Endorsement Policies
Important! New policies added 9/15/11
Annual Renewal of Endorsement will soon require on-going reflective supervision/consultation
Effective January 1, 2013, professionals who have earned endorsement at Level II, Level III, or Level IV-Clinical will be required to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of reflective supervision/consultation (RSC) annually, in order to renew/maintain endorsement status. This renewal requirement applies to all Level II, III, and IV-Clinical professionals, regardless of when endorsement was originally earned. The only exception is for those who have been endorsed as Infant Mental Health Mentor – Clinical (Level IV) for at least three years.
Applicant and/or endorsed professional
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Provider of reflective supervision/consultation
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Renewal requirement ends |
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For applicants earning endorsement |
For professionals renewing endorsement (annually) |
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Infant Family Specialist (Level II) Bachelor’s prepared |
Level II Master’s prepared OR Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 24 clock hours |
Level II Master’s prepared OR Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 12 clock hours |
On-going |
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Infant Family Specialist (Level II) Master’s prepared |
Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 24 clock hours |
Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 12 clock hours |
On-going |
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Infant Mental Health Specialist (Level III) Direct service provider |
Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 50 clock hours |
Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 12 clock hours |
On-going |
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Infant Mental Health Specialist (Level III) Provider of RSC to others |
Level III or Level IV-Clinical Min. 50 clock hours |
Level IV-Clinical Min. 12 clock hours |
On-going |
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Infant Mental Health Mentor – Clinical (Level IV) |
Level IV-Clinical Min. 50 clock hours |
Level IV-Clinical Min. 12 clock hours |
After having earned & maintained Level IV-Clinical for min. 3 yrs |
Costs related to reflective supervision/consultation (RSC) vary. Individual RSC may cost between $50 to $150 per hour and group RSC generally costs between $75 and $200 per hour. The cost will vary depending on the experience of the provider, the size of the group (if applicable), and arrangements for mileage, travel time, etc. RSC can be provided over the phone, or through video conferencing when distances are problematic.
Qualified providers of RSC can be found at http://www.mi-aimh.org/qualified-providers
Peer supervision (defined as colleagues meeting together without an identified supervisor/consultant to guide the reflective process), while valuable for many experienced practitioners, does not meet the reflective supervision/consultation criteria for endorsement, even if one or more of the peers has earned endorsement at Level IV-Clinical or Level III. The provider of reflective supervision is charged with holding the emotional content of the cases presented. The ability to do so is compromised when the provider is a peer of the presenter. Unnecessary complications can arise when the provider of reflective supervision has concerns about a peer’s ability to serve a particular family due to the peer’s emotional response AND the provider and peer share office space, for example.
Increase in Endorsement Processing Fees for Level III and Level IV
The Endorsement Processing Fee for Infant Mental Health Specialist (Level III) will be raised to $300 (from $200) and for Infant Mental Health Mentor (Level IV) to $400 (from $300), effective January 1, 2012.
Rationale:
• The original Endorsement Processing Fees were set nearly 10 years ago. Costs have increased significantly over those last 10 years
• MI-AIMH must create a new exam for Level III and IV applicants each year. Consultants are paid to analyze results from previous exams, write new questions & vignettes, solicit new questions & vignettes from practitioners in Michigan and other League states, coordinate field-testing of new questions & vignettes, manage databases of exam questions and vignettes
• The Endorsement Coordinator spends an estimated 8 hours of time on each Level III & IV applicant (responding to inquiry, processing Preliminary Application, answering applicant questions, coordinating portfolio review, preparing and administering exam, coordinating exam review, communicating results of exam, composing feedback letter).
• The Endorsement Coordinator’s time is increased by an estimated 3-4 hours for applicants who request an accommodation for taking the exam
• And the Endorsement Coordinator’s time is increased by another estimated 4-5 hours for applicants who do not pass the exam (and for each subsequent re-take)
Preliminary application fee increase for Level II
The Preliminary Application Fee for Infant Family Specialist (Level II) will go up to $20 (from $15), effective 1/1/12. The preliminary application fees were set in 2002 and were intended to help cover costs related to shipping Competency Guidelines that are mailed to every applicant. The newly revised Competency Guidelines retail for $25.50 plus $3.50 shipping & handling.
Refund policies
The Preliminary Application Fee for endorsement covers the materials that are sent to new applicants, including the MI-AIMH Competency Guidelines® that currently retail for $25.50 plus shipping & handling. Therefore, MI-AIMH does not refund Preliminary Application Fees.
The Endorsement Processing Fee only partially covers the MI-AIMH expenses related to supporting applicants through the process, facilitating portfolio reviews, compiling feedback letters to each applicant, creating and mailing the endorsement certificate, and maintaining the endorsement registry. In addition, at Levels III & IV there are the additional expenses related to the creation and field testing of a new exam each year, administering the exam, and reviewing the exam. Reviews of the portfolios submitted by Level III and IV applicants requires approximately 30-40% more time than the review of portfolios submitted by Level I & II applicants. Therefore, MI-AIMH is unable to refund Endorsement Processing Fees once a portfolio has been submitted for review.
