Because of a number of requests for a certification program from forensic consultants, insurance companies, floor treatment contractors and even OSHA, William English, Inc. has instituted a program to certify as competent any XL user possessing minimum qualifications who satisfactorily completes the course, including classroom instruction, a written test and demonstration of valid operating performance. Over the years since its inception in 2000, many certification classes have been completed, and participants have been universally enthusiastic about the adequacy of the course.

Who Can Be Certified?
Anyone who has an English XL Variable Incidence Tribometer and meets minimum background qualifications can be certified. The course is not basic training for neophytes. It is advanced training for experienced users. It is a demanding course, but active XL users who have studied the instructional material should be able to pass the exam, no sweat. Experience has shown that those who have not been subscribed to my newsletter have trouble passing.

What Is the Curriculum?
It is a one-day course, including 4 hours of classroom instruction, a 90-minute written exam and a hands-on operating test. The textbook for the course is the Pedestrian Slip Resistance book [Second Edition] that came with your XL. All you have to do is register, pay the fee, and show up for the class with your slipmeter and textbook. I supply the training and the CO2. Following satisfactory completion of the written test you will be required to meter surfaces with your XL and produce correct results, demonstrating proper technique. The examination is open-book. The class will be held 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Lunch is on you.

A handsome certificate suitable for framing will be mailed to each participant who successfully completes the training and examinations and you will thereafter be entitled to put "CXLT" after your name.

Also some CXLTs elect to re-take the course to obtain sufficient credits to maintain their certification at renewal and to be on the leading edge of the art and to take advantage of improvements in the curriculum as the course has evolved since they first participated. So far, every retaker has said something like "I got more out of the course the second time than the first." They are among the most satisfied CXLTs.

Details About the Program
An overview of the program, fees and copies of required forms can be found on http://englishxl.com/cert-doc.html. Details concerning requirements for renewal of certification every three years can also be found there.

The minimum class size will be 12 to facilitate discussion and to make my travel expenses practical. The maximum number we can accept in a class is 16.

When Is the Next Class?
The San Antonio Class Has Been Scheduled for January. I have contracted with Holiday Inn San Antonio Airport for conduct of the next class at 8:00 to 5:00 on Sunday, January 24, 2010.

The SAT Holiday Inn is right on the airport boundary so you won't need to rent a car. The hotel has van service. I have arranged for a room rate of $89/night that is guaranteed to be available until December 24. If you have AAA or other discount programs, you might be able to do better.

To make your reservation, call 210-349-9900.

If you are driving, punch the address of the hotel at 77 N/E Loop 410, San Antonio into your GPS.

The credibility of the CXLT program continues to grow because of the high standards for passage, and if you will be a first-timer, you need to be studying PSR, Second Edition and getting a lot of experience with your XL.

Additional developments will be given in my free e-mail newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, send me a request to subscribe at Bill@EnglishXL.com.

What Is the Cost?
The fee for the certification course, including examination and issuance of a handsome certificate of competence will be $450 if application is received at least two weeks before the class date. After that it is $500. A reservation for your participation in the class will be made upon receipt of your completed application and $450 check. Upon satisfactory completion of the training and your demonstration of competence by examination your certificate will be mailed to you. See the application materials for details of the advance registration discount.

How Do I Register for the Next Class?
Full information is available on http://englishxl.com/cert-doc.html and in the newsletter.