Q: What is an evaluator?
A: An authorized evaluator is a person that has gone through the “authorization” process of becoming an evaluator (training and application approval). Authorized evaluators evaluate candidates on pipeline operators covered tasks to determine whether or not they are qualified. Once qualified the candidate’s name will appear in Veriforce’s database (VeriSource). Pipeline operators have access to this database.
Q: What is the definition of “qualified”?
A: Qualified means that an individual is able to perform a covered task(s), and recognize and react to AOCs that may be encountered during the performance of the covered task(s).
Q: Do I need an evaluator?
A: To become “qualified” for a covered task you must be evaluated by an authorized evaluator. Companies may either hire a third-party evaluator or have someone within the company go through the authorization process.
Q: What is the evaluator authorization process?
A: In order to become an authorized evaluator, an individual must complete an evaluator application, submit references and attend the Evaluator Training Program. To review evaluator authorization resources click here.
Q: Can anyone become an evaluator?
A: Yes, however, you need be a subject matter expert (SME) in the covered tasks you will evaluate others on. Evaluators must possess the ability to competently and objectively evaluate an individual’s qualifications to perform a specific covered task. For instance, evaluators with a technical competence in welding would evaluate candidates on welding covered tasks while evaluators with hot tapping expertise would evaluate candidates on hot tapping covered tasks. An evaluator’s technical competency is substantiated by references. Three references are required for each category of covered tasks you wish to be “authorized” on. The reference forms are part of the Evaluator Application.
Q: What does the Evaluator Application contain?
A: The application consists of three documents (listed below) which are to be submitted to Veriforce for processing:
Q: How do I sign up for evaluator training?
A: Once the Evaluator Application has been received, the Evaluator trainee will receive their own VeriSource user name and password allowing them to register for the 8-hour Veriforce Evaluator Training Course. Courses are offered frequently throughout the US. The 8-hour course includes the evaluation process, VeriSource (Veriforce’s database), and mock evaluation training. Course fees are $750 per trainee payable at time of registration. Email evaluators@veriforce.com or phone 800-426-1604 for questions regarding the Evaluator Authorization process.
Q: Once I become an evaluator which pipeline operators can I evaluate for?
A: All of the Veriforce pipeline operators. Please note: Additional approval is required to perform evaluations for certain operator-specific tasks.
Q: Once I become an evaluator how often do I have to reauthorize?
A: Annually you are required to attend the online training, pass the exam and pay associated exam fees.
Q: Once I become an evaluator which contractor companies can I evaluate for?
A: All of the contractor companies that have signed a Professional Services Agreement with Veriforce.
Q: Does Veriforce have evaluators I can hire?
A: No but you can find Third Party Evaluators who are for hire at this link. All Third Party Evaluators are independent contractors. While each of these Third Party Evaluators may be authorized to conduct OQ evaluations to evaluate individuals for certain covered tasks, the judgment or conduct of any Third Party Evaluator is their sole responsibility. Any company hiring a Third Party Evaluator will negotiate its own contract with the Third Party Evaluator and will look solely to such Third Party Evaluator to remedy any problems from the work performed by the Third Party Evaluator. Any evaluator’s authorization may be revoked, as well as any or all qualifications put in place by that evaluator, when his/her actions are in violation of applicable regulatory requirements, pipeline operator requirements, and/or company policies and procedures.
Q: How does an evaluator “evaluate” someone?
A: Each candidate is evaluated individually on their knowledge and/or skills and abilities (KSAs) relative to the evaluation criteria defined for each covered task. Evaluations generally consist of observations, oral exams and/or written exams. Once “authorized” evaluators have access to forms that define exactly how the evaluator evaluates someone.
Q: Once I become an evaluator am I also then considered “qualified”?
A: Veriforce evaluators are not automatically granted qualifications through the evaluator authorization process. In order for an evaluator to be “qualified” on a given task(s), he/she must go through an evaluation process with another authorized evaluator conducting the evaluation.
Q: What if need to add more tasks to my list of authorized task categories?
A: Authorized evaluators who wish to add covered tasks to their existing list of authorized tasks must submit an Evaluator Application indicating which category of tasks they require. The Covered Task Category Matrix is available to help determine the appropriate task category. Requests for additional covered tasks will require three references. There is no charge to add additional tasks.
Q: Is there a number or email address for someone I can contact if I have further questions?
A: If you have any questions or need any help please contact evaluator processing at 1-800-426-1604 or email evaluators@veriforce.com.
“Since becoming an operator member with Veriforce, they’ve always been very responsive to our needs, and great at providing innovative solutions to enhance the system. They offer a fresh perspective in dealing with the qualification issues the pipelines have faced and from that have built a solid tool for the operators and contractors.
The service is great, they’re responsive. If you call with a problem it’s generally fixed immediately. There’s not a lot of red tape to go through before they handle things.”
Tim Vaughan, Spectra Energy