DHS Systems and IT Updates

MnCHOICES certified assessor training (MnCAT) and certification process

Updated 9/23/2022

Instructions for qualified candidates

Download a printable certification process checklist (PDF)

Certified assessor candidates complete MnCHOICES Step 3 – Track A – Certified assessors: Counties & Tribes.

Staff who perform intakes, process assignments or supervise assessors complete MnCHOICES Step 3 – Track C – All other users, about how to access and navigate the MnCHOICES Assessment.

When a user finishes the required practice, your mentor will provide security access to MnCHOICES Assessment Production (MnA-PROD). Users are encouraged to practice in the MnCHOICES Assessment Training Zone (MTZ-A), even after certification.

How to work with a lead agency supervisor to become a certified assessor:

1. Provide a mentor/supervisor the required documentation needed for certified assessor education and experience requirements.

2. Begin MnCAT when directed.

3. For MnCAT Step 1 and 2: Access MnCAT in TrainLink:

1. Go to TrainLink.
2. Select Disability Services.
3. Under Courses and Classes, select Find a Course.
4. Under Category, select MnCHOICES and then select Search

4. Complete Step 1: Learn key assessor skills and assessor responsibilities. (7 hours 45 minutes total)

You must take the five courses and five quizzes in order:

1. Introduction (MNCH100) 30 minutes
2. Course 1: Person-centered practice and MnCHOICES Assessment (MNCH101) 2 hours 45 minutes
3. Course 2: The MnCHOICES process: Referral through CSSP (MNCH102) 1 hour
4. Course 3: Conversational interviewing (MNCH103) 2 hours 30 minutes
5. Course 4: Assessment outcomes (MNCH104) 45 minutes
6. Course 5: How is MnCHOICES data used? (MNCH105) 15 minutes

Retain email confirmations for completed courses.

After completing Step 1 and passing the test with at least 80 percent correct:

1. Print the acknowledement of the test results. This may be needed if there is a discrepancy in the training record.
2. Let a mentor/supervisor know about successful completion of Step 1.
3. Go on to Step 2.

5. Complete Step 2: Learn about programs and resources needed to work in the application. (MNCH200)

Complete the two modules (4 hours 15 minutes total):

1. Introduction.
2. The Basics.

After completing Step 2 and passing the test with at least 80 percent correct:

1. Print the acknowledgement.
2. Let a mentor/supervisor know about successful completion of Step 2.
3. Go on to Step 3.

6. Complete Step 3: Prerequisite MnCAT 1 and 2 — Learn how to access and navigate the MnCHOICES Assessment application, and practice creating an assessment. Discuss what you learned about the person, for what services a person is eligible and next steps with the multidisciplinary team. (Estimated time: 6 – 10 hours)

- Step 3 has three parts that must completed in order. A mentor/supervisor will provide the links for each part and the Step 3 Test.

- Step 3, Part 1 has multiple tracks. A certified assessor must completes one Track A – Certified assessors: Counties and tribal nations in which they will create a person, intake and assessment. Other staff (i.e. intake, assignor, etc.) complete: Track C – All other users.

- In Step 3, Part 2 a user will complete access and navigation training for MnCHOICES Assessment (MnA) content.

- In Step 3, Part 3 a user will complete a MnCHOICES assessment and participate in a multidisciplinary learning lab.

1. Module 1: Learning Lab
2. Module 2: Introduction to Recertification

- A user will take a final test for MnCAT Step 3 in TrainLink. A mentor/supervisor will provide a link to the test when you have completed parts 1, 2 and 3. This test must be passed with a score of at least 80 percent.

- Obtain the following from a mentor/supervisor to begin Step 3:

• Security access to MnCHOICES Assessment training zone (MTZ-A).
• MTZ-A shortcut.
• URL for MnCAT Step 3 courses in TrainLink.
• Application – Overview.
• Guide book.
• Parts 1, 2 and 3: Tracking document.
• Part 2: Content map.
• Assessment scenario.

1. MnCHOICES Step 3 – Part 2.
2. MnCHOICES Step 3 – Part 3: What would you do?

- After completing the three parts of Step 3:

1. Let your mentor/supervisor know you successfully completed Step 3.
2. Request the link to the Step 3 test from your mentor/supervisor.
3. Once you have taken the test and received a score of at least 80 percent, print your certificate and ask your mentor/supervisor to sign it.
4. Retain your signed certificate as confirmation that you are a MnCHOICES certified assessor. You might be asked to produce it as part of a lead agency review audit.

- Request access to MnA-PROD to begin your work as a certified assessor.

- Continue practicing in MTZ-A.

- Ask your supervisor about certified assessor recertification training requirements and how to log recertification training.