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1. Daniel Mausolf

   

   0 posts
   
   12/11/2011 2:12 PM

   I want to work towards certification. Where is the best place to start? Are there any guys already certified that work as mentors or anything like that?
   
   Thank,
   Dan Mausolf
   Michigan

   
   
   
   
2. Fleegel Timothy

   
   12/11/2011 5:12 PM

   Great question Dan. I'm about to be reclassified to class A and was wondering the same thing.

   
   
   
   
3. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   12/11/2011 7:12 PM

   I'm working through Certification as we speak. The best method is to do the Self Assessment located here on the GCSAA.org website. Once you have that completed, I suggest taking the seminar at the GIS titled something like "Preparing Your Way to Certification". Your portfolio is going to take the most time, but you can start whenever. I completed mine and returned the two copies with my Certification application.
   
   If you have any other questions about the process, feel free to email me at andy_jorgensen@otowfl.com or call GCSAA and ask for Penny Mitchell.

   
   
   
   
4. Daniel Mausolf

   

   0 posts
   
   12/11/2011 7:12 PM

   Thanks Andy

   
   
   
   
5. Wahlin Scott B

   
   12/11/2011 7:12 PM

   andyjorg said: I'm working through Certification as we speak. The best method is to do the Self Assessment located here on the GCSAA.org website. Once you have that completed, I suggest taking the seminar at the GIS titled something like "Preparing Your Way to Certification". Your portfolio is going to take the most time, but you can start whenever. I completed mine and returned the two copies with my Certification application.
   
   If you have any other questions about the process, feel free to email me at andy_jorgensen@otowfl.com or call GCSAA and ask for Penny Mitchell.

   
   
   Working with others who have done it is the way to go. I am too old to be helpful, so you have to stick with younger guys who are new to it. I have already re-certified through 2017.

   
   
   
   
6. Rodney Crow

   

   0 posts
   
   12/12/2011 7:12 AM

   I concur with what Andy said. I, too, just completed my certification portfolio and it was VERY time consuming. The thing about the portfolio is that you don't have to wait until you are a class A to begin it. Anyone can begin working on the portfolio, even as an assistant superintendent. Penny Mitchell is a WONDERFUL resource and will be extremely helpful in your certification process. Like Andy said, spend the money to take the "Preparing your way to Certification" course with GCSAA. It gives a ton of useful information. Also, the GCSAA website has a webcast posted that will walk you through the process as well. https://www.gcsaa.org/Education/Certifi ... casts.aspx
   
   If you have any questions, please feel free to email me as well: rcrow@falconheadaustin.com. I'll help you out any way I can!

   
   
   
   
7. Satterwhite Kerry

   
   12/12/2011 10:12 AM

   I'm an old timer like Scott and just renewed for the 4th time. Several years ago I was part of a focus group that developed the new process that required the portfolio. GCSAA Staff can be very helpful. I would talk to Superintendents in your local association that have done it in the last 4/5 years.
   
   GOOD LUICK!

   
   
   
   
8. Wallace Jeffrey V

   
   12/12/2011 8:12 PM

   wahlins said:

   andyjorg said: I'm working through Certification as we speak. The best method is to do the Self Assessment located here on the GCSAA.org website. Once you have that completed, I suggest taking the seminar at the GIS titled something like "Preparing Your Way to Certification". Your portfolio is going to take the most time, but you can start whenever. I completed mine and returned the two copies with my Certification application.
   
   If you have any other questions about the process, feel free to email me at andy_jorgensen@otowfl.com or call GCSAA and ask for Penny Mitchell.

   
   
   Working with others who have done it is the way to go. I am too old to be helpful, so you have to stick with younger guys who are new to it. I have already re-certified through 2017.

   
   
   Scott,
   
   How did you manage that? They're in five year blocks. Are they allowing you to re-certify earlier than your term ends?

   
   
   
   
9. Wahlin Scott B

   
   12/13/2011 2:12 AM

   wallacej said: Scott,
   
   How did you manage that? They're in five year blocks. Are they allowing you to re-certify earlier than your term ends?

   
   
   Yes, as soon as you qualify you can apply for re-certification I believe. In the past I took the test about a year out from when I needed to re-certify. This past time I handed in my CEUs a year out.

   
   
   
   
10. Heath Puckett

    

    0 posts
    
    12/13/2011 7:12 AM

    Dan,
    Andy and Rodney are spot on. I assembled my portfolio over the course of two off-seasons. Most of the portfolio requirements you probably already have anyway. The half day certification seminar was a real eye-opener for me, but I would also recommend the Financial Mgmt seminar if you aren't well versed in accounting practices...not sure if Cleve Cleveland still teaches that? Again, Penny Mitchell is an excellent resource and has always been able to answer any of my questions. The exam is pretty straightforward with questions regarding technical aspects we use daily, but I would make sure to brush up on the financial side and the rules of golf. Feel free to contact me as well.
    Good luck!

    
    
    
    
11. Wahlin Scott B

    
    12/13/2011 7:12 AM

    heath99 said: The exam is pretty straightforward with questions regarding technical aspects we use daily, but I would make sure to brush up on the financial side and the rules of golf. Feel free to contact me as well.
    Good luck!

    
    
    I took the test in 1992, 1996, 2001 & 2006. I did not study for the test in 2006 and I did pass, but there were a lot of questions regarding subjects and information I had never been introduced to before. After taking that test and having no confidence that I had passed it I decided to renew with CEUs from now on.
    
