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Frequently Asked Questions - Core Training
This page is designed to answer some of the most common questions trainees have about STC certified Core Training. It may answer some of your questions.
- What is STC?
- What is an STC certified core course?
- What am I required to achieve during the core course?
- How was the course content determined?
- How are core course instructors selected?
- Will the course address my department's issues or practices?
- Can additional training be provided on some of the subjects?
- What if I have other questions or problems during the course?
STC was created in 1980 to establish and maintain statewide standards that assist local sheriff’s, probation, police and corrections departments in selecting and training their professional corrections personnel. STC also helps departments meet these standards by providing technical assistance and a comprehensive statewide training delivery system. Prior to STC, few local corrections agencies in California had consistent criteria for selecting qualified personnel and maintaining their professional skills.
What is an STC certified core course?
A Core course is formal, structured, job-related training, approved by STC, for professional personnel entering one of three key local corrections positions. Eligible personnel are from sheriff’s, probation, police and local corrections departments. Core is introductory training, to be completed within the first year of employment. It is a critical part of the overall requirements to reach journey-level status.
What am I required to achieve during the core course?
Within the first year of your job assignment, you must successfully complete the Core course. Core training focuses on you, the student, learning and developing the necessary skills to perform all basic entry-level tasks of your job. It is important to attend the entire course. You will be required to make up any time or learning objectives you miss. You will be tested throughout the course on your learning and performance. The testing results are provided to your employer and will become part of your permanent record. Your employer has the ultimate responsibility of determining if your test scores demonstrate adequate mastery of the subject.
How was the course content determined?
Subject matter experts from local agencies throughout the state provided the recommendations for the course content. These recommendations were gathered as part of a major research effort which analyzed the job duties and skill needs for your job position. The core course curriculum was developed and validated from this research and the content provides training designed to increase your job-related knowledge and skills. It has been updated and revalidated based on changes in law, job duties and skill needs. The course is directly related to the most frequent and important job duties and skills performed by people in your job position throughout California.
How are core course instructors selected?
Core courses are offered throughout the state by private vendors, colleges and local agencies known as training "providers." Providers are responsible for selecting instructors they believe are qualified to teach the subject matter. During the Core course certification process, STC reviews selected instructors and approves them based on a review of their qualifications, including expertise in the subject area, work experience, prior teaching experience and education level.
Will the course address my department's issues or practices?
As a basic, introductory skill building course, Core training does not include detailed department-specific information. Department-specific training is available in the form of on-the-job training and/or additional formal training sessions. If any information provided to you in the Core course conflicts with your understanding of your department’s policies or practices, you should consult your supervisor or training department for clarification and follow your supervisor’s direction in performing your job duties.
Can additional training be provided on some of the subjects?
The Core course’s overall length and the specific time in each subject area is based on a job task analysis. This analysis determines the time necessary for the material and ensures that each subject area is covered sufficiently for you to meet the required performance objectives. As your career continues, you will have opportunities for additional and advanced training. STC sets annual training standards for people in your job position once they have attained journey-level status. Your annual training will be selected by your agency based on training priorities and your needs. This can include additional and advanced training on any subject in the Core course.
What if I have other questions or problems during the course?
If you have questions regarding this course, please ask the instructor or course coordinator for further clarification. If you are having problems during the course, immediately advise the course coordinator and the assigned representative from your department (usually your supervisor or training manager).