determine what the candidate knows, what they have learned, or their level of competency as compared to a National Fire Protection Association standard using either a: written cognitive exam written cognitive exam skills-based performance skills-based performance project, or project, or combination of methodologies combination of methodologies

11 Testing Sites and Locations Alabama Fire College certification exams must be administered in a professional or educational setting. (AFC Policy #705.33) Alabama Fire College certification exams must be administered in a professional or educational setting. (AFC Policy #705.33) On Campus (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) On Campus (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) Field Division (across the State of Alabama) Field Division (across the State of Alabama) Department of Defense (at Federal sites) Department of Defense (at Federal sites) Open testing (initial and retest) at AFC on the first and third Friday of the month at 2 pm CST Open testing (initial and retest) at AFC on the first and third Friday of the month at 2 pm CST Non-Traditional (Individual) Request Non-Traditional (Individual) Request

12 Acceptable Test Sites for Non-Traditional (Individual) Requests Military Base Education Center Military Base Education Center Library Library Post-Secondary Educational facility Post-Secondary Educational facility human resources office human resources office certifying agencies (contact AFC for agency in your local area) certifying agencies (contact AFC for agency in your local area)

13 Test Administration Eligibility Requirements Certification cognitive (written) and skill (practical) exams will only be administered by AFC-approved personnel. (AFC Policy # ) Certification cognitive (written) and skill (practical) exams will only be administered by AFC-approved personnel. (AFC Policy # ) Whenever possible, a current AFC Proctor/Evaluator should be utilized. Whenever possible, a current AFC Proctor/Evaluator should be utilized. (listing can be obtained by ing (listing can be obtained by ing

14 AFC Proctor Requirements All cognitive test proctors (traditional or non-traditional) shall have completed training as prescribed by the Testing and Evaluation Division of the Alabama Fire College. (AFC Policy # ) All cognitive test proctors (traditional or non-traditional) shall have completed training as prescribed by the Testing and Evaluation Division of the Alabama Fire College. (AFC Policy # ) Non-Traditional proctors, prior to test administration, shall complete: Non-Traditional proctors, prior to test administration, shall complete: The Non-Traditional Proctor training powerpoint (available via our website) The Non-Traditional Proctor training powerpoint (available via our website) in conjunction with Testing Division instruction in conjunction with Testing Division instruction Proctor Application form Proctor Application form (to be submitted to AFC Testing Division) (to be submitted to AFC Testing Division) The Proctor Knowledge Test The Proctor Knowledge Test (to be submitted to AFC Testing Division) (to be submitted to AFC Testing Division) Submit Student/Proctor Test Verification Form Submit Student/Proctor Test Verification Form (for Individual Request (written or online) exams) (for Individual Request (written or online) exams) (to be submitted to AFC Testing Division) (to be submitted to AFC Testing Division) Renewal process must be completed annually. Renewal process must be completed annually.

15 Proctor: Expectations Proctors are expected to understand, enforce, and monitor for security, fairness and safety. Proctors are expected to understand, enforce, and monitor for security, fairness and safety. Proctors understand that AFC is not responsible for monetary arrangements for Individual Request exams. Proctors understand that AFC is not responsible for monetary arrangements for Individual Request exams. Proctors must work to uphold the following: Proctors must work to uphold the following: Mission of the Alabama Fire College Mission of the Alabama Fire College Testing Policies and Procedures Testing Policies and Procedures Student Advocacy Student Advocacy

16 Proctor Exclusions Proctors must not be part of the course instructional team for the test that is being administered (AFC Policy # ) Proctors must not be part of the course instructional team for the test that is being administered (AFC Policy # ) To eliminate conflict of interest issues, Proctors cannot be: To eliminate conflict of interest issues, Proctors cannot be: relatives relatives friends friends neighbors neighbors classmates classmates Proctors at a DoD facility must not be: Proctors at a DoD facility must not be: the facility fire chief the facility fire chief instructor, or instructor, or in the individual’s chain of command in the individual’s chain of command

