Instructor Certification Program (ICP)

The Instructor Certification Program (ICP) is internal to WSCJTC. In our role as the leader of Washington’s criminal justice training community, WSCJTC has established a comprehensive Instructor Certification Program (ICP). The ICP works to maintain a cadre of highly skilled trainers capable of developing and presenting effective training using an adult facilitative learning process. 

Our ICP prepares a person to teach WSCJTC-sponsored courses - classes developed, managed and administered by our agency - under our supervision, and to our stakeholders. Further, ICP recognizes achievement of education, training, and experience by an instructor with a demonstrated level of competence.

There is no process or intent to certify instructors who do not teach WSCJTC-sponsored courses. We certify only persons we have chosen and mentored to teach our classes; and use certification to maintain instructor development and ensure they remain qualified and evaluated.

PLEASE NOTE: ICP does not apply to private security firearms instructors, reserve academy instructors, mock scene raters, monitors/assessors and those teaching in-service, agency or regional specific training. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I have this great program, how can I get certified by the WSCJTC to teach it?

The WSCJTC ICP program is not for outside certification. We only certify instructors to teach our curriculum. We do not issue certification to outside programs.

Why would I want to be a part of the Instructor Certification Program?

The overall benefits of instructor certification include increased professionalism, verification of competency, and improved quality and effectiveness of training. For the instructor, it creates opportunities for job satisfaction and career development.

The WSCJTC provides trainers with the skills, knowledge, and materials they need to be effective. For the WSCJTC, the quality of training is improved and partnerships with customers and stakeholders are strengthened. 

How to I become ICP for the WSCJTC?

Most of our instructors are high-performing, experienced, current or recent employees of Washington corrections, law enforcement, or telecommunications agencies. Most have extensive experience instructing for other entities. Our policy has more information on requirements -WSCJTC ICP policy 

Instructor selection processes vary among programs; BLEA posts and distributes instructor recruitment information, some programs recruit from specific agencies/regions, and others, including DT and Firearms, require extensive training to be considered. 

First, contact the program manager of the subject you’re most interested in teaching or have the most experience in. Selection process varies from program to program, but the program manager will tell you of any openings in their cadre, prerequisites and processes.

What are the requirements to become a CJTC instructor?

All potential instructors must have:   

• Earned a high school diploma or GED
• Completed our Instructor Development 1, Course 2001
• Have a record of education, experience and/or training that supports their expertise
• Criminal Justice subject matter and skill instructors must have at least three years’ experience within their public safety field.
• Obtain a letter of permission and support from their employing agency, if currently employed.   

In addition, there may other prerequisites such as having a specific course of study or more years of experience in particular topics and skills.   

What kinds of Instructor Certifications are there?  

General Instructor:  For individuals who have professional or proficiency skills in a field directly related to criminal justice.

Psychomotor Skills Instructor:  For individuals who have developed specific motor skills and abilities, by virtue of special training, and demonstrated experience, for defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, or any other skill area specified by the Commission.Professional Lecturer

Instructor:  For individuals, by virtue of academic degrees and professional expertise, have developed special knowledge in a subject area that they are instructing. This may include, but not be limited to members of the Bar, medical profession, psychologists, and public administrators.

Okay, so what happens next?

After you are selected by the program manager, you are scheduled to do an apprenticeship and then expected to gain Board Approval.

Apprenticeship: Apprenticing instructors observe and then teach courses under the guidance of a program manager and a mentoring instructor. They must pass a rigorous evaluation that considers both their knowledge and application of the materials as well as their instructional skills. 

Board Approval: After successful completion of the apprenticeship, prospects apply for certification by the ICP board. If approved by the board, an Instructor is certified for two years, after which the instructor must apply for recertification.

Recertification: To qualify for recertification for a course previously certified, an instructor must have taught that course at least twice in the previous two years. For more specific information about these processes, please refer to the WSCJTC ICP policy

ICP Links and Forms 

 Contacting the WSCJTC ICP Program