ACO Training Questions
Not sure if you need to take the Core training? Read through our frequently asked questions below or email Sheri.Gustafson@mass.gov.
Q: What are the ACO Training Requirements under the Mass General Laws?
A: All ACOs are required to complete 30 training hours in their first training year (year 1). and 8 hours of continuing education (CE) each year after.
Q: What courses are mandatory?
A: The Massachusetts Animal Fund's Core Competencies Training is a FREE mandatory course worth 16 training hours. All ACOs and ACO assistants must complete the Core Competencies Training at least once. Completion of the Core training should be in year 1 of your training cycle.
Q: Are there other courses that can be substituted for the Core Training?
A: No, under the Massachusetts General Law Section 51 of Chapter 193 of the Acts of 2012 training requirements for ACOs, there are NO other courses that can be substituted for the Core.
Q: I’ve completed the Core Training, what else do I need?
A: Besides the Core, ACOs need to complete additional continuing education hours (CE). 14 CEs are required in year one and then 8 CEs each year after.
Q: Are there any mandatory CE courses?
A: No, ACOs need to complete the required number of CE hours (credits), but they can choose any CE courses they would like to take to meet the requirement from a preapproved list available at:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/aco-training-courses
Q: I’ve taken other ACO training courses in the past can they count for credits even though I haven’t taken the Core?
A: Some training can be grandfathered in for year 1 credits if taken in the past. NACA I & NACA II, ACOAM, and NEACHA are examples of this, but keep in mind they can be grandfathered for 1 year of CE requirements, but are not a substitute for the Core Training requirement.
Q: Is the ACOAM ACO Training Course mandatory?
A: No, it is not mandatory, but the ACOAM Course can be counted towards required CEs as explained above.
Q: I’ve taken the Core previously but I didn’t receive credit for it, do I need to take it again?
A: Core attendees must get 80% or above on Core testing to complete the course and get credit. If an attendee struggled on the testing portion of the Core, please contact Sheri at Sheri.Gustafson@mass.gov. We can provide a one-on-one training session to help you.
Q: I signed up for the Core Training, when will I get more information?
A: Detailed course and venue information will get sent out to all individuals registered for the Core Training in 2 weeks before the course. Until then, if you have any questions or need to request special accommodations please contact Sheri.Gustafson@mass.gov.
Q: I took the Core before but I’d like to take it again, can I?
A: Absolutely, ACOs are always welcome to attend the Core again as a refresher for CE credits! The knowledge repeat attendees bring to the classroom can be tremendously beneficial to the newer hires!