|
Overview
Certification Testing
|
About Tests
Candidates for certification take GENERAL tests to evaluate their basic knowledge and SPECIALTY tests to evaluate their knowledge of the specialty they teach. ALL candidates take the General Tests and the applicable Specialty Tests for Level I-II. Candidates for Level III will also take the Level III tests.
General Tests
- Philosophy Test - Sent to all applicants before program; to be completed at home at the candidate’s own speed. It consists of 10 essay questions. Its purpose is to give the candidate the opportunity to express his/her personal philosophy of teaching riding as well as his/her attitude toward the sport. For preparation, solidify your thoughts on your philosophy of riding and riding instruction beforehand. Consider your own riding ability and how it affects your teaching both positively and negatively. Think about the types of students you like to teach and why.
- General Instructor Test - Sent to all applicants before program; to be completed at home at the candidate’s own speed. It consists of 10 essay questions. Its purpose is to give the candidate an opportunity to demonstrate ability to communicate his/her knowledge clearly and to handle, in a decisive way, problems commonly faced by riding instructors. For preparation think of situations dealing with clients, students and horses which you have encountered as an instructor. How have you handled them, and what would you do differently if you could?
- Level II The Horse Test - The first test each candidate takes at the Test Center. One hour is allowed. True or false, short answers, multiple choice and “fill in the blanks” questions are all used. The purpose of this test is to determine the candidate’s knowledge of horse anatomy, common bits and types of saddles, and common veterinary knowledge. As preparation you should know points of the horse, conformation defects, basic horse care and be familiar with different types of commonly used tack.
- Level II General Horsemanship Test - The second test each candidate takes at the Test Center. One hour is allowed. Short written answers, multiple choice, and true or false questions are used. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of General Horsemanship. As preparation, read material from the suggested reading list and think about the explanations you give students to help with common riding problems.
- Level III The Horse Test - This test is taken only by Level III candidates and is taken after completion of all Level II tests. It is similar to the Level II The Horse Test but with a higher degree of difficulty.
- Level III General Horsemanship Test - This test is taken only by Level III candidates and is taken after completion of all Level II tests. It is similar to the Level II General Horsemanship Test but with a higher degree of difficulty.
Specialty Tests
Each specialty test is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the applicable specialty. One hour is allowed for each specialty test. The tests may include true/false, multiple choice, short answer & essay questions. As preparation, review the rules & characteristics of the applicable specialty.
Candidate Presentations
The purpose of the CP is to judge the poise and ability of the candidate to “think on her feet”, as well as her teaching ability and knowledge of her subject. For preparation be rested, confident and at your best. (Scored 1-5, with 5 being the highest score)
Test Scoring
The test scores required for each level follow. If a candidate achieves a passing grade at a level lower than the level for which he/she has applied, then he/she will be certified at the lower level. For example, if an Level III candidate does not pass the Level III tests but does pass the Level II tests, she will earn certification at Level II.
- Level I candidates must score an average of 80 or above on the four General Tests and a score of 80 or above on each Specialty Test taken. The CP must be scored at 3 or above.
- Level II candidates must score an average of 85 or above on the four General Tests and a score of 85 or above on each Specialty Test taken. The video must be passed at Level II and the CP must be scored at 3 or above.
- Level III candidates must score 90 or above on each test taken , the video must be passed at Level III and the CP must be scored at 4 or above.
The scoring procedure is very thorough, with fairness to the candidate always in mind. Borderline scores are always rechecked. Due to the time-consuming nature of this process and an equally thorough evaluation of each video, candidates should expect to receive the results of their certification status in approximately 6-8 weeks.
Each candidate for ARICP certification must agree to the following:
- I will promote safe and ethical behavior, both for myself and my students.
- I will be professional in appearance and demeanor. I will conduct myself and my affairs with honesty, integrity and to the highest standard.
- I understand that if I earn ARICP certification, there is an annualrenewal fee (currently $35.) which is due each year.
- I understand that I am required to return every five years for re-certification at a reduced fee of $200.00. (Upon request, an extension may be granted.)
- I understand and agree that the ARICP reserves the right to refuse and/or deny initial certification for any reason it deems proper.
- I understand and agree that the ARICP reserves the right to revoke ARIA certification, at any time, for any reason it deems proper.
- All tests are confidential and are the property of ARICP. Test scores and video evaluations are sent to the candidate with their results; the tests and/or video (VHS or DVD) themselves are not returned.
- I understand and agree that it is solely and completely the responsibility of the candidate for ARICP certification to clearly demonstrate his/her ability to qualify for the level and specialty applied for. A comprehensive and thorough evaluation is given to each applicant's tests and video by members of the ARICP Panel. No further review is given . Anyone not achieving the certification they desire may try again at the reduced rate of $200.00. (Those tests which are passed need not be retaken if candidate returns for re-testing within one year.)
Back to top.
|