Replacement certificates
MI-AIMH is happy to send a replacement endorsement certificate, but please note that we are now charging $10 for replacements to cover time, materials, shipping & handling. If an employer or anyone needs to confirm your endorsement, please refer to the Endorsement Registry at http://mi-aimh.org/endorsement-registry. To request a new endorsement certificate, please mail a check for $10, made out to MI-AIMH to Nichole Paradis, c/o MI-AIMH, 13101 Allen Road, Ste 300, Southgate, MI 48195.
Out of state endorsement applicants
MI-AIMH no longer accepts endorsement applications from those who reside outside of Michigan unless the applicant is from a state (or country) who has made a commitment to purchase a license to use the Competency Guidelines and Endorsement.
Moving from one level to the next
To assure fulfillment of the MI-AIMH Endorsement requirements as specified, an endorsed member will notify (in writing) the intent to apply for endorsement at the next level of professional development with the following guidelines in mind:
Time-frame for application
- Level I to Level II Minimum of 1 year from the date of Level I Endorsement
- Level II to Level III Minimum of 1 year from the date of Level II Endorsement
- Level III to Level IV Minimum of 3 years from the date of Level III Endorsement
Intent to apply
The burden of responsibility is on the endorsed member to inform the MI-AIMH Central Office in writing (not e-mail) of the intent to apply for endorsement at the next level of professional development. This should be done at least 6 months before intending to complete the process. This is particularly important to assure that all of the requirements are understood, that there is adequate time for preparation for the Endorsement exam at Levels III and IV, and that the professional portfolio is updated with new information pertinent to the candidate?s application, including contact information. The MI-AMH Central Office will (re)assign an IMH advisor to the endorsed member to answer questions and assist the applicant in the process. The applicant must demonstrate competency and all of the requirements as indicated for endorsement at that next level.
Note: All portfolio materials must be reviewed by the IMH advisor and submitted to the MI-AIMH Central Office at least six weeks before the Endorsement exam is scheduled for Level III & IV candidates. A summary of requirements appears in the chart below.
Application and payment
An applicant who has earned the MI-AIMH Endorsement at Levels I, II or III does not need to pay an additional application fee. The fee for Endorsement is the difference between the fee paid at previous level and the current desired level:
- Infant Family Associate (Level I) to Infant Family Specialist (Level II): $75
- Infant Family Specialist (Level II) to Infant Mental Health Specialist (Level III) $200 (or $250 depending on when Level II was earned)
- Infant Mental Health Specialist (Level III) to Infant Mental Health Mentor (Level IV) $100 (or $200 depending on when Level III was earned)
Endorsement Requirements
| Documentation | Level I to II | Level II to III | Level III to IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-service Training | 30 hours | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Reflective Supervision or Consultation | 24 hours within a 2 year time frame, following criteria as stated in guidelines | 50 hours within a 2 year time frame, following criteria as stated in guidelines (24 hours from Level II may be counted toward this if the application is within 1 year of Level II endorsement) |
Clinical candidates:50 hours within a 2 year time frame, criteria as stated in guidelines (24 hours from Level III may be counted if application is within the 3 year time frame) |
| References | 3 new references: 1 must be from the person providing reflective supervision or consultation. | 3 new references: 1 must be from the person providing reflective supervision or consultation. If candidate has been a supervisor or trainer for at least one year, 1 must be from a supervisee or trainee. | 3 new references: Clinical candidates: References must include a person who provided supervision and one who received supervision or training from you. |
| Exams | Not Applicable | Yes, required. Professional Portfolio must be submitted for review no later than 8 weeks before the scheduled exam date. Candidate must take both the qualitative and multiple choice portions of the endorsement exam to qualify for endorsement at Level III. |
Yes, required. Professional Portfolio must be submitted for review no later than 8 weeks before the scheduled exam date. Candidate does not re-take the multiple choice portion of the exam. Candidate must take the qualitative portion of the exam specific to the area of expertise. Clinical, policy, or research/faculty. The qualitative portion of the exam is 90 minutes in duration. |
| Education | Update transcripts documenting degree/courses as required. | Update transcripts documenting degree/courses as required. | Update transcripts documenting degree/courses. |
Annual Renewal of Endorsement
In order to renew the MI-AIMH Endorsement® annually, the following is required:
- On-going membership in MI-AIMH or another infant mental health association
- 15 clock hours of training related to culturally-sensitive, relationship-focused practice promoting infant mental health
MI-AIMH also strongly recommends that professionals at Level II, III, & IV (Clinical) receive on-going reflective supervision/consultation.
