The following is a simplified
list of handler / trainer certification and recertification applications. For specific standards, contact
asctcertboard@aol.com
CERTIFICATION
An initial
certification is achieved in one of two ways.
1. If a handler has graduated from
an ASCT Basic Handling Class (including written exams and physical fitness qualification) – he or she will have to pass
the practical certification exam with the K9. Once passed, a certification is issued for one year.
2. If a handler has not attended the ASCT Basic Handling Class, he or she can certify by attending an advanced operations
class where a signature of the instructor will be required. During the class, the handler must pass a physical fitness exam,
and lastly, pass the practical with the K9. Once achieved (usually requiring 2-5 days total), the certification is issued
for one year.
Trainers and Instructors must show that they meet all of the specific position requirements
listed on the CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS page.
REMAINING CERTIFIED
All handlers
are required to follow these standards:
Records must be accurate and up to date. Records must show
that the K9 is being trained adequately. Required training is issued before initial certification and is
found in the basic handling manuals and by-laws. For example, a narcotic handler is required to train vehicle narcotic (with
blind hides) a minimum of twice per week. Records must reflect this.
All records
are audited annually by the organizational ATTORNEY/AUDITOR. Therefore, they must be correct and accurate
in order for certifications to remain valid.
RECERTIFICATION
Practical Exam:
Handlers are required to pass a K9 practical exam each year to assure standards.
Physical Fitness
Standards: Handlers are required to show they meet the PFT requirements every two (2) years - from previous
date of compliance.
Records audit / provost interview
Handlers, Trainers and Instructors,
who attend an Advanced Operations School during the year, will complete a PROVOST INTERVIEW. This interview
will be conducted, individually, in a casual setting, by all Instructors, and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
The questions asked are brief and to the point. For example, do you maintain your K9 in a public safety
manner? Have you maintained your K9 tracking records to reflect that you have provided an average of 12
tracks per month? Both, the Instructor and handler, will sign the document and the Instructor will make notes as to support,
deny, or list unknown for the responses, and add performance notes per the advanced operations school performance. The form
will be forwarded to the ASCT Attorney/Auditor who will review the document, handler file, Etc. and make a determination if
the handlers performance, K9 practical, provost form, and file will be sufficient to support the K9 Team in a court of law.
If the answer is yes, the handler will be recertified. If the answer is questionable, the handler
will be contacted and asked to provide records to support training before recertification.
Handlers,
trainers and Instructors who do not attend an advanced operations class will be required to provide records to the Attorney/Auditor
assuring standards are met, before recertification.
