Can anyone give me an update on the status of the PWS recertification process? I received a mailing many months ago informing me that the recertification requirements were still being worked on, and that more information would be forthcoming. But, I haven't heard anything yet. I know that the certification committee is all volunteer, but still I'd have thought that with over five years to work on it, that the recertification process would be worked out by now.

Thanks for the inquiry and in fact, as we speak, the program is finally getting off the ground with the application form being printed and the first 250 "grandfathered" PWS to be notified within the next month. You are correct that your Board is all volunteer, but with the change in management to Burk, the need to fully vet the program with the membership, and the desire to assure that it is clear and fair to all active PWS in various fields, it took some time to put it together. However, not everyone will be contacted at once--that would be too much for the committee to review. Instead, we hope to phase the program in over time. So, depending upon when you were first certified, you may not personnally see anything from PWS on this for sometime . We will be getting the application on the web site as well so that all PWS can see what they need to maintain their records. In the meantime, you can check out the website and the bylaws section that describes the program.

Mike Josselyn, PWS

Mike,

Thank you for your prompt reply to my question about PWS recertification. I had concerns about the possibility of my certification lapsing because I exceeded the five-year limit, but am now assured that will not happen. I am looking forward to being able to review the application on the website so that I will know what I need to do to gain recertification, and if there are additional things I need to do before submitting the application.

If it is going to be some time before the application and other information is posted on the PWS Program webpage, you might want to consider posting a brief explanation of the status of the recertification program (similar to your message to me) just to inform all of those "inquiring PWS minds".

Thanks,
Barbara Rosensteel