Question 1

Does SHIFT offer education and certifications for individual learners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, individual learners are encouraged to register for any of SHIFT’s education. A learner does not have to be affiliated with an organization. In addition to expanding one’s knowledge base, SHIFT education increases one’s marketability in the field. And with live virtual learning events, opportunities to network with like-minded professionals, as well access to practical tools, earning a certification through SHIFT just makes sense.

Question 2

How many staff members from our organization should participate in SHIFT’s education?

Accepted Answer

Organizations may enroll as many or as few people as they would like. SHIFT does provide recommendations for the number of educated staff members that are needed for cultural transformation. However, only organizations pursuing SHIFT accreditation are required to meet these minimum numbers of educated staff. SHIFT encourages educating staff throughout all levels and departments of your organization to support success and sustainability.

Question 3

Why should my organization consider SHIFT Accreditation?

Accepted Answer

With Technology First and Employment First both being top priorities in the long-term services and supports community, SHIFT Accreditations provide standardized best practices and practical tools. SHIFT partners with organizations during the accreditation process – serving as a guide, resource and consultant for a successful culture shift at all levels.

Question 4

Does our organization need to make a decision about accreditation right away?

Accepted Answer

No. Your organization can wait to make a decision about pursuing accreditation. As long as the required minimum number of SHIFT-educated staff members is met and still current, you can begin the accreditation application process at any time.

Question 5

What happens if a SHIFT-certified staff  member leaves our organization?

Accepted Answer

Accredited organizations are required to provide updated learner lists every 6 months. If a SHIFT-certified staff member leaves your organization, you will remove him or her from your learner list and enroll another staff member in the appropriate SHIFT program. In some cases this means having to pay the cost to enroll the new learner. An individual's SHIFT certification belongs to them and goes with them to their position at a new employer.

Question 6

Will there be any ongoing costs associated with maintaining our accreditation?

Accepted Answer

As mentioned above, there may be a cost to enroll a new learner when a SHIFT-certified employee departs your organization. Also, there is a fee to renew accreditation every 2-4 years, depending on the tier of accreditation your organization is awarded. This fee can be paid annually, or all at once.

Question 7

For all SHIFT Certification learning plans:

Accepted Answer

All fees are non-cancelable and non-refundable.
If paying with credit card, payments are subject to a processing fee of 3.5%.
If being invoiced, all fees are payable in full within thirty (30) days of receiving an invoice.
Any Certification learner type may be replaced if they have not begun their coursework, and they've been enrolled for six months or less. This request may be made via a help ticket to SHIFT.
Certification is earned upon successful completion of Exam, and is valid for 2 years.

Question 8

For all Technology First Foundations and Employment First Foundations:

Accepted Answer

All fees are non-cancelable and non-refundable.
If paying with credit card, payments are subject to a processing fee of 3.5%.
If being invoiced, all fees are payable in full within thirty (30) days of receiving an invoice.
A registrant’s failure to attend an event is a forfeit of the registration fee. No refunds will be granted. Customers may request to change (Technology First Change form or Employment First Change form) the name or session date of a registrant more than 3 business days prior to the registered-for date, up to three times and within 1 year from original registration.

Question 9

I have the Employment First Job Coach Certification currently, and now I'd like to add a Job Developer Certification. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Simple! At the top of this page click Education, then Employment First. Then, under the Job Developer Certification click "Enroll Now." Early in the purchase process you'll be asked whether you're already Job Coach Certified. When you answer "Yes" your price will be reduced to $200 (the difference between the two).

Question 10

What account support is available to learners?

Accepted Answer

Enrolled learners may receive technical support by submitting a help ticket from within the SHIFT Learning Management System, or via our website by clicking Contact Us.

Question 11

What if a learner cannot find their login or password information?

Accepted Answer

Learners should always check their spam folder if they cannot find emails from SHIFT. They can also access their SHIFT account via our website at www.techfirstshift.com by clicking SHIFT Learner Login.

Frequently Asked Questions