Evaluator FAQ

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: To become an evaluator you must attend Evaluator Training, pass the evaluator exam and submit an application. Training and testing is available either at the Veriforce office once a month or online.

Q. If I take the evaluator exam online what score do I have to make to pass?
A: In order to pass the Evaluator Training Program exam, you must score 100%. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the test; however the questions will be different for subsequent attempts.

Q: Do I have to pay each time I attempt the online evaluator exam?
A: No, you only have to pay once. If you don’t score a 100% on your first attempt you will not be charged for subsequent attempts.

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: There are two parts, part 1 is primarily your contact information and part 2 is Evaluator Reference Forms that you must complete and send to at least three individuals who can substantiate your technical competence. Your references will then fax their part of the application to Veriforce.

Q. Who can I use as a reference in the evaluator authorization process? Does it have to be someone from the operator or “Gas Company”?
A: The reference should be someone who is aware of your expertise in the covered tasks you wish to become authorized to evaluate on. The reference could be an individual who works for a pipeline operator, your organization or any other individual who can attest to your status as a Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Q: How do I sign up for evaluator training?
A: To attend the instructor led training at Veriforce email training@veriforce.com. To attend the online course your company administrator must issue you your own VeriSource user name and password (if you don't already have one) so you can log into VeriSource (where the training is found). Note: An evaluator must be associated with a company that has signed a Professional Services Agreement with Veriforce.

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.