How the Certification Process Works

Index
  • The Role of the AGRM
  • Role Of The Certification Program Consultant
  • Role of the Certification Program Committee
  • Waiver of Program Standards and Requirements
  • The Certificate of Excellence
  • Receiving Recognition for Certification and the Certificate of Excellence
  • Logos.
  • Re-Certification in the Certification Program Program
  • Cancellation.

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    A. Role of the AGRM

    The AGRM Office in Kansas City, Missouri will coordinate the AGRM Certification Program and will be the main point of contact for the ministry until the Consultant is assigned to the ministry.

     

    B. Role of the Certification Program Consultant

    The Certification Program Consultant serves as a catalyst, resource, evaluator, and coach for an enrolled ministry's "journey toward excellence."  In most cases, they have been a part of the certification of their own mission.

    Certification Program Consultants are tremendous resource people. They can offer important insights that are sure to benefit the entire operation of the mission.

    Certification Program Consultants conduct an On-site Evaluation of each ministry seeking to become a "Certified Mission." The ministry is responsible for all expenses incurred; travel, meals, lodging, etc. An entire business day should be set aside for the Consultant's On-site Evaluation.

    Larger ministries, with several programs operating at a number of different sites, may require an additional day or two.

    During their time on-site at the ministry, consultants can address staff, board of directors, or auxiliaries of the mission. Extra time must be allotted if the Consultant is asked to do any of these additional activities.

    During the On-site Evaluation, the Consultant will review the various documents and and other factors that demonstrate the ministry's compliance with the standards of the program. he/she will offer suggestions to assist the ministry in correcting and improving in areas that do not meet the program's requirements. If he/she determines that the ministry is in significant compliance, the Consultant recommends that the AGRM grant certification.

     

    C. Role of the Certification Consultants Committee

    The Certification Committee assists the assists in the on-going development and administration of the AGRM Certification Program. Meeting annually, this committee, made up of the active Certification Program Consultants, provides guidance on the operation, policies, and standards of the program.

     

    D. Waiver of Program Standards and Requirement

    There may be legitimate reasons to request a waiver of a particular program standard or requirement of the AGRM Certification Program. Application for such a waiver requires the completion of the "Standards Waiver Request" form.  A copy of this form must be completed for each waiver requested. They must be submitted to the Consultant during the "On-site Evaluation" and will be included with the report he/she submits to the AGRM Office.

    Special Note: A waiver of a standard of the Certification Program will not be granted in any of the following situations:

    1. Failure to comply with local, state, or federal, laws or regulations that are commonly understood and applied to the operations of the mission in question.
    2. A lack of compliance with written directives of any inspector representing a government regulatory agency or insurance company.
    3. An operating procedure or function which potentially endangers the safety or health of employees, clients, volunteers, or vistors.

     

    E. The Certificate of Excellence

    The "Certificate of Excellence" is the second phase of the AGRM Certification Program. Application for this phase of certification can only be made by those ministries that have first met all the requirements of the "Certified Mission" phase. Materials documenting a ministry's compliance with the standards of the "Certificate of Excellence" must be submitted to the Consultant in a separate notebook using the format outlined in the "Certifed Excellent" section of this manual.

     

    F. Receiving Recognition for Certificated Mission Status and the Certificate of Excellence

    Qualifying for certification is an accomplishment worthy of recognition. A special award plaque is presented by the AGRM to "Certified Missions" and those ministries that meet the standards of the "Certificate of Excellence." AGRM staff members and officers are available to make a special presentation at the mission being certified. This has been a special public relations event that some certified ministries have used to highlight their commitment to integrity and to excellence. Also, at each year's AGRM Convention, an awards ceremony is held to recognize missions that have been certified since the previous convention.

     

    G. Logos

    Each ministry that completes the certification process receives a special "Certified Member" logo for use with its publications, stationary and public relations materials. There is also a special logo for ministries that attain the "Certificate of Excellence."

     

    H. Steps to Certification Renewal

    1. Certification renewal occurs in the third calendar year after a ministry becomes a "Certified Mission." (e. g. 2008 certified, then 2011 re-certified).
    2. Certification renewal requirements must be met by 12th month of the third year of certification. Failure to enter the process of renewal by this date will result in a termination of the ministry's enrollment in the AGRM Certification Program. If this occurs, the ministry may begin the process again at any time.
    3. Certification renewal is not automatic. A ministry must give evidence that it meets the criteria outlined in most recent edition of the AGRM Certification Manual.
    4. The AGRM and the ministry's Certification Program Consultant, approves all ministry certification renewals..
    5. A Consultant's On-site Evaluation is required for certification renewal.
    6. The certification renewal fee is $495.00. and includes a copy of the most recent edition of the AGRM Certification Manual.
    7. Certified missions are notified by the AGRM one year before their certification status expires.

     

    I. Cancellation

    In the event a ministry chooses to cancel enrollment in the AGRM Certification Program, the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If a ministry is not certified within one year of the date of application, enrollment is canceled. Reinstatement can only take place through the normal process of application.