ESRI Authorized Training Program
 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Book Orders

Are ATP instructors limited to the number of books they can order?
As an authorized instructor, you may purchase as many books as you want. However, our book policy states that books can only be sold to students who enroll in and attend your class.
Can I order coursebooks without being authorized?
No. Only ESRI Authorized Instructors in good standing may order coursebooks and student certificates.
How do I place a book order?
All instructors are provided with access to book order forms upon authorization. Book order forms are downloadable from our instructor Web site. These forms can be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed. Directions and numbers are listed on each order form.
How far in advance should I order my coursebooks?
We strongly recommend that authorized instructors submit orders for coursebooks and student certificates at least 10 days prior to the scheduled class.
As an authorized instructor, which coursebooks am I allowed to purchase?
Authorized instructors may purchase coursebooks only for the classes they are authorized to teach.
What is the return policy on coursebooks?
Course materials ordered from ESRI are returnable on a limited basis.
I work at a university; may I use my campus bookstore to sell my coursebooks?
If you must use a bookstore, ESRI recommends that you request that the bookstore keep all ESRI books behind the counter for students to purchase. ESRI coursebooks are to be purchased only by students who enroll in and attend the class. This is a normal procedure for bookstores that typically support requests for special handling of materials.

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Instructor Materials

Where do I go to get my instructor materials?
Upon authorization, all instructors are provided with access to the instructor materials for the course(s) they are authorized to teach.
May I modify the course materials?
ATP policy states that authorized instructors must teach the entire and original course content to receive credit for teaching the class. Authorized instructors may not modify the course lectures, exercises, or data without the prior written consent of ESRI. You may add value to the class by including additional slides or other presentation materials appropriate to your clients.
May I use additional datasets in my course?
If you would like to substitute datasets or lecture content other than that provided in the course, you must notify ESRI prior to using substitute content in any classes. In addition, you must submit a copy of your proposed exercises, data, and/or lecture content to ATP for review and approval. ESRI will evaluate the proposed substitute materials to ensure that they adequately represent the technology content intended for the course. You may contact the ESRI ATP for specific instructions on data substitution.

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Discounts

Are there any discounts for teaching nonprofit organizations?
ATP does not offer price breaks or discounts on costs related to becoming an authorized instructor.

ESRI offers reduced rates to various agencies for instructor-led training. These fees are administered through the Learning Center.
As an authorized instructor, am I eligible for any type of software discount?
One of the benefits of being an authorized instructor in good standing is a 20 percent discount on one copy each of select ESRI software. Please contact ATP for more information. Software training kits are also available to authorized instructors for specific courses.
As an authorized instructor, am I eligible for a discount on ESRI classes?
Yes, authorized instructors in good standing are eligible to receive a 40 percent discount on ESRI instructor-led classes.

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Software

As an authorized instructor, am I eligible for any type of software discount?
One of the benefits of being an authorized instructor in good standing is a 20 percent discount on one copy each of select ESRI software. Please contact ATP for more information. Software training kits are also available to authorized instructors for specific courses.
What do I do if I am teaching at a site that does not have software loaded on their machines?
Software training kits may be licensed from our Customer Service Department. These order forms are available on our password-protected ATP Partners Only Web site.
May I use the evaluation copy of the software in the back of the book to teach my ATP class?
No. The evaluation CD in the back of the book is for a student's use outside of class only. Instructors must use appropriately licensed client-site software or purchase a nominally priced ATP software training kit.

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Software Training Kits

How do I get a software training kit?
Order forms are available on our password-protected ATP Partners Only Web site. Software training kit licenses require an executed addendum to the instructor agreement. There are two licensing schemes for ArcView 9.x: single use and concurrent use. Authorized instructors will use single-use licensing, and APECs will use concurrent-use licensing. Single-use licensing requires stand-alone machines and a registration code. Concurrent-use licensing requires a computer network, with a single machine using a hardware key to act as the license manager.
What is single-use licensing?
We know that many instructors will conduct training classes in a mobile environment and that Internet access will not always be available. For this reason, we have established single-use training kits to give you the flexibility to conduct courses in any classroom setting.

Single-use training kits allow authorized instructors to provide software for up to 14 students per class. Single-use licensing requires stand-alone machines and a registration code. The software requires installation but automatically times out after 60 days, so there is no need to remove the software from each student's machine.

Authorized Instructor (Single Use) Training Kit
Kit Software Use Fees
Single Use ArcView 9.x Training Kit 60-day time-out licenses for up to 14 students per class $695 startup $495 annual renewal

You will receive a box that contains the media, books, and a registration file. This registration file allows you to access the automated online registration system. Once you have completed this process, you will have use of the software for 60 days.

