Eligibility
Education professionals, government employees, industry professionals and citizen volunteers can become GI-BMP certified Instructors, in accordance with the FDEP criteria. Experience and education qualifications are detailed below by applicant category.
In addition, certification by a related professional association, such as the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA), or having an FDACS Certified Pest Control Operator License are preferred qualifications for Instructors.
For Green Industry Professionals:
- Minimum two years in training or supervisory position
- Competency in subject matter
- Competency in training
For Education Professionals:
- Two years of experience in subject matter
- Bachelor's degree
For Government Employees:
- Two years experience in subject matter
- Competency in training
- Bachelor's degree
For Citizen Volunteers:
- Two years experience in subject matter
- Competency in training
- Bachelor's degree
Eligibility Waiver
The degree or experience requirements may be waived for persons with key expertise, such as foreign language skills, upon determination that the applicant meets the other requirements and fulfills a critical need.
Four Steps to Instructor Certification
Potential Instructors must earn a GI-BMP Instructor Certificate by completing the following four steps:
Step 1. Attend a GI-BMP in-person class and pass the GI-BMP Certification Test with a minimum score of 90%
Prospective Instructors will not be admitted in the Instructor program without attending an in-person GI-BMP class and passing the post-test with at least 90%. Certificates obtained prior to 2006 or by attending an online class are not accepted because prospective Instructors must be familiar with the training they will be providing.
Step 2. Apply to become an Instructor
Complete a GI-BMP Instructor Application form and submit it by email to the Regional Coordinator for your area. The application is not currently available online, but can be requested by emailing your Regional Coordinator or using the Contact Us link above.
Step 3. Attend a GI-BMP Instructor Training Class and pass the Instructor test with a minimum score of 90%
Instructor training classes are organized by the Regional Coordinators as needed. Your Regional Coordinator will work with you to schedule your class attendance.
Step 4. Co-train twice under the supervision of a Regional Coordinator or authorized Senior Instructor
Co-training involves teaching one or more GI-BMP modules under the supervision of an experienced Instructor to gain proficiency in presenting the subject matter and to become familiar with the logistics of conducting a class. This includes assisting with sign-in, distributing materials, compiling documents, catering, and proctoring the tests.
Instructor-trainees need to coordinate with their Regional Coordinator to identify classes where they can co-train. Co-training is both an evaluation period and a learning experience. Instructor-trainees must co-train at least twice, though some people may require more than two sessions if they have not had experience in public speaking or classroom training in the past.
Upon co-train class completion, the supervising Regional Coordinator or Senior Instructor will evaluate the Instructor-trainee by completing an Instructor Evaluation Form. A minimum of 60/90 on the evaluation will complete the co-train. An Instructor-trainee who has received an unsatisfactory evaluation can continue to work with the Regional Coordinator to learn and complete the process.
To assess the effectiveness of their co-training experience, Instructor-trainees are encouraged to complete a Co-Train Participant Evaluation Form at the end of the class.
All evaluations will be reviewed by a Regional Coordinator prior to approving Instructor Certification.
Maintaining Instructor Certification
Instructors must follow these guidelines to maintain active certification status:
- Use only the most current versions of all materials, including the PowerPoint presentations, pre- and post-tests, Training Record forms, evaluation, and agenda
- Follow the prescribed content detailed in the GI-BMP Instructor and Participant manuals
- Follow the length of time allotted for each GI-BMP module
- Be aware of and keep current with all GI-BMP materials through participating in refresher trainings, attending Instructor quarterly webinars, and checking in with the Instructor Resources site
- Teach at least one class/module per year
