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Certification in 2021:

Excitement Is in the Air

he AJA Certification
Department experienced an
Tincrease in applications in 2020
despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
By switching to the online testing
platform PowerDMS, candidates
now have the ability to take exams
at their facility in the presence of
a proctor. This is an advantage
because they are in a familiar envi-
ronment and do not have to worry
about traveling to another site and
meeting with an unfamiliar person During AJA’s virtual confer- Trainer program, and we are creat-
in order to take the exam. ence, Colonel Jared Schechter ing a provisional CJO program for
To date, AJA proudly has 337 (Jail Manager Certification correctional students attending
Certified Jail Managers, 21 Certified Commissioner Vice Chair) and the Tennessee College of Applied
Jail Supervisors, and 434 Certified AJA Certification Manager Kim Technology (TCAT).
Jail Officers. Our main goal has Eichelberger held a successful AJA has disbanded the pre-
been to promote the certification iConnect Live question-and-answer vious commission for the CCT
programs and to educate applicants session for attendees interested in certification. We will begin to solicit
on what supporting documents certifications. The live chat pro- applications for five new CCT com-
are required during the application vided an opportunity for attendees missioners who will be appointed
submission to avoid a delay in the to ask questions about submitting by our board to serve five-year
processing time. The department applications, supporting docu- terms. They will hit the ground
strives to provide an answer to ments, and the application process. running by reviewing and updating
the candidate within two weeks of Attendees were also invited to the existing CCT application and
application submission. schedule a one-on-one meeting with screening process to streamline it
Ms. Eichelberger to ask more spe-
Marketing efforts this year for new applications and recertifica-
include adding certification testimo- cific questions regarding trainings tions. In addition, they will col-
nial videos to our website, offering or classes they have taken. laborate to create a new CCT exam,
virtual training on certifications, AJA would like to thank outgo- combining questions from the old
and working with agency liaisons ing JMCC Chair Lisa Peck for her five test and inserting new questions
to share information at their facili- years of dedicated service and leader- based on commissioner suggestions.
ties. Certification numbers often ship. We wish her well and congratu- AJA is also excited to join forces
fluctuate due to retirements and late her as she moves on to the Board with TCAT to provide a provisional
the choice not to recertify after four of Directors. And we extend a warm CJO pilot program for correctional
years. Certified Jail Officers appear welcome to Dr. John Johnson, from officer candidates. Candidates who
to have the most turnover, possibly the Miami-Dade Corrections and graduate from TCAT can take the
because officers choose to leave Rehabilitation Department, who was CJO exam. Those who pass the
the field before their certification appointed to fill the JMCC vacancy. exam and work at a correctional
expires. Two exciting changes are coming facility for one full year become a
to the Certification Department in Certified Jail Officer. 
2021. AJA has assumed sole owner-
ship of the Certified Correctional

AMERICANJails JULY | AUGUST 2021 | 39