Let’s talk about TARP training, what does that mean?
TARP is an acronym for Technical Advancement Recognition Program. Essentially the program is a formalized way of tracking a members Education through attending “technical sessions” held at our local monthly IMSA meetings or vendors technical seminars or elsewhere.
Members acquire “TARP points” by attending the technical sessions that are related to their Specific certification. You will receive “1” point for every 15 min. of instruction. If the tech session is 1 hour you will receive 4 points. If you as a member are giving a technical training session, you will receive double TARP points.
On your Annual report of TARP classes you may have noticed some “Bronze”, “Silver” or “Gold” Award written on it. If you have acquired 20 tarp points this would be a Bronze award. If you have 40 points it would be a Silver award. And if you have accumulated more than 70 tarp credits it would fall in the Gold level.
We have been tracking TARP points now since 2004. It is important for you to sign the TARP training form at the beginning of each technical session for you to get your points. It would be very helpful if you know your “Member Number” for tracking your TARP credits, but if you are sure you’re a member but just don’t know your number, sign in anyways and we will try to get you credit.
Your IMSA Certification is now requiring TARP points or other documentation to show that you are still staying active in your field. Over your 3 year certification renewal period you now need to accrue 64 TARP points.
At the IMSA Conference there will be plenty of opportunity to acquire TARP points. We will be having 25-30 technical sessions throughout the 3 day period. If you are in need of TARP points this will be the place to get them. Or volunteer to give a class and get double points!
Kim Roberts kim.roberts@kingcounty.gov
International Municipal Signal Assoc.-NW
Certification Committee
Below is a form to request Tarp points for a class you have attended or a group has attended. Multiples can sign up on the same form and then submit to the Section Tarp Coordinator for the points that are needed. Questions can be directed to the TARP Committee Chair. (IF YOU EMAIL THIS COMPLETED FORM: Please name your file with the date of program and the city where it was located. This will prevent files coming in with the same name and being overwritten.)