---
title: Why Trainees Must Recertify Annually
description: Reliable CLASS observers have to recertify annually to maintain certification. Here's why that's so important.
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Recertify-Annually-1.jpg
---

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          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
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          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
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          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
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          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
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          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
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          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
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# Why Trainees Must Recertify Annually

 April 28 2016 by [Daniel LaCava](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/daniel-lacava)

- [Coach Tips](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/coach-tips)
- [Reliability and Certification](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/reliability-and-certification)

![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Recertify-Annually-1.jpg?width=519&height=300&name=Recertify-Annually-1.jpg)

For your busy Observation trainees, maintaining CLASS certification may not be at the top of their to-do lists after they've attended observation training and passed their first reliability test. They're likely looking forward to the important work they'll be doing throughout the year, using their skills as a CLASS observer to make an impact on the quality of education in their area.

This is understandable, given that they won’t be required to recertify for an entire year, and they have a lot to do before that year is up! However, as we all know, a year goes by quicker than you think, and before you know it you’ll be receiving an e-mail reminder from Teachstone: *it’s time for your annual CLASS recertification*!

### **Why is recertification so important?**

Reliability is a crucial element of the CLASS tool. CLASS observers are trained to make standardized, evidence-based judgments about interactions in a classroom, and the ability to do so accurately and reliably is what allows confidence in CLASS data. Whether you’re conducting observations for research purposes, or for teacher professional development and coaching, knowing that you’re staying true to the CLASS is essential for your work to have impact.

No matter how attentive you were during your initial observation training (or how wonderfully eloquent and informative you found trainer, ahem) it’s nearly impossible to avoid some amount of “drift” in your observing over time. Drift is what happens when you conduct several dozen observations in the field, on your own, with no feedback. Are you still using your CLASS manual to define a Positive Climate score of 5, or has your definition of a 5 come to be based on all the previous 5s you’ve scored? Drift is exactly the reason that Teachstone requires annual [observer recertification](http://teachstone.com/certification/recertification-class-observers/); it's also why they offer individual and group [CLASS calibration](http://teachstone.com/certification/class-calibration/).

Another reason you should recertify is that it benefits *you*. Keeping your certification current allows you to be a part of the [CLASS observer directory](http://teachstone.com/services/class-observer-directory/), which connects research groups or school districts in need of help with certified observers in their area. CLASS is being used more and more around the country and the world, which means there are tons of exciting job opportunities out there for those who remain certified. Often these positions include great pay, flexible hours, or even online work that can be done from home.

Whether you’re trying to ensure the quality of data collected by your research team, or hoping to make more rapid progress on your student loan payments, CLASS recertification is a worthwhile investment.

*Have you ever been asked, "Why do I need to recertify annually?" How have you responded?* 

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