Does time spent in orientation training count toward the pre-service training requirement?

• A. Yes, time spent in orientation may be counted toward pre-service training.
• B. No, orientation training must be separate from the pre-service hourly training requirement.
• C. Yes, if the agency approves it in advance.
• D. No, orientation training counts toward only the general staff development hours.

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is that pre-service training hours and orientation are separate steps, with different purposes. Pre-service training consists of specific, mandated content and competencies you must complete before you can work with clients. Orientation is an onboarding period to get you familiar with the agency’s policies, procedures, safety rules, and day-to-day operations. Because pre-service requirements focus on demonstrated readiness and the particular skills needed for serving children and families, orientation does not satisfy those exact requirements. So, time spent in orientation should stay separate from the pre-service training hours. Depending on the agency policy, orientation might count toward other training categories like general staff development, but it does not fulfill the pre-service requirement.