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PECS® Certification FAQ

Requirements and Process

Do I need to attend the PECS Level 1 Training in order to take the PECS Level 1 Knowledge Examination?

Yes. The PECS Level 1 Training is the prerequisite to take the PECS Level 1 Examination. It is also the first step towards obtaining PECS Implementer Certification.

Can I take the PECS Level 1 Knowledge Examination and the PECS Level 2 Knowledge Examination independent of the PECS Implementer Certification process?

Yes. You may take the PECS examination after attending the corresponding PECS workshop.

What are the steps to obtain PECS Implementer Certification for Level 1?
  1. Attend PECS Level 1 Training Workshop
  2. Apply online at www.pyramidonlinelearning.com or contact your local Pyramid office for an application.
  3. Take the PECS Level 1 Knowledge Examination. Achieve 90%-earn PECS Level 1 Knowledge Certificate.
  4. Update your application and complete the registration requirements for the PECS Level 1 Demonstration portion.
  5. Submit and pass all requirements for the PECS Level 1 Demonstration portion. Once all written and demonstration requirements are completed and passed, you will receive a PECS Level 1 Implementer Certificate.

 

What are the steps to obtain PECS Implementer Certification for Level 2**?
  1. Attend PECS Level 2 Training Workshop
  2. Apply online at www.pyramidonlinelearning.com or contact your local Pyramid office for an application.
  3. Take the PECS Level 2 Knowledge Examination. Achieve 90%-earn PECS Level 2 Knowledge Certificate.
  4. Update your application and register for the PECS Level 2 Demonstration portion.
  5. Submit and pass all requirements for the PECS Level 2 Demonstration portion. Once all written and demonstration requirements are completed and passed, you will receive a PECS Level 2 Implementer Certificate.

**You must hold a PECS Level 1 Implementer Certificate to begin the PECS Level 2 Implementer Certificate program.

Do I need to have a PECS Level 1 Implementer Certificate in order to take the PECS Level 2 Knowledge Examination?
No. The prerequisites for the PECS Level 2 Knowledge Examination are the PECS Level 1 Knowledge Examination Certificate and the PECS Level 2 Training Workshop Certificate of Attendance.
Do I need to attend the PECS Level 2 Training Workshop prior to taking the PECS Level 2 Examination?
Yes. The prerequisites for taking the PECS Level 2 Examination are the PECS Level 1 Knowledge Examination Certificate and Certificate of Attendance from the PECS Level 2 Training Workshop.
After I complete the PECS Certification Program, can I train others?

No. The only people authorized to hold PECS Trainings are those who work for Pyramid Educational Consultants. However, a PECS Implementer (Level 1 or Level 2) can show a colleague or parent of a common learner how to implement a phase(s) of PECS. This is not considered training a person on PECS. When this occurs we recommend that The PECS Training Manual 2nd Edition is followed and the colleague and or parent also watch the webcast A Clear Picture: The Use and Benefits of PECS and attend a PECS Training.

How do I renew my PECS Level 1 Implementer Certification?

There are 2 options: You can complete PECS Level 1 Implementer Recertification requirements or the PECS Implementer Certification for Level 2.

PECS Implementer Recertification Level 1 requirements

  1. Attend PECS Level 1 or PECS Level 2 Training Workshop
  2. Apply by contacting   your local Pyramid office for an application.
  3. Take the PECS Level 1 Recertification Examination. Achieve 90%
  4. Submit and pass all requirements for the PECS Level 1 Recertification demonstration portion. Once all written and demonstration requirements are completed and passed, you will receive an updated  PECS Level 1 Implementer Certificate.

*You must hold a current PECS Level 1 Implementer Certificate to renew your PECS Level 1 Certificate

PECS Implementer Certification Level 2 requirements

  1. Attend PECS Level 2 Training Workshop
  2. Apply online at www.pyramidonlinelearning.com or contact your local Pyramid office for an application.
  3. Take the PECS Level 2 Knowledge Examination. Achieve 90%-earn PECS Level 2 Knowledge Certificate.
  4. Update your application and register for the PECS Level 2 Demonstration portion.
  5. Submit and pass all requirements for the PECS Level 2 Demonstration portion. Once all written and demonstration requirements are completed and passed, you will receive a PECS Level 2 Implementer Certificate.

**You must hold a PECS Level 1 Implementer Certificate to begin the PECS Level 2 Implementer Certificate program.

 

Examinations

 

Is attending the PECS Training Workshop sufficient enough to pass the PECS Level 1 and PECS Level 2 Examinations or is studying necessary? If I wanted to study, what material should I read?
Attending and being active in the training is sufficient to pass the examinations. Given that there is a lot of information, you can review The PECS Training Manual, 2nd Edition and the handouts that you received during the training.
Since the exams are either taken online or emailed, are they open book?
The examinations are not designed to be open book tests. The information on the examinations is presented at the workshops. If you mark an incorrect answer, you will be given information on where to find the answer either in The PECS Training Manual, 2nd Edition or in the handout so you can review that section. If you see that you have many wrong answers, this information will help guide you on the areas of the PECS protocol where you need to focus on reviewing.
How many opportunities do I have to pass the PECS Knowledge Examinations?
You are given two (2) opportunities to pass.
What if I do not pass the examination after the second time?
You have the option of requesting a consultation (via phone or web) for an additional fee to review any aspect of the PECS protocol you would like to gain more information about. You can also take time to review your notes and The PECS Training Manual, 2nd Edition and retake the examination. For information on consultation, please contact your local Pyramid office.
Is there particular information that the PECS Level 1 Examination focuses on versus the PECS Level 2 Examination?
The PECS Level 1 Examination focuses on the fundamental aspects of the Pyramid Approach to Education and the PECS protocol, such as teaching strategies. All of the information on the examination is given during the PECS Level 1 Training Workshop. The PECS Level 2 Examination focuses on more advanced aspects of the PECS protocol and problem solving with some review of key concepts. All of the information on the examination is given during the PECS Level 2 Training Workshop.

 

Demonstration Requirements

 

When I am going through the PECS Implementer demonstration portion what if I do not have a learner for all phases?
Having a learner is an ideal situation. A confederate/actor student can be submitted for some of the requirements. An example of one of those requirements is error correction. We realize you cannot make someone have a mistake. Therefore, modifications to that requirement are permitted. The PECS Implementer Skills Assessment Checklist that you receive after you are enrolled in the program lists which requirements can be submitted with a confederate and which ones require an actual learner.
Do I need permission to send in videos?
You will need to check with your place of employment and/ or parents to find out what their video policy is for recordings. Pyramid does not need to see permission forms. The videos are used solely for evaluating the candidates’ implementation of PECS. We do not show the videos to any third party and will not use them without permission. If we see a great video, we might ask you to obtain permission for us to use the video. Video permission is not a mandatory part of the process.