17 General Roles & Responsibilities Proctor’s Role & Responsibilities Proctor’s Role & Responsibilities Student’s Role & Responsibilities Student’s Role & Responsibilities AFC Staff Role & Responsibilities AFC Staff Role & Responsibilities

18 Proctor’s Roles & Responsibilities Proctor’s role: Proctor’s role: Adhere to AFC policies as defined by the AFC&PSC Certification/Testing Manual Adhere to AFC policies as defined by the AFC&PSC Certification/Testing Manual Proctor’s responsibilities: Proctor’s responsibilities: Maintain exam integrity Maintain exam integrity Evaluate the room for appropriate and secure testing environment; one that is quiet, free from distractions, & comfortable Evaluate the room for appropriate and secure testing environment; one that is quiet, free from distractions, & comfortable Verify student(s) eligibility to test from the official roster or official correspondence from AFC or partner Verify student(s) eligibility to test from the official roster or official correspondence from AFC or partner Verify each student’s identity by positive (photo) ID Verify each student’s identity by positive (photo) ID Ensure that all necessary technologies are available and working Ensure that all necessary technologies are available and working

19 Proctor Role & Responsibilities Proctor’s responsibilities, continued: Proctor’s responsibilities, continued: Ensure that all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off and secured until after the exam Ensure that all cell phones and electronic devices are turned off and secured until after the exam Ensure that table(s) are cleared of all items, including books, notes, coats, and food items Ensure that table(s) are cleared of all items, including books, notes, coats, and food items Read appropriate test instructions Read appropriate test instructions Notify student(s) of exam time limit Notify student(s) of exam time limit Proctor has authority to move or counsel with a student in regard to cheating; if this is not effective, terminate the test, and dismiss the student. Document and report the incident to the AFC as soon as possible. Proctor has authority to move or counsel with a student in regard to cheating; if this is not effective, terminate the test, and dismiss the student. Document and report the incident to the AFC as soon as possible.

20 Proctor’s Role & Responsibilities Proctor’s responsibilities, continued: Proctor’s responsibilities, continued: Allow no visitors in test room Allow no visitors in test room Interpretation of questions during testing or commenting on student’s performance is not allowed Interpretation of questions during testing or commenting on student’s performance is not allowed Supervise the student(s) during the entire duration of the exam Supervise the student(s) during the entire duration of the exam Ensure exam is completed in one sitting within time limit allowed Ensure exam is completed in one sitting within time limit allowed Use and complete the Student/Proctor Test Verification Form Use and complete the Student/Proctor Test Verification Form

21 Student Roles & Responsibilities Student must be familiar with testing policies & procedures Student must be familiar with testing policies & procedures Student must be responsible for making initial contact with proctor to make necessary arrangements for testing (initial and/or retest) Student must be responsible for making initial contact with proctor to make necessary arrangements for testing (initial and/or retest) Student must pay any testing/retesting fees, proctor fees, mailing expenses, etc., prior to test administration Student must pay any testing/retesting fees, proctor fees, mailing expenses, etc., prior to test administration Student must maintain academic integrity Student must maintain academic integrity

22 AFC Staff Roles & Responsibilities AFC Testing Division Staff bears responsibility for final approval of ALL proctors AFC Testing Division Staff bears responsibility for final approval of ALL proctors AFC Testing Division Staff will maintain approved proctor listing AFC Testing Division Staff will maintain approved proctor listing (with contact information & credentials in our Certification database) (with contact information & credentials in our Certification database) AFC Testing Division Staff (or Partner) will provide proctor all necessary materials and instructions for administering exam AFC Testing Division Staff (or Partner) will provide proctor all necessary materials and instructions for administering exam AFC Testing Division Staff will provide all necessary materials for return shipment of testing materials AFC Testing Division Staff will provide all necessary materials for return shipment of testing materials

23 Test Security Proctor should be aware that accreditation of the Alabama Fire College requires a specific level of security for all aspects of the test administration (receipt, delivery, return). Proctor should be aware that accreditation of the Alabama Fire College requires a specific level of security for all aspects of the test administration (receipt, delivery, return). Proctors are not to share any test information with anyone. Proctors are not to share any test information with anyone.

