Let me tell you, dear reader, that we announced with great fanfare a couple of weeks ago about CONOCER standard EC 0217, probably the most widely used standard in the market. It serves as a benchmark for all of us who provide training, equipping us with the competency, methodology, techniques and absolutely all the foundations for delivering group human talent development training like true professionals.

 

The market is full of instructors. Today, someone who considers themselves an expert in an activity can readily start training others because they are an “expert.” Their experience certainly has value, but workplace training is about more than expertise: it requires knowing how to share knowledge. Someone once told me, “I have taught classes.” No, that is not enough either. The methodology and processes differ, and you generally work with adults of all ages. Teaching classes alone does not mean you have mastered that challenge.

 

How does this relate to EC 0217? As you know, CONOCER is a federal body that certifies competencies nationwide. There is no instructor degree program, for example, so this certificate is the closest thing to a facilitator’s qualification and currently recognizes you as a professional instructor throughout Mexico. Under the free trade agreement, these competencies are expected to become valid in the United States and Canada in the short to medium term.

 

It is therefore important, dear reader, to remember that this standard changed a couple of weeks ago. EC 0217, Delivery of group, face-to-face human capital training courses, has now expired. Those of us who are certified, or who seek certification, can no longer use that code and must seek recertification under EC 0217.01. You may wonder: “Is it the same or not?” In essence, the standard retained its nature and content regarding its outputs, performance and knowledge. However, there are significant changes in form that you should keep in mind.

 

  1. The checklist must include a section reviewing and considering regulations from civil protection authorities—identified emergency exits, evacuation routes and so on—and the Ministry of Health: physical distancing, face masks, antibacterial gel, infrared thermometers, etc.
  2. The lesson outline will now be called the course plan. Its learning activities must specify what the instructor does and, now, what the participant must do too. This makes the document even more complex and time-consuming to develop.
  3. During the course, participants should receive recommendations or suggestions for improvement: “I think you struggled in situation X, but to improve, I suggest behavior Y.”
  4. The final report must establish a post-course follow-up plan to review participants' progress, which many instructors may find complex.

 

These 4 changes are perhaps the most significant. There are smaller changes that we consider relatively easy to meet. After all this, if you want to obtain or maintain certification, you must complete alignment training again or thoroughly review the standard before repeating the assessment process and keeping your competency current.

 

If you are interested, JS Training & Consulting will gladly support you through alignment, assessment and certification. Email us at contacto@jesussanchez.com.mx; we will be happy to assist you.

 

The point is, do not rest on your laurels, because the time for change is now.

 

Sssssssshowtimeeeeeee!!!