DHS Trusted Tester Program

[Laura.hoffman66]

Sorry about that. I should have included the contact information for the OAST.

By mail or phone:
Office of Accessible Systems & Technology
Department of Homeland Security
301 7th St. SW
Washington, D.C. 20528

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
TTY: 202-447-5857

By e-mail:
***@hq.dhs.gov


Just send them an email and they can send you give you information on signing up for the training. I believe they are working on a self-service registration system but i don’t think it’s quite ready yet.

Laura

Thank you Laura,
I checked out that page earlier, but couldn't find all of the information I was looking for, specifically how to sign up. I've reached out to the contact and am in the process of signing up now.
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

Greg,
You do not need to be a federal employee or contract to be eligible for the program and there is no fee associated with it.
You can find more information at https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-tester.
DHS OAST is currently updated the training program to reflect the 508 Refresh. I believe their goal is to have the full training available by October 1st but some of the introductory courses should be available in July. At least that’s the last I heard.
Laura

Thanks Peter,
Wow, that sounds like fun /s. I appreciate the feedback.
Does one have to be a federal employee/contractor to be eligible for the training/cert?
Is there a fee?
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

We are a group of Trusted Testers certified by the federal Office of Accessible Systems and Technology under the Department of Homeland Security. The process includes a rather intensive educational curriculum for which they recommend budgeting 6 months. Our analysts completed it on average over 3 months, but a full-time commitment is mandatory or the retention suffers. A 90% correct result on a multi-day final is required to pass.
The focus is to understand a structured test process over 81 specific failure conditions, mastering each in detail, and producing an objective violation report. Federal agencies need that objectivity and consistency to audit websites and online applications for procurement and meeting Section 508 standards.
Cheers,
Peter Shikli
503-570-6831
FAX: [phone]
Access2online
29030 SW Town Center Loop East
Suite 202-187
Wilsonville, OR 97070
www.Access2online.com
Prison inmates helping websites become accessible
Sent: 6/5/18 2:32 PM
Subject: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's "Interagency Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508? https://www.dhs.gov/interagency-trusted-tester-program. I had never heard of this and just stumbled across it. It isn't clear how to become certified. Does anyone know what the process is to get certified? Is anyone certified?
Thanks!
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

[Katie Haritos-Shea]

It is worth your time, but wait until it is updated!

Thanks for the tips Emily!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

I myself am *very* keen to take the updated certification. So note, Greg,
if you are looking to do this, wait until October when the Refresh is
integrated.
I found this certification very helpful once I began working in a setting
where web apps aren’t as common. I don’t know if the DHS will continue to
take a technology agnostic approach, but I’ll be signing up first thing.
The certification is a time expense. I hadn’t heard that there would be a
cost associated with the refresh, but if there is, I would hope the DHS
improves its customer service. The 1-on-1 technicians are great, but
sometimes I have a hard time getting my questions answered by the initial
help desk.
Be prepared to get frustrated—sometimes the terminology wasn’t entirely
clear and it was hard to understand what the DHS was looking for. I’d
engage the technicians as much as possible, though they are available only
on government eastern business hours.
Thank you Laura,
I checked out that page earlier, but couldn't find all of the information
I was looking for, specifically how to sign up. I've reached out to the
contact and am in the process of signing up now.
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco
On Tue, Jun 5, 2018 at 3:52 PM, Laura.hoffman66 <

Greg,
You do not need to be a federal employee or contract to be eligible for
the program and there is no fee associated with it.
You can find more information at https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-tester
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_trusted-2Dtester&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=JkKe3xmI9hULX0TZMCgmRd49YnrA1P5Q6cNw6Tp3U7Y&s=VnIGSg_XQ9r60CJGYIsPSqv_DY6x3Ksqwq1DEDtWGfU&e=>
.
DHS OAST is currently updated the training program to reflect the 508
Refresh. I believe their goal is to have the full training available by
October 1st but some of the introductory courses should be available in
July. At least that’s the last I heard.
Laura
Thanks Peter,
Wow, that sounds like fun /s. I appreciate the feedback.
- Does one have to be a federal employee/contractor to be eligible
for the training/cert?
- Is there a fee?
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

