by
Shane Conroy
| Sep 08, 2020
Austin Lavoie, the first-year GCSAA equipment manager member at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak created history when he successfully completed both Levels 1 and 2 of GCSAA’s Equipment Management Certificate Program, the first equipment manager in Michigan to do so.
Beginning in 2015, to build a competency-based continuing education curriculum for turf equipment managers, GCSAA enlisted subject matter experts to conduct a job task analysis and define the body of knowledge a successful turf equipment manager possesses. Based on those findings, a comprehensive list of competencies was identified in eight domains and GCSAA’s Equipment Management Certificate Program (EMCP) was born.
GCSAA’s Equipment Management Certificate Program is broken up into two levels. Level 1 is a series of exams designed to demonstrate proficiency in key competency areas related to turf equipment.
The program is made up of eight exams covering the key competency areas of:
- cutting units
- drivetrain systems
- electrical systems
- engine technology
- hydraulic systems
- metalworking and fabrication
- spray systems
- fundamentals of turfgrass operations
All exams are closed book and taken online. Testers will need a computer with internet access and a printer to take an exam and must also have a proctor for each exam.
Following the development of the EMCP Level 1, the second level – Equipment Management Certificate Program Level 2 – was established based on advanced competencies in all eight domains and adding business, communication, leadership and environmental management.
Completing the Equipment Management Certificate Program Level 2 is the next step on the career path for equipment managers. This certificate is earned by successfully passing one proctored exam which addresses the competency areas of Level 1 along with:
- Administrative Management
- Best Management Practices
Successful completion of all eight certificates in EMCP Level 1 must be completed to be eligible to begin EMCP Level 2.
Congratulations to Austin on this Michigan first and completing both levels!