SCP Read This First

Welcome to the GS Consultants Online Strong Interest Inventory® Certification Program!

Please read this document in its entirety. You are responsible for all of the deadlines and rules. The program is engaging and interesting from this point forward, but you need to hold onto this information as you move through it.

Your start date was set by you and GS, and is the first day of your 60 calendar days in the course. Although learning styles vary widely, you can expect to spend approximately 40-45 hours on the modules, quizzes, and assignments. Allow for 2 – 3 extra days before your 60 calendar day deadline to perform a practice face-to-face Strong interpretation and submit a written summary. Please plan your time accordingly. You are responsible for keeping track of your own timeline.

There are some program rules that we all have to follow in order to meet certification requirements and to accommodate everyone who wants to participate.

Program Rules

• You have 60 calendar days from your assigned start date to complete the program. There are no exceptions. If you need additional time, we will arrange re-enrollment for a new 60 calendar days at a reduced fee.
• In order to maintain your active status, you must successfully pass a quiz or assignment every 14 calendar days or fewer. Your 60 calendar days have already started! If you are dropped for inactivity, you will be required to re-enroll. We’ll say this again: You are responsible for keeping track of your own timeline.
• If you allow your 60 calendar days to expire without completing the program, or if you are inactive for 14 calendar days or more, you will have to re-enroll as a new participant. And again: You are responsible for keeping track of your own timeline.
• Your final interpretation summary is due to your instructor at least 24 hours before your program deadline so feedback can be completed.

Aim to finish a few days before your completion date. We can’t control technical and
    cyberspace difficulties, and don’t want you to be challenged by them at the last minute.

We understand that life happens. As much as we would like to, we are not able to make exceptions to these rules for any reason. Most participants complete the program in six weeks or even much less. Time is built in for “life happening.” We appreciate your understanding.

Some Guidelines

• 60 calendar days are 60 calendar days, not two months. Some months have more than 30 days.
• Plan to spend at least 5-8 hours per week on the coursework. Years of experience have shown us that the ones who do not finish are those who fall behind at the beginning.
• You will definitely need to spend time outside of your “day job” to complete the program. Plan on some evenings and weekend time.
• You can download this Progress Chart to help you plan your time.
• You can also download this Program Sequencing document if you’d prefer a different breakdown. You’ll notice that some modules will take a minimum of six hours each – even if you are already very familiar with the assessment.

Program Format

• Modules: Each module has reading assignments listed at the beginning, video presentations with notes you can download, and supplemental documents or handouts linked throughout the module.
• Quizzes: There are ten mandatory quizzes, one at the end of each module. All the quizzes are open-book and open-time, so be sure you have your module notes pages printed out and ready to go before you start each quiz! If you do not pass each quiz with an 80% or higher, email your instructor directly to find out next steps.
• Assignments: There are four assignments that are built into the modules. You will be able to download a blank copy, fill it in, and upon completion, email it to your instructor. Your instructor will provide feedback on your assignments, and ask for further clarification or improvements if needed. If you do not hear back from your instructor within 48 hours of an assignment submission, check in with your instructor! Cyberspace may have eaten your assignment.
• Final Interpretation Assignment: The last program activity is a face-to-face Strong feedback session with a practice “client,” who cannot be a spouse or family member. More information about this will be outlined after the last module.

Technical Concerns

If you experience any issues with our website or learning platform, please notify us immediately at support@gsconsultants.net so we can address the issue. Also, please be sure to add this email address, as well as your instructor’s, into your email provider’s safe list since email is our main form of communication with you throughout the duration of the course.

Confidentiality and Course Security

In line with the ethical guidelines concerning restricted psychological assessments, your Strong Interest Inventory results will not be shared with anyone without your written permission.

Begin Now

Download the Program Sequencing and Progress Chart documents to guide you through the program. When you are ready, return to the previous page to take the Strong Interest Inventory.

We very much look forward to getting to know you during the program. You will probably figure out very quickly that the MBTI and Strong are GS’s very greatest professional passions, and we hope we can pass our passion along to even more career professionals through this format. The more practitioners who are certified, the more who are able to bring the full benefit of career assessment to their students and clients. We are delighted to have you with us, and hope that you will enjoy the experience.