Re: DHS Trusted Tester Program

I myself am *very* keen to take the updated certification. So note, Greg, if you are looking to do this, wait until October when the Refresh is integrated.

I found this certification very helpful once I began working in a setting where web apps aren’t as common. I don’t know if the DHS will continue to take a technology agnostic approach, but I’ll be signing up first thing.

The certification is a time expense. I hadn’t heard that there would be a cost associated with the refresh, but if there is, I would hope the DHS improves its customer service. The 1-on-1 technicians are great, but sometimes I have a hard time getting my questions answered by the initial help desk.

Be prepared to get frustrated—sometimes the terminology wasn’t entirely clear and it was hard to understand what the DHS was looking for. I’d engage the technicians as much as possible, though they are available only on government eastern business hours.

> On Jun 5, 2018, at 5:57 PM, Greg Jellin <gjellin@usfca.edu> wrote:
> 
> Thank you Laura,
> 
> I checked out that page earlier, but couldn't find all of the information I was looking for, specifically how to sign up. I've reached out to the contact and am in the process of signing up now.
> 
> Thanks!
> Greg
> 
> Greg Jellin
> Web Accessibility Specialist
> Web & Digital Communications
> 
> University of San Francisco
> gjellin@usfca.edu | usfca.edu
> 
> 
>> On Tue, Jun 5, 2018 at 3:52 PM, Laura.hoffman66 <laura.hoffman66@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Greg,
>> 
>> You do not need to be a federal employee or contract to be eligible for the program and there is no fee associated with it. 
>> 
>> You can find more information at https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-tester. 
>> 
>> DHS OAST is currently updated the training program to reflect the 508 Refresh. I believe their goal is to have the full training available by October 1st but some of the introductory courses should be available in July. At least that’s the last I heard. 
>> 
>> Laura
>> 
>>> On Jun 5, 2018, at 6:16 PM, Greg Jellin <gjellin@usfca.edu> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Thanks Peter, 
>>> 
>>> Wow, that sounds like fun /s. I appreciate the feedback.
>>> 
>>> A few questions if you don't mind:
>>> Does one have to be a federal employee/contractor to be eligible for the training/cert? 
>>> Is there a fee?
>>> Thanks!
>>> Greg
>>> 
>>> Greg Jellin
>>> Web Accessibility Specialist
>>> Web & Digital Communications
>>> 
>>> University of San Francisco
>>> gjellin@usfca.edu | usfca.edu
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Tue, Jun 5, 2018 at 3:08 PM, Peter Shikli <pshikli@bizware.com> wrote:
>>>> We are a group of Trusted Testers certified by the federal Office of Accessible Systems and Technology under the Department of Homeland Security.  The process includes a rather intensive educational curriculum for which they recommend budgeting 6 months.  Our analysts completed it on average over 3 months, but a full-time commitment is mandatory or the retention suffers.  A 90% correct result on a multi-day final is required to pass.
>>>> 
>>>> The focus is to understand a structured test process over 81 specific failure conditions, mastering each in detail, and producing an objective violation report.  Federal agencies need that objectivity and consistency to audit websites and online applications for procurement and meeting Section 508 standards.
>>>> 
>>>> Cheers,
>>>> Peter Shikli
>>>> pshikli@access2online.com
>>>> 503-570-6831
>>>> FAX: 503-582-8337
>>>> Access2online
>>>> 29030 SW Town Center Loop East
>>>> Suite 202-187
>>>> Wilsonville, OR 97070
>>>> www.Access2online.com
>>>> Prison inmates helping websites become accessible
>>>> From: Greg Jellin <gjellin@usfca.edu>
>>>> Sent: 6/5/18 2:32 PM
>>>> To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
>>>> Subject: DHS Trusted Tester Program
>>>> Hello,
>>>> 
>>>> Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's "Interagency Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508? https://www.dhs.gov/interagency-trusted-tester-program. I had never heard of this and just stumbled across it. It isn't clear how to become certified. Does anyone know what the process is to get certified? Is anyone certified?
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks!
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Greg Jellin
>>>> Web Accessibility Specialist
>>>> Web & Digital Communications
>>>> 
>>>> University of San Francisco
>>>> gjellin@usfca.edu | usfca.edu
>>>> 
>>> 
>