The Guest Application is solely intended to help familiarize the Agency Point of Contact (POC) with the APCO Agency Training Program Certification online application. Do not fill out this Guest Application to submit for certification. Data cannot be transferred to the actual application.

Chapter 6 - Professional Competence

This chapter identifies those components within Public Safety Communications that are critical for enhancing the professional competence of all Telecommunicators (both new and veteran workers). Some of these components have been outlined within the standard while others have been identified as being necessary for developing, maintaining, and enhancing the knowledge and skills of Telecommunicators. While the Agency has some responsibility for supporting and facilitating the development of the Telecommunicator’s professional competence, this chapter places primary accountability on the Telecommunicator.

Most supporting documentation for this chapter may be included in information provided throughout training to the Telecommunicator explaining their responsibilities related to their own learning during and continued after training.

All agencies must complete this section.

→ Read this chapter's full standards definition.

6.2.1

The training program addresses that the Telecommunicator is responsible for their own learning in the course of training. Include information provided to Telecommunicator that states this, for example a PowerPoint slide in a presentation, hand-out, etc. (Recommended)

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6.2.2

The training program addresses that the Telecommunicator is responsible for asking clarifying questions to ensure a thorough knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. Include information provided to Telecommunicator that states this. (Recommended)

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6.2.3

The training program addresses that the Telecommunicator is responsible for providing honest and specific feedback to trainers regarding learning style preferences or issues that impact their learning. Include information provided to Telecommunicator that states this. (Recommended)

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6.2.4

The training program addresses that the Telecommunicator is responsible for providing input to improve or enhance the curriculum in an effort to ensure current information is taught. Include information provided to Telecommunicator that states this. (Recommended)

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6.2.5

The training program addresses that the Telecommunicator is responsible for always presenting themselves in a professional manner, being on time, being prepared, and ready to learn and actively participate in their own learning. Include information provided to Telecommunicator that states this. (Recommended)

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6.2.6

The Telecommunicator shall comply with the requirements and rules of the learning environment or training facility. Include information provided to the Telecommunicator on how they need to be prepared for training.

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6.2.7

The Telecommunicator is responsible for the application of stress management principles.

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6.3

The Telecommunicator shall demonstrate the ability to meet and/or exceed performance standards set by the Agency. Include performance standards and testing methodology to demonstrate ability.

Note: Testing methodology may be in the form of a completed written exam or quiz, documented verbal testing, evaluation (including DORs) or other method which demonstrates understanding and knowledge by the telecommunicator. Please ensure that documentation is in a completed state (not blank). You may redact identifying information as needed.

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6.3.1

The Telecommunicator shall demonstrate job proficiency in assigned job tasks. Include example of testing methodology used to demonstrate job proficiency.

Note: Testing methodology may be in the form of a completed written exam or quiz, documented verbal testing, evaluation (including DORs) or other method which demonstrates understanding and knowledge by the telecommunicator. Please ensure that documentation is in a completed state (not blank). You may redact identifying information as needed.

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6.3.2

The Telecommunicator shall demonstrate compliance with Agency expectations of interpersonal communications, personal conduct and ethical behavior. (Requried)

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6.3.3

The Telecommunicator shall comply with department, local, state, tribal or federal regulations. Include information provided to the Telecommunicator stating they shall comply with regulations.

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6.3.4

The Telecommunicator shall actively seek and be receptive to feedback and review of their performance, including during the agency’s established quality assurance or quality improvement process. Include information provided to the Telecommunicator stating they shall actively seek and be receptive to feedback and review of their performance.

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6.3.5

The Telecommunicator shall identify professional goals that can be supported by the Agency. Include information provided to the Telecommunicator stating they shall identify professional goals.

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6.3.6

The Telecommunicator shall take responsibility for their own professional career deveopment by actively seeking developmental opportunites to enhance their job knowledge and skills.

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6.3.7

The Telecommunicator shall demonstrate improvement of performance deficiencies.

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If you have any questions or problems completing your application, email atpc@apcointl.org or call 386-681-8719.

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