MnCHOICES certified assessor training

Minn. Stat. §256B.0911, subd. 13(b) establishes training and certification requirements for the MnCHOICES assessment process. MnCHOICES certified assessor training (MnCAT) prepares assessors to conduct assessments and use the MnCHOICES web-based application. Certified assessors recertify every three years.

Why does DHS need to train and certify assessors?

Lead agencies must use trained and certified assessors. Certified assessors need to have a common set of skills and knowledge in best practices and use person-centered principles. Training and certification helps ensure consistency across assessments for long-term services and supports. Certified assessor training also supports the opportunity for equal access to services statewide.

Who can become a certified assessor?

To become a certified assessor, candidates must:

  • Be employed by a lead agency (or an agency contracted by a lead agency).
  • Have at least one of the following:
    • Associate’s degree in human services or closely related field.
    • Associate’s degree in nursing with a public health nursing certificate or a closely related field.
    • Current registered nurse license.

How will DHS train and certify candidates?

DHS designed a training curriculum and developed a certification process. Training and certification includes four steps:

  1. Principles: Candidates take seven online courses to learn the key elements of person-centered assessments, how to prepare for and interview a person and complete MnCHOICES assessments.
  2. Foundation: Candidates need to demonstrate a basic understanding about a variety of topics such as programs and services, formal and informal supports, funding sources, data practices and so on. Candidates must pass a test following each course.
  3. Application: Through online training and hands-on experience, candidates learn how to access and navigate MnCHOICES, become familiar with content, functions and features of the assessment and the assessment workflow. Candidates will also review conversational interviewing skills, techniques and reflective strategies for adapting interviews. A learning lab has candidates explore several examples. The course also introduces the assessor to the recertification process.
  4. Recertification: Assessors participate in professional development activities, document their experience and describe how the activities improve their knowledge and skills to be a certified assessor.

When may candidates begin the training and certification process?

MnCHOICES Certified Assessor Training steps 1 and 2 are available in TrainLink.

Step 3 is only available to staff employed by or under contract with a lead agency. Candidates are provided a special URL to TrainLink that allows them to access Step 3 training. In addition, the lead agency also provides the candidate with access to the MnCHOICES Training Zone (MTZ) to complete the Step 3 training and practice.

Send an email to DHS.Mnchoices@state.mn.us with questions or comments about certified assessor training.