Introduction
This guide to the ACST Accreditation Program provides you with everything you need to know in order to complete the certification process.
Section A: ACST Accreditation Overview
Section B: The Submission Process
Section C: Maintenance of the Designation
Candidates for certification are required to follow all policies, procedures and guidelines outlined in the Handbook.
ACST Accreditation Overview
The ACST accreditation, is a designation for municipal professionals in a Secretary Treasurer or Consent Authority role.
The ACST designation provides municipal professionals with the ability to prove their competency and be confident in their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field.
Competency Framework
- Committee of Adjustment Operations
Awareness and Application of Legislation, Policies & Procedures
- Communication
Oral and Written Communication Skills
Customer Relations
- Service Delivery
Delivery of Service
- Managing Work
Professional Development
Problem Solving
Collaboration
As the ACST designation is competency based, candidates are required to demonstrate knowledge, skill and ability in the 4 competencies areas noted above.
The Submission Process
Step 1: Confirm you meet the following prerequisites:
- Be a member of OACA in good standing.
- Must have one of the following:
- A relevant degree/diploma from an accredited university/college; or
- Completion of the OACA Primer on Planning Certificate Program.
- Be employed by a municipality with at least two (2) years of experience in the role of Secretary Treasurer, Assistant Secretary Treasurer or Consent Official.
Step 2: You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge, skill and ability in the 4 competencies areas by completing the ACST Applicant Submission Package:
Review and complete the ACST Applicant Submission Package.
Click Here for ACST Submission Package
Step 3: Submit your ASCT application by logging into your Member Profile at www.oaca.info. You will be required to complete the Accreditation Application under “My Menu”.
Fee: $100.00 (payable at the time of submission)
Submission Deadlines:
- March 1: For granting of designation at the OACA Conference
- August 1: For granting of designation at the OACA Seminar
If you still have questions or require more information, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Review Process
Assessment by OACA ACST Review Team
An ACST Review Team will review your submission against the ACST Competency Framework.
If you are interested in the professional development opportunity of becoming a member of the ACST Review Team please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Applicant’s meeting 85%-100% approval rate for their submission will be automatically recommended for the ACST designation.
Approved submissions will be forwarded by the ACST Review Team to the OACA Board of Directors for final approval and issuance of designation.
Granting of Designation: OACA Board of Directors grants the ACST designation. Once the Board grants the designation, candidates will be notified by email by a member of the ACST Review Team, which grants the candidate authorization to use the ACST designation.
Successful ACST recipients will be recognized for this achievement at OACA’s annual educational events (i.e. conference, seminar).
Maintenance of the Designation
Members of OACA who hold the ACST designation will retain the designation and will not be required to prove competency again, however, they will be required to maintain the designation within the newly established four (4) year *PDU maintenance program. This will require them to participate in professional development activities over a 4 year cycle.
*Professional Development Units (PDUs) are one-hour blocks of time that you spend learning, teaching others or volunteering.
PDU CHART | 30 PDUS are required in a 4-year cycle.
A cycle is defined as 4 years from the date of accreditation approval.
Below is a chart of sample PDU activities that can be recorded and submitted to maintain your designation. Activities outside of this chart may be approved by the ACST Review Committee.
| Category | Description of Activity | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
|
Continuing Education & Professional Development |
Completion of OACA Primer on Planning; other educational courses offered by OACA; attendance at OACA conference or seminar and/or attendance at other professionally relevant conferences; completion of other professionally relevant academic courses *Must attend a minimum of one OACA conference and/or seminar within the 4 year cycle. |
Name/Topic and dates(s) of Course/Program: Name of certificate/degree Certificate of Completion Conference/Seminar registration receipt (if not OACA conference please include syllabus) |
|
Self-Directed Learning |
Self-directed learning activities which involve personally conducted research or study; reading articles, books; watching videos; having formal discussions with colleagues, co-workers, clients or consultants; being coached or mentored by a colleague, coworker or consultant. |
Topic and method of learning Evidence description and notes. |
|
Teaching & Presenting |
Serving as a speaker or instructor for Committee related courses; serving as a moderator of a relevant discussion; serving as a subject matter expert for a panel discussion (may include pre-consultation meetings with applicants). |
Topic/description and date(s) of teaching and/or presenting Agenda, schedule outlining session details |
|
Professional Writing |
Authoring a report to Council addressing a C of A matter, correspondence relating to a complex C of A matter where you provide direction in accordance with legislative requirements |
Copy of Report / Correspondence or any other material as evidence |
|
Coaching Committee Members |
Conducting Committee Member training / education sessions |
Agenda, PDF of presentation materials |
|
OACA Involvement |
Active participation on an OACA Committee which may include Governance, Legislation, Conference/Seminar or any other Board appointed Committees; Contribution/participation in an OACA event |
Your role, committee name, length of time involved (dates), brief explanation of your contributions. |
IMPORTANT
To maintain (renew) your designation, members will be required to upload their PDU Submission Package on the OACA website when submitting the Accreditation Renewal Form. Members that do not renew and upload their maintenance requirements within 4 years from the date of accreditation will lose their designation and will have to reapply. Please note that a renewal fee of $100.00 is applicable upon submission of PDU requirements.
For current holders of the ACST or ACST (A) designation, please note that upon renewal, members will be required to submit the completed ACST Applicant Submission Package. Renewals will be subject to the *PDU maintenance program and required fees.
Please note:
For Committee Members holding the ACM or ACM (A) designation, OACA will fully endorse the designation until its expiry (designation will cease upon expiry). In lieu of this designation, OACA has developed a Committee Member Training Series & Certificate Program and will continue to develop additional educational offerings and certificates pertaining to the adjudication of applications to support the role and professional development of Committee Members.
The new ACST Accreditation Program is in effect as of April 1, 2020.
