The PATH Intl. Credentialing Council held its first in-person meeting in San Antonio, Texas, November 10-11, 2017. The council jumped head first into the task of preparing the PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification for accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
The objective of the meeting was to revisit the requirements for the PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification and redevelop a framework for the certification in alignment with the results of the job task analysis and the parameters set by NCCA standards. Under the guidance of Professional Testing, Inc., an organization that develops, administers and maintains licensure and certification examination programs, the council undertook the first steps toward redeveloping the registered therapeutic riding instructor certification, specifically to:
- Establish an understanding of certification requirements based on accreditation standard ISO/IEC 17024 (Conformity assessment-general requirements for the certification of persons)
- Review the competency requirements as identified by the job task analysis
- Review demographic data and develop the profile of candidates
- Discuss and determine eligibility and certification requirements
- Discuss assessment methodology and determine an appropriate assessment format
- Discuss and determine the duration of certification validity
- Discuss and determine recertification requirements
- Update the PATH Intl. Code of Ethics in alignment with competency and recertification requirements
The varied backgrounds of the council members allowed for in-depth discussion and analysis that incorporated the views of not only PATH Intl. Certified Professionals, but also the employers of PATH Intl. Certified Professionals and parents of individuals receiving EAAT services delivered by PATH Intl. Certified Professionals. Safety of the public who receive services delivered by PATH Intl. Certified Professionals was considered paramount. All conversations centered around ensuring that only competent applicants with engrained safety awareness, knowledge, skills and abilities achieve PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification.
Having made significant accomplishments, the council concluded the San Antonio meeting with the first draft of a registered therapeutic riding certification program they are confident will stand up to the rigor of NCCA accreditation. Much work remains to be done in fleshing out the details of each element developed in San Antonio, which will comprise the council's ongoing work in 2018. As progress is made, watch for future communications that will come directly from the council.
As 2017 comes to a close, it's fulfilling to reflect on the deliberate and steady progress that's been made along the trek to accrediting the PATH Intl. Registered Therapeutic Riding Certification. The credentialing council and staff are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to be part of the process through survey responses, outstanding feedback and the membership directive that led us down this path.
