CHANGES IN DS CERTIFICATION

By Vic Snyder

The CDS Executive Committee has approved changes in DS certification requirements. The changes reflect the growth of the DS community. They were recommended by a committee of three CDS Master Trainers: Sharon Allen-Felton, Vic Snyder, and Allen Boivin-Brown.

Previously there were four levels of DS certification. Now there are five:

• Level 1: Participant – certified as having successfully completed the Dependable Strengths Articulation Process (DSAP) under a CDS-certified instructor. (No change from previous designation.)
  
  
• Level 2: Local Instructor – certified to facilitate DSAP workshops only for designated usual and customary clients. (Previously Level 2: Instructor.)
  
  
• Level 3: Master Instructor – certified to market and to facilitate DSAP workshops beyond usual and customary clients. (Previously Level 3: Trainer.)
  
  
• Level 4: Local Trainer – certified to train DS instructors among the staff of a designated organization or agency for the sole benefit of that organization or agency. (A new designation.)
  
  
• Level 5: Master Trainer – certified to train DS instructors and trainers and to develop new DSAP applications, procedures, and programs. (Previously Level 4: Master Trainer.)

For more information about DS Certification, including training plans and fees, please visit the DS Members Only page at www.dependablestrengths.org.

Vic Snyder is a DS Master Trainer and a member of the CDS Board of Directors. He is a career counselor at the Center for Career Services, University of Washington (Seattle).