    As a government employee and a department head I had to undergo extensive training that would allow me to assist in the event of an emergency (terrorist attack, train/truck accidents resulting in toxic gas leak, anything...). The program is called the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Although I was required to complete the coursework I think anyone can do it. I applied for CEUs from GCSAA and these were granted. This made up a lot of the CEUs required for re-certification. The point is you should look at the free training opportunities out there and turn these into GCSAA CEUs.

    
    
    
    
12. Satterwhite Kerry

    
    12/13/2011 10:12 AM

    As a "former" municipal Superintendent many of my CEU's were external and were free through training opportunities that were offered through the city. There are many ways to earn CEU's now at little to no cost.

    
    
    
    
13. Daniel Mausolf

    

    0 posts
    
    12/13/2011 12:12 PM

    Thanks for the insight guys. I appreciate the offers from you for help.
    
    Dan

    
    
    
    
14. Rafael Barajas

    

    0 posts
    
    12/13/2011 4:12 PM

    Dan and Tim – I'm very glad to hear of your interest in pursuing certification. Utilizing this link http://www.gcsaa.org/Education/Certific ... ility.aspx will take you to the certification home page of this site, detailing all aspects of the program. Andy and Rodney, thanks for your responses. Having just completed the portfolio makes your feedback very valuable. As chairman of the 2011 certification committee, I would like to reiterate the fact that the portfolio can be started at any time in your career, so even if you're not currently eligible to apply to the program, nothing stops you from beginning work on your portfolio. Completing the self-assessment can be done at any time as well, to help you get a jump start on being prepared for the written examination. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me, or Penny Mitchell pmitchell@gcsaa.org to get you started. As we move forward, we will continue to work on ways to streamline the process.
    
    Rafael Barajas, CGCS
    Certification Committee Chairman

    
    
    
    
15. Fleegel Timothy

    
    12/16/2011 8:12 PM

    Ok so what exactly is the self assesment tool? Is it a test? If so should I brush up on some things before I use it? Just a little confused, anything to clarify would be great. Thanks.

    
    
    
    
16. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    12/17/2011 6:12 AM

    The self assessment is an assessment of your current knowledge. It grades you on what you already know, and provides the areas that you need to brush up on. I found it valuable in that I had no clue what was going to be involved with Certification, and have since brushed up on a few things. Specifically, aquatics, financial management and the rules of golf. Its not a test per say, but helps you know what you currently know or need to know.

    
    
    
    
17. Melvin Waldron

    

    43 posts
    
    12/27/2011 12:12 PM

    I have a question that Scott brought to my attention, so even though my certification runs from 7/17/07 until 7/16/12, if I have all the points I need to recertify I can do it say Jan 1, 2012 and then start earning points for my next certification cycle?
    
    Would my new certification cycle start from Jan 1 2012 or July 17, 2012? I always thought I couldn't renew until a couple of months before my certification cycle runs out and points didn't start counting until my new certification cycle begins?
    
    Can anyone on staff clarify this or a board member?
    
    Thanks!! Mel

    
    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
    
    
18. Melvin Waldron

    

    43 posts
    
    12/27/2011 1:12 PM

    BallMark said: I have a question that Scott brought to my attention, so even though my certification runs from 7/17/07 until 7/16/12, if I have all the points I need to re-certify I can do it say Jan 1, 2012 and then start earning points for my next certification cycle?
    
    Would my new certification cycle start from Jan 1 2012 or July 17, 2012? I always thought I couldn't renew until a couple of months before my certification cycle runs out and points didn't start counting until my new certification cycle begins?
    
    Can anyone on staff clarify this or a board member?
    
    Thanks!! Mel

    
    
    Just talked to Penny, (Thanks so much Penny!) She clarified my question for me. My certification dates do not change even if I have earned all my points already, they will always stay for me any way in July. I can not start earning new points until July 17th, (darn and we moved our field day dates in Missouri up to July 10th this year, mark that on your calendar boys) I can go ahead and get my paperwork taken care of early but it won't change my certification cycle dates.
    
    Hopefully that clears things up for those that were thinking just like me, (and I know nobody thinks like me)
    
    Mel

    
    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
    
    
19. Rafael Barajas

    

    0 posts
    
    12/27/2011 2:12 PM

    Mel,
    
    Your five year renewal cycle does not change even though you are allowed to submit your renewal application and points months in advance. You are allowed to have your renewal application and points completed and submitted to GCSAA on January 1 2012 however your new five year certification cycle will start on July 16 2012. CEU's for the new renewal cycle will start counting as of July 16 2012. I hope this information helps answer your question.
    
    Happy New Year!
    
    Rafael Barajas, CGCS
    Certification Committee Chairman

    
    
    
    
20. Melvin Waldron

    

    43 posts
    
    12/27/2011 3:12 PM

    Thanks Rafael,
    
    Now I know why you have my vote.
    
    Mel

    
    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
    
    
21. Wixo Luke

    
    2/20/2013 10:02 AM

    I am graduating this coming may,and one of my career goals is to become certified. After reading this post I feel like it would not be a bad idea to start working on my portfolio now. Does anyone have any tips or advice for starting that process?
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Luke

    
    
    
    
22. Rafael Barajas

    

    0 posts
    
    2/20/2013 1:02 PM

    Luke,
    
    Congratulations! Getting your degree is a great achievement and something you should be proud off. I am glad you are interested in becoming a certified golf course superintendent. Once you gain employment as a superintendent, obtaining certification can only help you in your career path as you move forward in the industry. At this time, I would suggest you start the process by completing a self- assessment through the GCSAA website, and call Penny Mitchell at GCSAA 800 472-7878 to help guide you through the details of this process.
    
    Rafael Barajas, CGCS
    Certification Committee Chair.