All operators with CUSP certification can now use CM Labs simulators and select CM Labs webinars for recertification points.
Maintaining CUSP certification just got easier. How so? The Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN)—which develops and administers the CUSP certification program—now allows training completed on CM Labs simulators and participation in some select CM Labs webinars to count toward CUSP recertification. As a result, operators now have even more ways to earn CUSP points and maintain their certification.
Here’s a closer look at what’s included in a simulation training system and how it enhances training outcomes.
To maintain their CUSP certification, utilities professionals need to engage in continuous, high-quality professional development to keep their skills sharp. These activities are quantified through CUSP points, with operators needing to accumulate 30 CUSP points over a two-year time span to retain their certification.
Now, operators can also earn CUSP points using CM Labs simulators and by attending select, specially designated CM Labs webinars that focus on safety in the utilities industry. Webinar attendance is worth one point per contact hour of education for CUSP recertification, while training is counted at a 1:1 ratio of simulator training hours to CUSP points. To have their webinar participation or simulation training hours counted towards their recertification, all operators need to do is submit their simulator reports and/ or record of webinar attendance to USOLN for CUSP hour attribution.
So, why use CM Labs simulators for CUSP recertification? Because CM Labs simulators don’t just check the boxes—they recreate the real-world conditions and challenges that CUSP recertification demands.
CM Labs offers the most comprehensive utility equipment catalog in the industry, including the only digger derrick, mini excavator, and boom truck simulation training available. These simulation training tools have a few key features that make them a great fit for Certified Utility Safety Professional Recertification:
- Exercises and training objectives that focus on building essential skills for professionals in the utilities industry
- Exercises that feature common utility hazards, including power lines and water pipes
- Equipment metrics focused on safety
- Performance indicators that offer a quick, at-a-glance view of aptitude, with a safety category that allows trainers to track progress over time
These aspects of CM Labs’ simulations make them an excellent fit for safety training, especially since simulators allow operators to complete their training in a safe and risk-free way. Operators can make mistakes while practicing high-risk scenarios, without the risk of equipment damage, injury, or death. They can also easily identify areas in need of improvement through detailed safety metrics. And because CM Labs simulations are the most accurate in the industry, training completed on a simulator translates smoothly to real operations on real worksites.
Another key benefit of training on a simulator is that it’s available 24/7, rain or shine. No matter the weather, operators can complete their training. In fact, many use inclement weather as an opportunity to hop on a simulator and earn CUSP points, making good use of downtime.
Attending a webinar is also something operators can do in their own time, which allows for added convenience. This convenience is something that USOLN knows is important to utility safety professionals.
Curtis Marquardt, the Executive Director of the USOLN, noted that “USOLN strives to provide pathways for maintaining one’s CUSP credential in ways that align with the unique knowledge utility safety professionals must have. Whether it’s simulation training, virtual training or other emerging technologies, CUSP credential holders will be able to earn maintenance points through safety- and leadership-focused learning experiences.”
“This move is a great step forward in helping operators maintain their certification,” added Devon Van de Kletersteeg, the Ports, and Utilities, and Industrial Product Growth Manager at CM Labs. “Simulation training is something that an operator can complete no matter the weather. It’s always available, making it easier for operators to fit their training and certification maintenance into their schedules.”
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