PSA Lead Trainer Application Information

Scoring & Instructions

There are two components of the PSA Lead Trainer Application, the assessment of trainer experience and four short answer questions. Information collected from both components is assessed using a standardized rubric by at least two members of the PSA Lead Trainer Review Committee. 

1) Assessment of Trainer Experience:

  • Educational background: formal degrees, certifications, completed short courses, and other relevant educational experiences
  • Training and teaching experience: produce safety, food safety, postharvest, agricultural production, and other types of training led by the applicant
  • Produce production and handling experience: commercial fruit and vegetable production, extension research, outreach activities, or other applicable agricultural production experience

Any misrepresentation of education or experience on the PSA Trainer Application will result in an automatic decline for Lead Trainer status.

2) Assessment of Short Answer Questions: 

  • Responses to four short answer questions, one from each of the four competency areas:
    • Produce Safety Scientific Knowledge and Experience
    • Fruit and Vegetable Production Knowledge
    • Effective Training Delivery
    • Knowledge of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule 

Responses may be no longer than 350 words per question. Please provide thoughtful, thorough answers which address the question directly and illustrate your understanding and ability to apply and teach the concept to produce growers.

The short answer responses will be evaluated using a rubric based on the following scale.

1 Below Expectations The applicant explains concepts incorrectly.
2 Needs Further Evaluation The applicant seems to understand basic principles, but has not explained or applied the information as requested. Follow-up required. 
3 Meets Expectations The applicant demonstrates the ability to present and explain the content. This may include breaking information down into parts, relating the parts to the overall picture, making judgments based on standards.

If any of the four responses are scored “Below Expectations”, the applicant will not qualify to become a PSA Lead Trainer but may take remediation steps as outlined in 5A of the PSA Trainer Flow Diagram and reapply. PSA Trainers will be responsible for all fees to reapply (See Payment below).

If any of the four responses are scored “Needs Further Evaluation”, the committee will follow up with the applicant  to clarify the responses and ask additional questions as outlined in 5B of the PSA Trainer Flow Diagram. If a follow-up interview is necessary, the PSA will coordinate with the applicant and the PSA Lead Trainer Review Committee to schedule a date and time for a follow-up interview via toll-free videoconferencing software. 

Payment

At the end of the application, you will be directed to a screen to submit payment for the PSA Lead Trainer Application. The PSA Lead Trainer Application will cost $325 for non-profit organizations and $500 for for-profit organizations and will be paid to AFDO. This fee covers the cost of the PSA Lead Trainer Review Committee members' time reviewing and approving applications, any additional time spent conducting follow-up interviews with applicants (if needed) and PSA Lead Trainer certificate (if approved). Your application will not be reviewed until payment has been processed.

Timeline

After you submit the PSA Lead Trainer Application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail including the responses to your application questions. Upon receipt, the PSA staff will coordinate review of your PSA Lead Trainer Application. The time to complete the review of your application will depend on the PSA Lead Trainer Review Committee’s availability and completeness of information provided on your application, among other factors.

PSA Lead Trainer Approved Activities

As a PSA Lead Trainer you may:

  • Deliver any of the seven curriculum modules during a PSA Grower Training Course;
  • Register PSA Grower Training Courses with AFDO;
  • Conduct a training solo or by forming training teams, as long as all trainers have attended the PSA Train-the-Trainer Course (i.e., PSA Trainers).

Not Qualifying to Become a PSA Lead Trainer and Steps to Improve Knowledge

If a trainer is unable to qualify upon initial application and review, the applicant may reapply after taking appropriate steps to improve areas of concern, including knowledge and understanding of the four competency areas. Reapplication can occur no sooner than 6 weeks after the decline letter date. Applicants must submit documentation to demonstrate the steps taken to improve knowledge and skills identified as deficiencies from the previous application. Applicants who are reapplying will be subject to the PSA Lead Trainer Application fees.

Information will be provided to the applicant by the PSA Lead Trainer Review Committee outlining the areas that were “Below Expectations” on the scoring rubric. These areas should be reviewed first to improve knowledge. Additional actions to improve knowledge could include any of the following:

  • Participate in registered PSA Grower Training Courses as a PSA Trainer under the guidance of a PSA Lead Trainer;
  • Re-attend the PSA Train-the-Trainer Course;
  • Take and document other actions to improve knowledge (e.g., enrolling in a microbiology course, taking other produce safety courses)

Additional Information

More information about the differences between PSA Trainers and PSA Lead Trainers can be found here: