{"id":8243,"date":"2012-12-03T19:14:44","date_gmt":"2012-12-03T19:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aalso.dreamhosters.com\/?page_id=8243"},"modified":"2013-01-24T16:48:50","modified_gmt":"2013-01-24T16:48:50","slug":"certification-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aalso.dreamhosters.com\/?page_id=8243","title":{"rendered":"Certification"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>AALSO offers a multi-level operator competency acknowledgement program based on exams created and administered by the AALSO Certification Committee.<\/p>\n

Levels one, two or three are awarded to any zoo or aquarium life support operator who successfully passes the respective exam covering established criteria for that level. The examinations acknowledge general operator proficiency and routine operator tasks ranging from basic to advanced operator duties and cover such topics as: sand filtration, biological filtration, chemical filtration, USDA regulations, cathodic protection, turbidity, safety, pump curves \/ trouble shooting, pool volume calculations, filter surface area calculations, and pool turnover rate calculations.<\/p>\n

AALSO believes that it is appropriate to develop recognition criteria and a proficiency program that encourages Zoo and Aquarium institutions to incorporate these training criteria into their operator development program.<\/p>\n

Please take the time to download the informational packet that summarizes this program. This packet will provide further information regarding the proficiency examinations . \u00a0Also listed below is a reference manual that incorporates study material for those preparing for examinations. \u00a0All additional information will be covered in the classroom sessions that occur throughout the symposium. \u00a0Please see the symposium agenda for the schedule of certification preparation courses for Levels I, II & III, as well as test times.<\/p>\n

Exam Information \/ FAQs<\/h2>\n
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  1. Operators must be present at the symposium to take the exam.<\/li>\n
  2. Operators must pass\u00a0\u00a0the lower level test (with a score greater than 70%) before attempting the next level.<\/li>\n
  3. The exams are timed.\u00a0 Operators\u00a0will be alotted\u00a060 minutes to complete the\u00a0Level I & II examinations and\u00a090 minutes to complete Level III.<\/li>\n
  4. Study guides are permitted for use during the exam.<\/li>\n
  5. Calculators will be provided for the operator.\u00a0 No outside calculators, smart phones,\u00a0computers or any other electronic device are permited\u00a0for use while taking the exam.<\/li>\n
  6. All answers are to be filled into the answer sheet.\u00a0 The operator may\u00a0write in the test booklet and on paper provided.\u00a0 All test materials provided by AALSO must be returned and destroyed preceeding the exam.<\/li>\n
  7. Any operator caught cheating will be excused and\u00a0their AALSO membership may be revoked by the AALSO Board.<\/li>\n
  8. Operators that pass will be given their certficate of completion\u00a0at the Certification Banquet, which occurs\u00a0on\u00a0Wednesday evening after the exam.\u00a0 All scores, pass or fail, will be posted to the operators’ individual\u00a0membership information on the website within two weeks\u00a0of the symposium’s conclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    An “AALSO examination certificate of completion” is not a guarantee of employment.\u00a0 It exists solely to\u00a0rate competency and knowledge of life support systems operation, design, regulatory guidelines, and water quality for aquairia.\u00a0 The certificate of completion does not guarantee a merit increase for the operator, as this is at the sole discretion of the operator’s employer.<\/p>\n

    For additional information please contact:<\/p>\n

    info@aalso.org<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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    \n<\/p>\r\n