At approximately 45-day intervals, you can contact Customer Service to request another 60-day time-out registration file. Once you receive this file, you can save it to a disk and replicate it on student machines as needed to conduct classes. Once the students' training software expires, they will need to contact ESRI or the nearest reseller to purchase a software license.

What is concurrent-use licensing?
APECs must designate a machine to act as the classroom license manager. If machines are scarce, one of the student machines can act as the license manager; an instructor machine or server is preferred. The machine functioning as the license manager must have a Sentinel hardware key and keycodes that correspond to that hardware key. Once the ESRI License Manager software is installed, ArcView 9.x can be installed on the student machines and directed to use the classroom license manager.

Customer Service will distribute keycodes to APECs. The time-out period on APEC keycodes is set for one year from distribution. The number of licenses available is built into the keycodes.

Authorized Partner Education Center (Concurrent Use) Training Kit
Kit Software Use Fees
Concurrent Use ArcEditor Training Kit* 14 concurrent-use ArcEditor licenses $695 startup $495 annual renewal**
Concurrent Use ArcIMS Training Kit 14 concurrent-use ArcIMS licenses $695 startup $495 annual renewal

*New centers receive a complimentary ArcEditor Training Kit upon authorization.
**ArcEditor renewal fee is included in annual APEC renewal fee.

You will receive a box that contains the media, books, and a registration file. This registration file allows you to access the automated online registration system. Once you have completed this process, you will have use of our software, at a fixed facility, for one year.

Technical support for ATP-related issues will be provided to ESRI Authorized Partner Education Centers and Authorized Instructors who purchase ATP training kits. If a problem occurs during installation or delivery of the ATP course, please call ESRI Technical Support at 909-793-3774. Along with the standard information you provide the call receptionist, please indicate that you have purchased the ATP training kit. You will be assisted as swiftly as possible. Details regarding technical support are described at ESRI's online support center. Technical support is included with your annual training kit renewal.

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Program Requirements

Who can join ATP?
The Authorized Training Program is open to residents of the United States and U.S. territories including overseas military bases in U.S. territories.
What role does the ESRI regional office play?
All candidates require regional office and ATP approval before becoming authorized and when moving within and among regions. A strong relationship with the regional office is important to your success as an ATP member. Contact your regional ATP coordinator.
Are there entrance requirements?
Yes. All candidates must obtain prequalification submission approval, take prerequisite courses, pass an instructor performance evaluation, pass a course-specific exam, and pay applicable fees.
Are there maintenance requirements?
Yes. Authorized instructors have annual requirements that depend on the particular course authorization. APECs have annual requirements that are substantially different from those required of an individual instructor.
How does ATP track my class/student requirements?
ATP requirements are tracked through class rosters received from instructors and class information forms received from APECs. The ATP tracks classes and student attendance through our Online Course Evaluation System.

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Conducting Business as an Authorized Training Provider

How many computers do I have to have available to teach a class?
Each student must have their own computer.
What are the minimum and maximum class sizes?
Optimal class size is between 8 and 14 students. ATP software training kits will only support 14 students. There is no minimum class size.
May I use a teaching assistant?
Teaching assistants may not conduct any part of the lecture. Teaching assistants should have a working knowledge of the ESRI software being taught and should be familiar with the exercises. If the teaching assistant is an authorized instructor, only one authorized instructor will receive credit for teaching the class.
May I teach courses other than those for which I am authorized?
If you teach courses other than those ESRI has authorized you to teach, you may not promote such courses as being ESRI authorized, nor may you use ESRI trademarked logos or emblems in any printed and/or digital materials developed to advertise nonauthorized courses.
May I teach outside the United States?
Authorized instructors may teach in the United States or U.S. territories including overseas military bases in U.S. territories. If you desire to teach an ESRI authorized course outside the United States and its territories, you must first obtain written permission from the ESRI international distributor in that region. Please contact the International Teaching Program for more information.
May I teach an older version of the course?
You may teach an outdated version of the software but only if that is your client's or your organization's preference. To do so, however, you must be an active authorized instructor. Availability of course materials for previous software versions is not guaranteed.
What if I leave my employer?
You must notify ATP within 30 days of any change of address or employer. The required form is available on the ATP Partners Only Web site.

Your authorization is contingent upon regional approval. When you move within and among regions, your authorizations require continued approval by the appropriate regional office.

Unless your instructor agreement specifically states otherwise, your authorization belongs to you as an individual. You should verify your employer understands this if paying your ATP fees. ATP does not involve itself in fee arrangements between employers and employees.
May I advertise additional courses?
If you advertise both ESRI- and non-ESRI-developed classes, you must clearly state which classes ESRI developed and which were developed by your organization. You may not use any ESRI trademarked logos or emblems or represent yourself as an ESRI Authorized Instructor when advertising and conducting non-ESRI-authorized classes.

