ACVREP Glossary of Terms
Professional Standards
(a.k.a. Professional Competencies) The specific knowledge, skills, and behavioral attributes required to effectively and efficiently meet service-related requirements and responsibilities within a specific professional scope (i.e. low vision therapy). Professional competencies serve to promote the provision of quality services and an individual's ability to perform service-related tasks and responsibilities.
Professional standards are developed by a committee of subject matter experts consisting of professionals within the applicable scope of practice and must undergo a process of public review and comment prior to adoption by The Academy Board of Directors. In accordance to industry standards, The Academy is responsible for facilitating the ongoing development of professional standards by:
- fostering the continuous review and refinement of professional standards by subject matter expert committees to assure that such standards are relevant and field-driven;
- identifying subject matter expert committee members responsible for the review and refinement of standards;
- supporting subject matter expert committees;
- distributing draft professional standards to Academy stakeholders for review and comment;
- validating professional standards through statistical analysis; and
- adopting such standards for certification purposes.
Professional standards are written to be measured and serve as the foundation of assessment mechanisms (i.e. the certification examination) utilized by The Academy to evaluate individual professional competency.
Certification Eligibility Criteria
The specific requirements utilized by The Academy to establish an individual's competence within a specific professional domain. Certification Eligibility Criteria shall include the requirements necessary to take the applicable certification examination utilized by The Academy to determine and validate professional competency of individual candidates for certification.
In accordance to industry standards, The Academy seeks and utilizes the input of its stakeholders to identify fair, reasonable and appropriate certification eligibility criteria.
Recertification Eligibility Criteria
The specific requirements utilized by ACVREP to establish an individual's continued competence within a professional domain in order to maintain Academy professional certification. Such criteria serve to promote the certified professional's commitment to the field and efforts to enhance professional competency.
In accordance to industry standards, The Academy seeks and utilizes the input of its stakeholders to identify recertification eligibility criteria that is fair reasonable and appropriate.
Code of Ethics
The specific performance and behavioral expectations set forth by ACVREP to promote the provision of quality services in manner that is respectful and responsible to all stakeholders. The Academy expects each certified professional to act in accordance to the established Code of Ethics within the specific professional domain for which he/she is certified.
In accordance to industry standards, The Academy seeks and utilizes the input of its stakeholders to develop and institute Codes of Ethics that promote professional responsibility and enhance the quality of care and service.
ACVREP
(Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals) The Academy is an independent and autonomous legal certification body governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to meeting the needs of the vision services field and providing high-quality professional certification in the disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, and vision rehabilitation therapy.
