R6 QA Training for Other QA Personnel

Welcome to the Region 6 Quality Assurance Training for Non-EPA Organizations and Other QA Personnel.

The EPA Region 6 (R6) Quality Project and Program Management Course now offers online training for EPA R6 state, tribal and territorial QA staff. The course was previously in a classroom setting. However, the Region has transferred to online sessions. This training is intended for any Non-EPA Organization that are involved with any aspect of the R6 Quality Program.

Region 6’s Computer-Generated Quality Assurance Online Training Course

This training will satisfy your regional training and certification requirements. The revamped virtual training is offered in lieu of the previous in person R6 QA Training and is considered as equivalent training.

Description

The free online training serves as an orientation to the basic management associated with EPA’s Quality Program and introduces participants to the Quality Directives . The training is self-paced and based on the honor system. All attendees will have to view all the presentation videos in order to successfully complete the quiz prior to receiving their certification of completion. Additional resources and links are provided for further assistance.

Objectives

By the end of the sessions, participants will be able to:

1. understand the quality assurance requirements for EPA funded projects;
2. understand the value and benefits of an effective quality program;
3. identify the basic tools of quality assurance management at EPA;
4. evaluate and determine the approvability of a Quality Management Plan;
5. understand the linkage between Quality Management Plans and Quality Assurance Project Plans;
6. briefly define the approval process for QA Plans in EPA R6;
7. understand the elements of a Quality Assurance Project Plan; and
8. evaluate and determine the approvability of a Quality Assurance Project Plan.

The self-paced training is designed to help you. All EPA R6 personnel, including support contractors and grantees, share responsibility for collecting the Agency’s information and data. We hope you find this training, especially the virtual platform, to be informative and helpful. There is a quiz at the end of the training. Attendees must receive a quiz grade of 90 percent (%) to complete the course and obtain a certificate of completion. Feel free to take as many breaks as you need and start back where you left off when reviewing the training material, but the quiz must be inititated and completed within one sitting. In order to receive credit for completing the training you’ll need to provide your name and other necessary information once you’ve passed the final quiz. Please obtain a screenshot of your computer-generated certificate for your records. Notifications of trainees completing the training are sent upon attendees receiving their electronic certificate.

Target Audience

The EPA depends heavily on defensible data and information to accomplish the Agency’s mission through the Agency Quality Program. The course was developed for managers (both technical and non-technical), program staff and technical staff who are part of the EPA’s Quality Program. The course provides an update on EPA’s Quality Program and the Directives to those who are involved in the design and oversight of environmental information operation activities, those participating in EPA field activities and for anyone else who participates in the quality process. Non-EPA Organization personnel that write, review or approve QA plans will need to complete this course.

If you are ever in doubt about the R6 QA Process, you may ask your Region 6 contact.

• Presentation videos

Where can I go for more information?

• EPA Quality Program
• About EPA's Quality Program
• Quality Program Directives 
• Participatory Science for Environmental Protection 
• Current Information Directives 
• EPA Information Quality Guidelines
• Environmental Information Policy, Procedures and Standards
• EPA Region 6 QMP
• Frequent Questions about EPA's Quality System
• Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans EPA QA/G-5
• Implementation of Quality Assurance Requirements for Organizations Receiving EPA Financial Assistance
• Managing the Quality of Environmental Data at EPA Region 6
• POLICY TO ASSURE THE COMPETENCY OF ORGANIZATIONS GENERATING ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENT DATA UNDER AGENCY-FUNDED ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS
• Summary of the Paperwork Reduction Act
• Uniform Federal Policy for Quality Assurance Project Plans - Training Materials
• Contact links:
  1. EPA Quality Assurance Managers
  2. Contact about EPA Quality Program