Professional Accreditation Course Info
ARCSA Accredited Professional Course
What is ARCSA's accreditation course?
In the past few years, rainwater catchment has become a popular and sometimes necessary way to augment water supplies. Due to this, ARCSA believes the general public and other trades need a mechanism to evaluate consultants', installers', or vendors' expertise; that is, a way to set a minimum standard of knowledge in the consultant they choose to design their system. To this end, ARCSA is providing a training process to members to set a minimum level of demonstrated knowledge of rainwater catchment systems. ARCSA has decided to call this process an ARCSA Accredited Professional (ARCSA AP) course. The purpose of accreditation is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a competency of general knowledge and experience to provide advice and/or assistance in the use of rainwater capture.
What are the Requirements to become accredited?
To become accredited initially, you must:
- Be a member of ARCSA;
- Submit an application detailing experience and background in the subject;
- Pass a written exam;
- Participate in an ARCSA-approved workshop;
- Pay an accreditation fee; and
- Submit a signed Accreditation Agreement form.
To maintain your accreditation, you must:
- Keep your ARCSA membership dues current;
- Renew your accreditation every two years with an administative fee, curently set at $50; and
- Submit an annual CEU report, currently set at a minimum of 2 hours/year.
Your initial application, which is submitted as part of your registration for a workshop, will be reviewed by a committee of Accredited Professionals. Committee members may contact you via phone or e-mail for additional information about your background and experience in the field. Once a determination has been made, you will be informed via an official e-mail from info@arcsa.org. Be sure to set your spam filters to accept e-mails from arcsa.org addresses.
What are the benefits of being accredited by ARCSA? What does accreditation "mean"?
Accredited Professionals will receive a certificate and be recognized on the ARCSA website. ARCSA's accreditation course is not required by any state or municipality for designers or installers of rainwater catchment systems. Rather, it is a sign to your clients and the public that you are committed to excellence and continuing education in the field of rainwater harvesting. Accredited members have attended an ARCSA-approved educational workshop and passed a written exam; they are known as ARCSA Accredited Professionals, abbreviated ARCSA AP, or as Accredited Members.
View the current list of accredited members.
What is required of Accredited Professionals?
In order to maintain their status, Accredited Professionals must maintain their ARCSA membership, complete annual CEU requirements, and renew their accreditation status with a nominal processing fee every 2 years. Professionals who fail to maintain their status may not continue to promote themselves as ARCSA Accredited Professionals. Accredited status can be reinstated upon fulfillment of the requirements, as approved by the committee.
When/where is the next workshop being offered that will count for the accreditation's workshop requirement, and how do I sign up?
We currently have workshops scheduled in Oregon & Washington (May) and Georgia (September); watch our event page for more details and registration information.
What if I just want to attend a workshop, but don't want to get accredited?
The workshops listed above are open to the general public. You do not have to be participating in the accreditation in order to attend a workshop. In the past, we have had workshops filled to capacity and had to turn registrants away, so you are encouraged to register early to secure a space.
What is the format of the workshop? Should I attend one day, or both days?
New in 2009, the workshop is expanding to a two-day format. If you are seeking accreditation, you must attend both days. If you are not seeking accreditation, you can choose to attend one or both days. Click here for more general information about the format and schedule of the workshops (actual timing/topic order may vary slightly by workshop; see specific information for individual workshops on the events page as new workshops are posted).
Are there any reference materials/preparation needed?
No prep work is needed for the workshop. Handouts of the presentations will be provided to attendees the day of the workshop. Texas AgriLife Extension Service's soon-to-be-published rainwater harvesting manual will be provided to those attending both days of the workshop; those attending only the first day will have the option to purchase the manual if desired (it is not required). It will be a handy reference to have during the workshop, and will also be an excellent study manual for the exam. A list of additional exam resources is available here. The workshop and the accreditation exam are separate; you will not be taking the exam on the day of the workshop. The exam will be sent to you once your application is accepted for the course.