What Makes a Good Candidate Handbook?

What Makes a Good Candidate Handbook?

We reviewed the Web sites of several NCCA accredited certification programs to see what common elements can be found in a quality Candidate Handbook. The following is a sample table of contents that includes the most commonly found elements.

Take a few minutes to see how your program compares. Is there information that you should add to your materials to better inform your candidates?

Program Overview (mission, purpose, nondiscrimination and confidentiality policies)

Eligibility Requirements

Fees

Application Process (overview, exam dates and locations, cancellations, refunds)

Examination (overview, description, preparation, site procedures and security, accommodations and special requests, scoring and result reporting, re-tests)

Content Outline

Certification Status (directory, verification, use of credential)

Recertification (requirements, verification, lapsed certifications)

Code of Ethics

Disciplinary Policy

Appeals

Address Changes

Application Forms

Contact Information

In addition the general outline above, here are some other common elements of quality candidate materials:

Updated frequently

Available online and in print

Well organized

Include flow charts or other representations of complex processes

Include organization’s contact information for additional questions