Endorsement renewal is due at the time of membership renewal, by Jan 31 of each year. For those who earned endorsement in 2011, specialized in-service training hours received in 2012 are due by Jan 31, 2013. Please use the E-form for Annual Renewal to document these hours.
To renew membership, please go to http://www.mi-aimh.org/membership.php. For endorsement, memberships must be individual, not organizational.
Effective January 1, 2013, professionals who have earned endorsement at Level II, Level III, or Level IV-Clinical will be required to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of reflective supervision/consultation (RSC) annually, in order to renew/maintain endorsement status. This renewal requirement applies to all Level II, III, and IV-Clinical professionals, regardless of when endorsement was originally earned. The only exception is for those who have been endorsed as Infant Mental Health Mentor – Clinical (Level IV) for at least three years.
Policies Regarding the Endorsement Examination
Dates and Location
The Endorsement Examination is offered two times each year, usually in March and September. The exam will be proctored in one primary location. Permission can be sought to have the exam proctored in one additional location. Requests to determine an alternate exam site need to be made at least 10 weeks prior to the exam date. Requests are submitted in writing (email or letter) to the Endorsement Coordinator. MI-AIMH will offer the exam at the primary location and at no more than two alternate locations at any given exam administration. Exams administered at an alternate location must occur on the same date as the primary exam administration. $50 shipping and handling fee be added for each applicant whose request to take the exam in any location other than the primary site has been approved.
Portfolio Submission, Review, & Approval
Level III and Level IV candidates are expected to submit a professional portfolio at least eight weeks before exam date. Exam dates and portfolio submission deadlines are posted at
http://www.mi-aimh.org/event.php?id=4
Portfolios must be received, in their entirety, by the MI-AIMH Central Office on or before the deadline. This is not a “post mark” deadline.
Level III & IV portfolios are reviewed by at least two professionals who have earned endorsement at Level III or IV and/or are members of the Endorsement Committee.
At least two professionals must agree that the candidate has adequately met the competencies (as required at his/her desired level) and is approved to sit for the exam.
If the portfolio reviewers believe the candidate is not yet ready to sit for the exam, the candidate will be given specific feedback related to the decision. MI-AIMH will provide a letter to the candidate identifying strengths and gaps, as they relate to the competencies. The candidate will be invited to submit an updated E-form and new reference rating forms one year later and will be reconsidered to take the exam at that time.
Exam scores
Candidates must receive passing scores on both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam to earn endorsement.
A passing score on Part 1 (multiple choice) of the exam is 80%. Candidates who receive a score of less than 80% will be invited to take the exam again in one year. In order to carefully protect the exam materials, candidates will not receive specific feedback related to the questions missed on Part 1. There is no charge to retake Part 1 of the exam.
Candidates who do not receive a passing score on Part 2 of the exam (response to vignettes/scenarios) will be provided with specific feedback based on the exam reviewers’ remarks and will be invited to take the exam again in one year. There is no charge to retake Part 2 of the exam.
Whether retaking Part 1, Part 2 or both, candidates must wait at least one year before retaking the exam.
Candidates must submit a written request to retake the exam at least one month before the exam is scheduled to be administered. They must direct the request to the Central Office.
Exam Feedback
Regardless of outcome, all who take the exam will be provided with feedback based on the exam reviewers’ remarks, and may also receive feedback based on the portfolio reviewers’ remarks. The feedback is offered in the spirit of promoting professional development and can help guide selection of specialized in-service training opportunities and continuing reflective supervision or consultation experiences.
Please see the Policy for Changing Levels for information on meeting criteria to take the exam when moving from Level II to III or from Level III to IV.
Review of an Exam Decision
A candidate has 30 days to request review of the decision and recommendations regarding endorsement. The request for review must be in writing and directed to the attention of the Endorsement Coordinator. The Endorsement Coordinator will meet with two members of the Endorsement Test Review Committee to discuss the request and respond to the candidate in writing within 15 days.
New policies regarding endorsement exam; all effective 1/1/12
a) $50 shipping & handling fee be added for each applicant who requests to take the exam in any location other than the primary site (usually Ann Arbor). Requests to determine an alternate exam site need to be made at least 10 weeks prior to the exam date. Requests are submitted in writing (email or letter) to the Endorsement Coordinator. MI-AIMH will offer the exam at the primary location and at no more than two alternate locations at any given exam administration. Exams administered at an alternate location must occur on the same date as the primary exam administration.
b) No more than 24 applicants will sit for the exam on any given exam date. If more than 24 applicants submit portfolios and are approved to sit for the exam, first priority will be given to Michigan residents and League of States affiliates.
c) If any Level III or Level IV applicant does not successfully pass the exam after two attempts, the candidate must wait at least one year before attempting a third time, then submit an updated E-form and three new reference ratings for another portfolio review, and if approved to sit for the exam again, pay a “retake” fee of $100.