We are a group of Trusted Testers certified by the federal Office of
Accessible Systems and Technology under the Department of Homeland
Security. The process includes a rather intensive educational curriculum
for which they recommend budgeting 6 months. Our analysts completed it on
average over 3 months, but a full-time commitment is mandatory or the
retention suffers. A 90% correct result on a multi-day final is required
to pass.
The focus is to understand a structured test process over 81 specific
failure conditions, mastering each in detail, and producing an objective
violation report. Federal agencies need that objectivity and consistency
to audit websites and online applications for procurement and meeting
Section 508 standards.
Cheers,
Peter Shikli
503-570-6831
FAX: [phone]
Access2online
29030 SW Town Center Loop East
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__maps.google.com_-3Fq-3D29030-2BSW-2BTown-2BCenter-2BLoop-2BEast-2BSuite-2B202-26entry-3Dgmail-26source-3Dg&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=JkKe3xmI9hULX0TZMCgmRd49YnrA1P5Q6cNw6Tp3U7Y&s=JshtGBjKpEI3XdRPGouGvtYDQxOdsafeKcDFi9UoqJg&e=>
Suite 202
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__maps.google.com_-3Fq-3D29030-2BSW-2BTown-2BCenter-2BLoop-2BEast-2BSuite-2B202-26entry-3Dgmail-26source-3Dg&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=JkKe3xmI9hULX0TZMCgmRd49YnrA1P5Q6cNw6Tp3U7Y&s=JshtGBjKpEI3XdRPGouGvtYDQxOdsafeKcDFi9UoqJg&e=>
-187
Wilsonville, OR 97070
www.Access2online.com
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.Access2online.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=stzALolrt9bTdYleDfTwq7A73Vbl4gCn5zi1HrSeAZA&e=>
Prison inmates helping websites become accessible
------------------------------
*Sent*: 6/5/18 2:32 PM
*Subject*: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's
"Interagency Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508?
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=5KyX81HGeMcrCmEBusa0xnqR0lteTUa3H1pXUi_G2ks&e=>
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=5KyX81HGeMcrCmEBusa0xnqR0lteTUa3H1pXUi_G2ks&e=>
https://www.dhs.gov/interagency-trusted-tester-program
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=5KyX81HGeMcrCmEBusa0xnqR0lteTUa3H1pXUi_G2ks&e=>.
I had never heard of this and just stumbled across it. It isn't clear how
to become certified. Does anyone know what the process is to get certified?
Is anyone certified?
Thanks!
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

[Laura.hoffman66]

Awesome! Happy training!

Laura,
Thanks for taking the time to gather that info.
I did email the address you provided and I'm in contact and just sent in the enrollment form.
Have a great day.
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

Post by Laura.hoffman66
Sorry about that. I should have included the contact information for the OAST.
Office of Accessible Systems & Technology
Department of Homeland Security
301 7th St. SW
Washington, D.C. 20528
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
TTY: 202-447-5857
Just send them an email and they can send you give you information on signing up for the training. I believe they are working on a self-service registration system but i don’t think it’s quite ready yet.
Laura

Thank you Laura,
I checked out that page earlier, but couldn't find all of the information I was looking for, specifically how to sign up. I've reached out to the contact and am in the process of signing up now.
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

Greg,
You do not need to be a federal employee or contract to be eligible for the program and there is no fee associated with it.
You can find more information at https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-tester.
DHS OAST is currently updated the training program to reflect the 508 Refresh. I believe their goal is to have the full training available by October 1st but some of the introductory courses should be available in July. At least that’s the last I heard.
Laura

