Above photo by Flashpoint Photography

Questions, Facts and Answers:

What are the fees to enroll in the program?

Application Fee:  $100 (which includes the Manual)
Category I:  $225 program fee
Category II: $250
Category III:  Available in 2011

Who administers the exam for each category?

USHJA will offer an online exam for each category of certification.  If a member is unable to take the exam online, they must contact the USHJA office to make arrangements to take the exam. Contact the USHJA for a current list of testing sites.

Who evaluates/grades the exam?

The questions will be true/false, multiple choice and labeling.  The answers will be built into the online testing system and a grade will be provided to the member after completing the exam. 

If the applicant is unsuccessful in an attempt, is there a requirement for waiting a certain length of time before re-submitting/re-applying/re-taking a Category exam?

If a member is unsuccessful in taking the exam, they will have the opportunity to take the exam again within 30 days of the first attempt.  If they are unsuccessful in the second attempt, they will be required to wait 6 months before re-applying.

Is there a maximum time allotted for taking the exam?

Applicants accepted to take the exam may log in a maximum of two (2) times within a period of four (4) days to complete the exam.  Once logged in, there is no limit to how long it takes an applicant to complete the exam

Will exams be administered on a regular schedule?  Or are they to be administered according to each applicant's desire?

Once an applicant has met the necessary requirements to enroll in the program, USHJA will provide them access to enroll in the testing process online. A secure, pass code protected site has been developed for applicants to register to take the exam. This site has been set up to block any multiple uses and once they have completed the exam, their password will be invalid.

How long does the applicant have between submitting a Category Application and taking the exam?

Applicants must take the exam within 6 months of date of application approval letter.

Will I be able to see my incorrect answers?

Yes.

What if I disagree with the results of my test?

In case of disagreement with the results of the test, the applicant must protest the score, in writing, to the USHJA staff. In the written protest, the applicant must state why he or she believes the test results are incorrect. