Endorsement Policies:

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

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 as follows:

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 1 month 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 1 month 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:

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 2008, specialized in-service training hours received in 2009 are due by Jan 31, 2010.  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.

 

Policy 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 if a) a proctor who has already earned Level IV endorsement can be identified, and b) those seeking permission agree to pay for the expenses related to overnight postage of the exam materials to and from the additional location.

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.