GSAR-NACP National Accreditation and Certification Program (NACP) – Pilot

Accreditation

The process of quality assurance through which accredited status is granted to a training course. Third party trainers would be the targeted group in the accreditation process. SARVAC is not currently an accredited body, however it is under development and is anticipated to be available next year

Certification

A process by which a person develops the knowledge, experience, and skills (core competencies) to perform a specific job. The core competencies for a searcher, team leader and SAR manager are identified within the CSA Standard Z1620-15. To achieve National Certification, a GSAR member must be active and registered within a P/T GSAR Association. The applicant must be verified as successfully meeting the GSAR core competencies identified within Z1620-15 for their position by a designated P/T GSAR Assessor.

GSAR Associations Role

Be familiar with the NACP process, requirements and policies.
Understand the purpose/role of the National Accreditation and Certification Committee (NACC) and NACP Administration office.
Identify key training positions within the Association (trainers, training coordinators, assessors).
Liaise and involve operational area AHJ’s (police/other) within the NACP.

Group/Team Role

Ensures training planning/scheduling/facilitation occurs, and the documenting of training records.
Incorporates core competencies identified within the CSA Z1620-15 in training curriculum design and SAR training/exercises.
Updates past training records as required (members/exercises) to ensure current training standards have been successfully met.
Be familiar with the NACP process, policies and supporting documents outlined in NACP Requirements and Guidelines, 2.1 / 2.2.
Work with P/T Association Assessors to assist individuals requiring Accommodations for training and certification. (Accommodations are discussed in R&G 2.1.)

Individuals Role

Successfully complete required SAR training for your position, completing the core competencies identified within the CSA Standard, Z1620-15.
Have successfully completed training verified and recorded by a designated Assessor.
Apply for National Certification through the NACP Administration application process (see attached documents)
Personally retain complete and accurate training records to assist with the application process.