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Prequalification Process

What does the prequalification process involve?
The prequalification process involves submitting a prequalification questionnaire for review by ATP and the regional office and obtaining approval to continue. You will be notified of approval/denial within 30 days.
Who has access to my prequalification questionnaire?
Both ATP in Redlands, California, and your local regional office ATP coordinator routinely review prequalifications. Prequalifications are also subject to review by other departments within ESRI when necessary.
What if I haven't taken the prerequisite courses?
We recommend you wait until you have received your prequalification approval prior to registering for the prerequisite courses. ESRI will not refund class fees in the event the prequalification is not approved.
I am a current ATP instructor. Do I need to submit a prequalification questionnaire for additional authorizations?
Yes. Each authorization requires a separate prequalification process.
My prequalification has been approved. Now what?
Upon prequalification approval, you will be e-mailed an application fee form. Upon return of your fee, an ATP application packet will be sent via e-mail.
How long do I have to submit my application fee form?
After receiving prequalification approval and the e-mailed application fee form, you have 30 days to return the application fee form. If this form is not received within 30 days, the prequalification process will start over from the beginning.

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Prerequisite Courses

Where can I take prerequisite ESRI instructor-led training courses?
Prerequisite courses may be taken from ESRI in Redlands, California; at any of our regional offices; or from an ESRI Learning Center (not to be confused with an Authorized Partner Education Center). Please review the course catalog.
Where can I find a schedule of classes?
ESRI Schedule of Classes
Do classes taken from an authorized instructor count toward my class requirement?
No. Classes taken from an authorized instructor do not meet the ATP prerequisite course requirement(s).
Do classes taken on the Virtual Campus Web site count toward my class requirement?
No. Classes taken on ESRI's Virtual Campus do not meet the ATP prerequisite course requirement(s).
I took Introduction to ArcGIS I and II two years ago. Does this count?
No. Course requirements must have been completed within 12 months of applying to the program. Viewing how the course is taught by ESRI is an important part of ATP authorization, as you will be representing ESRI when conducting ATP courses.
Why do I have to take/retake the class if I have extensive experience with the software?
Even if a candidate has many years of experience using the software, it is not a replacement for the class. We want our experienced users to take the class from the perspective of becoming a prospective instructor. The ESRI course materials are designed to be instructor led, not self-learning. Therefore, it is very important for an ATP candidate to see and hear exactly how the training is delivered.
Can I obtain my application packet before completing my course requirements?
No. Applicants will not be provided with an application order form until they have completed their course requirement(s).

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Certification

Does ESRI certify instructors in GIS?
No. Certification requires some sort of accreditation by an independent academic review committee. ESRI does not have a GIS certification program, nor are we accredited by any GIS certification committee. Therefore, ESRI does not have the authority to grant certifications to individuals or facilities. We are not permitted to use the term "certified," and you must refrain from using this terminology in relation to ESRI ATP authorization.

The ATP authorizes instructors to teach select ESRI software training courses, purchase ESRI coursebooks, and teach classes using ESRI-developed course materials. ATP partners are referred to as ESRI Authorized Instructors (AIs) and ESRI Authorized Partner Education Centers.

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Application Process

Can I fill out the application fee form online?
Unfortunately, no. The application fee form will be e-mailed to you. It is a fillable Word document that can be completed and then returned by e-mail or fax.
Can I obtain my application packet before completing my course requirements?
No. Applicants will not be provided with an application order form until they have completed their course requirement(s).
Who has access to my application and exam?
Applications may be reviewed by ATP staff, ESRI instructors, and your local regional office.
Is there a time limit on submitting my application/exam?
Yes, applications must be received within 30 days of the e-mail send date.
Where/How are the exams administered?
The exam is sent to you via e-mail and may be returned via e–mail or fax (if a project is not required), standard mail, FedEx, and so forth.
What are the passing criteria for the exam?
To successfully complete the examination, all applicants must score at least 85 percent on all portions of their examination.
What if I do not pass the exam on the first attempt?
About one-half of all candidates do not pass the examination on the first try. ATP strongly encourages you to utilize the 30-day examination period to exhaustively research and verify your examination answers. If you do not pass the exam on the first try, you may pay a $100 reexamination fee and take a second exam (depending on the authorization).
What if I do not pass the examination on the second try?
Candidates who fail the second exam are asked to reapply to the program in six months.
What if I do not return my examination within 30 days?
Exams submitted after 30 days will be returned to the applicant ungraded, and application/examination fees will not be refunded. The ATP authorization fee will not be processed. The ATP application process will start over from the beginning.
What do I need to return with my application?
The ATP application packet contains an application, the examination, a statement of verification, instructor agreements, and an authorization fee form.