Thanks Peter,
Wow, that sounds like fun /s. I appreciate the feedback.
Does one have to be a federal employee/contractor to be eligible for the training/cert?
Is there a fee?
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

We are a group of Trusted Testers certified by the federal Office of Accessible Systems and Technology under the Department of Homeland Security. The process includes a rather intensive educational curriculum for which they recommend budgeting 6 months. Our analysts completed it on average over 3 months, but a full-time commitment is mandatory or the retention suffers. A 90% correct result on a multi-day final is required to pass.
The focus is to understand a structured test process over 81 specific failure conditions, mastering each in detail, and producing an objective violation report. Federal agencies need that objectivity and consistency to audit websites and online applications for procurement and meeting Section 508 standards.
Cheers,
Peter Shikli
503-570-6831
FAX: [phone]
Access2online
29030 SW Town Center Loop East
Suite 202-187
Wilsonville, OR 97070
www.Access2online.com
Prison inmates helping websites become accessible
Sent: 6/5/18 2:32 PM
Subject: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's "Interagency Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508? https://www.dhs.gov/interagency-trusted-tester-program. I had never heard of this and just stumbled across it. It isn't clear how to become certified. Does anyone know what the process is to get certified? Is anyone certified?
Thanks!
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

[Laura.hoffman66]

Latest information on the program can be found here: https://section508.gov/blog/DHS-Trusted-Tester-Program-Updates

Greg,
Good news on both counts. You don't need to be a federal employee, though they do have eligibility requirements. The cost is free, though I hear it may go up significantly to match the value provided.
Cheers,
Peter
Sent: 6/5/18 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Thanks Peter,
Wow, that sounds like fun /s. I appreciate the feedback.
Does one have to be a federal employee/contractor to be eligible for the training/cert?
Is there a fee?
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

We are a group of Trusted Testers certified by the federal Office of Accessible Systems and Technology under the Department of Homeland Security. The process includes a rather intensive educational curriculum for which they recommend budgeting 6 months. Our analysts completed it on average over 3 months, but a full-time commitment is mandatory or the retention suffers. A 90% correct result on a multi-day final is required to pass.
The focus is to understand a structured test process over 81 specific failure conditions, mastering each in detail, and producing an objective violation report. Federal agencies need that objectivity and consistency to audit websites and online applications for procurement and meeting Section 508 standards.
Cheers,
Peter Shikli
503-570-6831
FAX: [phone]
Access2online
29030 SW Town Center Loop East
Suite 202-187
Wilsonville, OR 97070
www.Access2online.com
Prison inmates helping websites become accessible
Sent: 6/5/18 2:32 PM
Subject: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's "Interagency Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508? https://www.dhs.gov/interagency-trusted-tester-program. I had never heard of this and just stumbled across it. It isn't clear how to become certified. Does anyone know what the process is to get certified? Is anyone certified?
Thanks!
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

[Greg Jellin]

Thanks a million Peter!
Greg

Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications

University of San Francisco

Greg,
Good news on both counts. You don't need to be a federal employee, though
they do have eligibility requirements. The cost is free, though I hear it
may go up significantly to match the value provided.
Cheers,
Peter
------------------------------
*Sent*: 6/5/18 3:24 PM
*Subject*: Re: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Thanks Peter,
Wow, that sounds like fun /s. I appreciate the feedback.
- Does one have to be a federal employee/contractor to be eligible for
the training/cert?
- Is there a fee?
Thanks!
Greg
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

