The School of Community Government
Occupational Certification
Occupational Standards for Community Governments
Northerners are concerned about developing the right set of skills to guarantee success at work. With increased competition both in our home communities and from others moving north, skills and knowledge have never been more important. Occupational standards can help northern residents identify the skills needed to succeed.
What are Occupational Standards?
Occupational standards describe the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to perform competently in your chosen work area. Occupational standards can help community governments and staff plan their skill development which in turn can help improve the quality of services to community residents. How standards help community governments:
- Recruit, develop and maintain a skilled workforce;
- Support the mobility of a northern workforce;
- Identify and communicate training needs of employees;
- Upgrade the skills of community government staff;
- Increase professionalism of staff;
- Design and/or implement assessment and evaluation tools;
How do standards help Community Government staff?
- Identify skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for occupations. Provide an effective means for better human resource planning, usually leading to longer retention of staff.
- Provide a reference to assess ability and training needs.
- Identify and support clear career paths in community governments areas of responsibility.
- Increase mobility within northern communities.
- Increase potential for advancement within community government.
- Improve quality of services to community residents.
- Reduce costs for recruitment of staff by facilitating the selection of new employees.
- Help the effective upgrading of skills and knowledge and attitude of staff.
How are Occupational Standards developed?
Occupational standards are developed by employers and employees working together through a Standards Development Committee. This committee (which is coordinated by the School of Community Government and the Department of Education Culture & Employment) selects a group of practitioners to develop a draft occupational analysis (a map of the skills, knowledge and attitudes for the occupation). The draft is validated by an Industry Validation Committee and becomes an occupational standard when it is endorsed by a SIAC. Once endorsed it is approved by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment under the Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupations Act.
Current Occupational Standards and Certification Requirements
Click any highlighted occupation to view the DACUM (core competencies) of the position and the certification requirements.
| Occupation | DACUM (Core Competencies) | Certification Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Management | ||
| Senior Administrative Officer | 1.16 MB | 19 KB |
| First Nation Administrator/Band Manager | 1.17 MB | 19 KB |
| Housing Manager | 1.16 MB | 18 KB |
| Middle Management | ||
| Community Works Foreman | 226 KB | 45 KB |
| Assistant Housing Manager | 1.15 MB | 18 KB |
| Tenant Relations Officer | 1.14 MB | 19 KB |
| Sport and Recreation | ||
| Recreation Coordinator | 282 KB | 43 KB |
| Recreation Facility Operator | 241 KB | 44 KB |
| Finance and Economics | ||
| Finance Officers | 1.15 MB | 18 KB |
What are the Certification Requirements?
- Work Experience Requirement - a candidate must have completed the required work experience. Usually 1- 2 years depending on the occupation.
- Skills Assessment Checklist - completed by the employees direct supervisor to identify areas that may require additional training, prior to challenging the certification.
- Multiple Choice Exam - developed to identify skill areas that may require additional training.
- Practical Evaluations - practical exercises designed to reflect actual workplace practices.
- Assessment of Professionalism - completed by a supervisor and is a declaration that the employee possesses the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to be competent in the occupation.
What do I receive when I complete the Certification Process?
Individuals who successfully meet the certification requirements and performance standards receive a “Certificate of Competency” awarded under the NWT Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification Act.
How do I Register?
To register request a Registration Package from the School of Community Government and submit the Application Form and Verification of On-The-Job Experience Hours.
Application to Register as a Candidate in a Certification Process Form
Verification of On-The-Job Work Experience Hours Form
Where can I obtain Training to assist with the Certification process?
Training is not an essential component of certification. However, training opportunities are provided through the School of Community Government, MACA, to assist employees in meeting the occupational competencies for their community staff position. In addition, occupational certification review and testing is offered on a as required basis.
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