You will need to return the exam answer sheet, signed statement of verification, authorization fee form, completed application, completed project (if applicable) and two original signed copies of the instructor agreement.
What is the mailing address to return the application?
ESRI
Authorized Training Program
380 New York Street
Redlands, CA 92373-8100
Could you let me know which questions I answered incorrectly and the correct answers?
Correct answers will not be provided. For the Introduction to ArcGIS I exam only, and only for those who fail the first examination, ATP will identify the missed question numbers.
What is a performance evaluation?
A performance evaluation consists of a brief presentation or interview to verify the applicant's teaching and interviewing skills as well as the applicant's software knowledge.
When/Where do I complete my performance evaluation?
The performance evaluation will be scheduled and performed by the ESRI regional office. The applicant must score at least a 3, 4, or 5 on the evaluation before becoming eligible for authorization.
I have passed the exam. Now what?
Upon passing the exam and completing all authorization requirements, your authorization fee and agreements will be processed.
What will I receive upon authorization?
Upon execution of your agreements, you will receive a welcome letter, an ESRI Authorized Instructor certificate, an original signed copy of your executed instructor agreement, and access to the ATP Partners Only Web site for the ESRI-developed course materials.

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Online Course Evaluation System

What is the Online Course Evaluation System?
The Online Course Evaluation System (OCES) is an automated system to collect student input and generate a variety of output reports through a Web interface.
Is this for ESRI ATP instructors only?
No. This system will be used for ATP and ESRI instructor-led evaluations.

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Maintaining Your Authorization

What are the annual requirements for my authorization?
Annual requirements can be a minimum number of students taught and/or a minimum number of courses taught. It depends on the authorization.
When is my annual ATP authorization renewal fee due?
Your annual fee is due upon completion of your first year of authorization and each year thereafter. All instructors and APECS in good standing will receive a quote approximately 60 days before the end of their anniversary year. Annual renewal fees not paid within the time specified will cause your ATP authorization to be automatically deactivated.
How much is the annual ATP authorization renewal fee?
The annual ATP instructor authorization renewal fee is a flat $200 per anniversary year and includes all authorizations. The annual ATP APEC authorization renewal fee is $800.
What does my annual authorization renewal fee cover?
The annual authorization renewal fee covers free software upgrades of instructor materials and program support from the ATP. The APEC annual renewal includes software training kit maintenance.
What is an anniversary year?
An anniversary year refers to the 12-month cycle ATP uses to determine your eligibility requirements. Your anniversary year begins on the date your instructor agreements are executed by our legal department. For example, if your anniversary year begins May 12, 2007, you will be required to teach the minimum number of classes/students on or before May 11, 2008.
What actions could cause me to be terminated (deactivated) from the program?
Reasons for termination include, but are not limited to
  • Failure to teach the required number of classes/students.
  • Failure to provide a new coursebook to each student.
  • Failure to teach the entire contents of the course, including exercises, or modification of course materials without ESRI's prior permission.
  • Failure to provide a signed ESRI certificate to each student who successfully completes a class. Certificates must include, at a minimum, the student's name, course name, course version, authorized instructor signature, and name of authorized instructor's affiliated organization (if any).
I've been deactivated. What can I do to reactivate my authorization?
If your authorization status has been deactivated, you will be treated as a brand-new applicant. Please reapply to the program by submitting a prequalification questionnaire. Upon approval, you will be required to take the exam and pay all applicable fees.

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Authorized Partner Education Centers

What courses may an APEC teach?
An APEC may offer any ATP course, provided it is taught by an ATP authorized instructor who is authorized to teach that particular course. The ATP instructor does not have to be a staff member.
What is the APEC application process?
The potential APEC must submit an APEC prequalification questionnaire to ESRI for review and approval by ATP and the ATP coordinator at the regional office. Upon prequalification approval, ATP will e-mail an application fee form to the potential APEC. After receiving the $200 application fee, ATP will e-mail the potential APEC an application packet.

The application packet contains an application, APEC Agreement and Training Kit Addendum, a policies and procedures guide, and an authorization fee form. The application includes a PowerPoint presentation loaded with pictures of the facility, authorization fee form, and two original signed copies of the APEC Agreement and Software Training Kit Addendum. The application must be returned to ATP within 30 days.

The regional office will then schedule a walk-through of the facility. If ESRI finds the facility to be an appropriate training environment, ATP will approve the APEC and process the APEC authorization packet.

Do we enter into a contract with ESRI?
Upon approval of the application, an agreement will be signed by the APEC and ESRI. The APEC will receive a signed copy of the agreement. If an APEC fails to comply with the policies and procedures in this document, it will be subject to termination from the program.
What standards need to be met for consideration as an APEC?
To be considered as a potential APEC, your training facility must meet certain building, software, system, and audiovisual requirements listed in the Authorized Partner Education Center Requirements.

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