24 Test Security The proctor must secure: For written exams: For written exams: Student IDs and other confidential information associated with the exam Student IDs and other confidential information associated with the exam for online exams: for online exams: Student IDs Student IDs Exam passwords Exam passwords ID and password, if applicable for the test administration, should be destroyed upon completion of exam ID and password, if applicable for the test administration, should be destroyed upon completion of exam The proctor should remain alert and in the exam room continuously during the length of any exam The proctor should remain alert and in the exam room continuously during the length of any exam

25 Test Security Test questions are not to be written, printed, copied, reproduced or retained in any form by anyone. Test questions are not to be written, printed, copied, reproduced or retained in any form by anyone. Proctor must monitor the computer screen (for online testing) to assure only test screen is open (student must not access browser, other programs, etc., while testing) Proctor must monitor the computer screen (for online testing) to assure only test screen is open (student must not access browser, other programs, etc., while testing)

26 Proctor Violation A proctor/evaluator found to be in violation of any of the Proctor policies and procedures established by Alabama Fire College will be removed from the AFC- approved proctor listing. (AFC Policy # ) A proctor/evaluator found to be in violation of any of the Proctor policies and procedures established by Alabama Fire College will be removed from the AFC- approved proctor listing. (AFC Policy # )

27 Testing/Retesting/Certification Policies Academic fraud will not be tolerated in any form. (AFC Policy # ) Academic fraud will not be tolerated in any form. (AFC Policy # ) Students will conduct themselves in a respectful manner to avoid hampering the ability of fellow students. (AFC Policy # ) Students will conduct themselves in a respectful manner to avoid hampering the ability of fellow students. (AFC Policy # ) Students auditing a course will not be issued a test. (AFC Policy # ) Students auditing a course will not be issued a test. (AFC Policy # )

28 Testing/Retesting/Certification Policies Students not meeting the required 70% on their final score may retest 30 days after the original test date. Students not meeting the required 70% on their final score may retest 30 days after the original test date. All certification testing and retesting must be completed within 12 months of the course completion date. All certification testing and retesting must be completed within 12 months of the course completion date. All costs associated with testing are the responsibility of the student and must be paid prior to test administration. All costs associated with testing are the responsibility of the student and must be paid prior to test administration.

29 Proctor Authority with Regard to Emergencies The test proctor has the authority to cease and restart the examination depending upon the circumstance. (AFC Policy # ) The test proctor has the authority to cease and restart the examination depending upon the circumstance. (AFC Policy # ) inclement weather inclement weather general safety of students and proctor general safety of students and proctor medical emergencies medical emergencies

30 Privacy Test scores are considered student records and are therefore confidential Test scores are considered student records and are therefore confidential Candidates only are notified by of their test score. Candidates only are notified by of their test score.

31 Other Information The proctor should notify the AFC if a student fails to appear for a particular test administration. The proctor should notify the AFC if a student fails to appear for a particular test administration. Any questions raised regarding a test item by a student (or Proctor) should be noted, documented, and forwarded to the AFC Any questions raised regarding a test item by a student (or Proctor) should be noted, documented, and forwarded to the AFC

32 Proctor Knowledge Test 1. One of the objectives of this training is to state the policies and procedures of proctoring a _________ test. A. WrittenB. SkillsC. Legal protectionD. An MOU 2. What organization accredits the Alabama Fire College? A. Pro Board (NPQS)B. DEAC. NFPAD. IFSTA 3. Test proctors must be: A. Member of a competing agencyB. Older than 18 C. A retired fire fighterD. familiar with the importance of test security 4. Prior to beginning the exam, the proctor must: A. require a bathroom break for the studentB. check picture ID C. close all blindsD. check the room temperature 5. Control of the testing area is the responsibility of the: A. StudentB. instructorC. proctorD. agency representative As part of the requirements to serve as an AFC Proctor, please submit your answers to this Knowledge Test with your Proctor Application Form to

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35 Questions All questions should be directed to the Testing and Evaluation Office of the AFC All questions should be directed to the Testing and Evaluation Office of the AFC (205) ; (205) ; (205) (205) ; (205) ; (205)