Developed by Lori Frost, M.S., CCC/SLP and Beth Sulzer-Azaroff, PhD

Over the past several years, we have traveled the globe conducting PECS workshops. We receive calls from many people asking if we can recommend someone in their area who can implement PECS in order to watch examples of high quality implementation. As a result of these frequent queries, we have implemented a two-tiered PECS certification process.

Please note: The first level of PECS Certification, PECS Implementer, does not require attendance at any workshops in addition to the PECS Two-Day Training Workshop. It is a self-paced program completed by submitting video examples of your PECS implementation skills along with additional written assignments.

1. Pyramid Certified PECS Implementer:

Pyramid Certified PECS Implementers have actively demonstrated to Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. their ability to implement all Phases of PECS according to the PECS protocol. If necessary for the certificate holder, Pyramid Consultants can verify that these individuals can properly implement PECS.

People seeking this certification must provide proof of attendance at a PECS Two-Day workshop conducted by Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. Each candidate must demonstrate via videotape the following performance skills according to specific guidelines:

1. Competency in implementing PECS at each of the six Phases
2. Competency in error correction within PECS
3. Competency in implementing PECS during functional activities within classroom, home, or community environments

In addition, each candidate must demonstrate:

1. Competency in writing PECS lessons
2. Competency in data collection within PECS
3. Competency in writing summaries of PECS implementation

After satisfying the above requirements, each candidate must pass a written exam.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, PECS Implementers will receive:

1. PECS Implementer Certificate -renewable every three years
2. Recognition on Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. web page

Pyramid Certified PECS Implementers MAY:

1. Implement PECS according to the standard Phase I-VI training protocol with their own children or individuals on their caseload displaying a variety of communication difficulties.
2. Work with immediate classroom team members (teachers, classroom assistants, O.T.s, parents, etc.) to teach them how to support the participant in implementing PECS with their students/ children. This must be 1:1 interactive training only and is best done one Phase at a time as the students progress through the PECS protocol.
3. Work with team members to write PECS lessons.
4. Demonstrate implementation to immediate classroom team and families.
5. Create PECS activities for implementation across a variety of settings/activities.
6. Create and adapt materials for use with PECS.
7. Apply for acceptance into the PECS Supervisor Certification Program.

Pyramid Certified PECS Implementers MAY NOT:

1. Train others on the implementation of PECS outside of their immediate classroom team members.
2. Use the title “Certified PECS Implementer”, “PECS Consultant”, “PECS Expert” or anything similar to acquire additional clients, paying or otherwise, outside of their work agency, school, etc.

Please note: This level of PECS Certification does not require attendance at any workshops in addition to the pre-requisite PECS Two-Day Training Workshop. It is a self-paced program although applicants must complete all requirements within one year of application date. Exceptions will be made on an individual basis.

2. Pyramid Certified PECS Supervisor:

Pyramid Certified PECS Supervisors are qualified to supervise staff at their job sites who are using PECS. PECS Supervisors also have the option of helping in the certification process for those within their place of employment seeking PECS Implementer Certification from Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.

These individuals have demonstrated knowledge of the theory behind PECS, the ability to effectively implement all Phases of PECS, as well as to supervise and train others on a very limited basis. Although not authorized to do large PECS trainings, Pyramid Certified PECS Supervisors have our approval to train and supervise small groups within their work agency only.

Candidates seeking Supervisory Certification must have current PECS Implementer certification and will need to complete the following:

1. Satisfactorily complete the Three-Day PECS Supervisory Course conducted by Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. including:
   • Satisfactorily critique video or live examples of PECS implementation.
   • Pass a written exam on the Pyramid Approach to Education, Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior and PECS-specific information from the three-day training.
2. In addition to the Three-Day PECS Supervision Course candidates must:
3. Demonstrate competency (via videotape) in providing supervisory feedback to a person he or she has taught to implement PECS.
4. Demonstrate competency at providing written feedback to PECS providers.
5. Demonstrate competency at conducting a 90-120 minute PECS Overview.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, PECS Supervisors will receive:

• PECS Supervisor Certificate - renewable every three years
• Recognition on Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. web page

Pyramid Certified PECS Supervisors MAY:

1. Supervise persons implementing PECS within their work agency only.
2. Train up to 10 individuals at a time within their work agency only on the implementation of PECS.
3. Make recommendations to Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. regarding persons they feel should be granted Implementer Certification within their own work agency.
4. Maintain supervision of current PECS Implementers who they helped train.
5. Conduct PECS Overviews up to two hours in length. PECS Supervisors must give Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. written notification of the date and location of each PECS Overview prior to it being presented.

Pyramid Certified PECS Supervisors MAY NOT:

1. Conduct PECS trainings for individuals outside of their work agency.
2. Conduct PECS trainings larger than 10 participants at a time.
3. Use the title “Certified PECS Supervisor”, “Certified PECS Implementer”, “PECS Consultant”, “PECS Expert” or anything similar to acquire additional clients, paying or otherwise, outside of their work agency.
4. Conduct PECS Overviews without Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.’s knowledge.

Engaging in any unauthorized activities will result in the removal of PECS Certification status.

Click here to see a list of PECS Implementers and Supervisors

Click here to download the Implementers Packet (Adobe PDF file)

 For more information about the PECS Certification program please contact Donna Banzhof at certification@pecs.com.