We are a group of Trusted Testers certified by the federal Office of
Accessible Systems and Technology under the Department of Homeland
Security. The process includes a rather intensive educational curriculum
for which they recommend budgeting 6 months. Our analysts completed it on
average over 3 months, but a full-time commitment is mandatory or the
retention suffers. A 90% correct result on a multi-day final is required
to pass.
The focus is to understand a structured test process over 81 specific
failure conditions, mastering each in detail, and producing an objective
violation report. Federal agencies need that objectivity and consistency
to audit websites and online applications for procurement and meeting
Section 508 standards.
Cheers,
Peter Shikli
503-570-6831
FAX: [phone]
Access2online
29030 SW Town Center Loop East
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__maps.google.com_-3Fq-3D29030-2BSW-2BTown-2BCenter-2BLoop-2BEast-2BSuite-2B202-26entry-3Dgmail-26source-3Dg&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=fjbILptUbvvgdr-UKlDoqOTY-wXtxaf78DtYwCkzry4&s=xsXbxq-k6LBqKW--6ZN8MCNT70-crqKS46S06l0cJWE&e=>
Suite 202
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__maps.google.com_-3Fq-3D29030-2BSW-2BTown-2BCenter-2BLoop-2BEast-2BSuite-2B202-26entry-3Dgmail-26source-3Dg&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=fjbILptUbvvgdr-UKlDoqOTY-wXtxaf78DtYwCkzry4&s=xsXbxq-k6LBqKW--6ZN8MCNT70-crqKS46S06l0cJWE&e=>
-187
Wilsonville, OR 97070
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.Access2online.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=stzALolrt9bTdYleDfTwq7A73Vbl4gCn5zi1HrSeAZA&e=>
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.Access2online.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=fjbILptUbvvgdr-UKlDoqOTY-wXtxaf78DtYwCkzry4&s=qHVPaDbYIEoGA__pd_Q5NAYg_nYMbpRKjybE2533NLA&e=>
www.Access2online.com
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.Access2online.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=fjbILptUbvvgdr-UKlDoqOTY-wXtxaf78DtYwCkzry4&s=qHVPaDbYIEoGA__pd_Q5NAYg_nYMbpRKjybE2533NLA&e=>
Prison inmates helping websites become accessible
------------------------------
*Sent*: 6/5/18 2:32 PM
*Subject*: DHS Trusted Tester Program
Hello,
Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's
"Interagency Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508?
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=5KyX81HGeMcrCmEBusa0xnqR0lteTUa3H1pXUi_G2ks&e=>
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=5KyX81HGeMcrCmEBusa0xnqR0lteTUa3H1pXUi_G2ks&e=>
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=eU0FDN5j3axUE3OI8dETFvM5JW8fT85rCw_h8TS6p0Y&s=5KyX81HGeMcrCmEBusa0xnqR0lteTUa3H1pXUi_G2ks&e=>
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=fjbILptUbvvgdr-UKlDoqOTY-wXtxaf78DtYwCkzry4&s=L5fx70eg_CsnHG9dwYKfFWgMuBapYCeLcS00FsnSucE&e=>
https://www.dhs.gov/interagency-trusted-tester-program
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.dhs.gov_interagency-2Dtrusted-2Dtester-2Dprogram&d=DwMFaQ&c=qgVugHHq3rzouXkEXdxBNQ&r=iDnTWnA6skDocLNn6o3DMgD0lgfawaDaBgSsuAwsRPs&m=fjbILptUbvvgdr-UKlDoqOTY-wXtxaf78DtYwCkzry4&s=L5fx70eg_CsnHG9dwYKfFWgMuBapYCeLcS00FsnSucE&e=>.
I had never heard of this and just stumbled across it. It isn't clear how
to become certified. Does anyone know what the process is to get certified?
Is anyone certified?
Thanks!
Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications
University of San Francisco

[Greg Jellin]

Hello,

Is anyone familiar with the Department of Homeland Security's "Interagency
Trusted Tester Program" for Section 508? https://www.dhs.gov/
interagency-trusted-tester-program. I had never heard of this and just
stumbled across it. It isn't clear how to become certified. Does anyone
know what the process is to get certified? Is anyone certified?

Thanks!


Greg Jellin
Web Accessibility Specialist
Web & Digital Communications

University of San Francisco
***@usfca.edu | usfca.edu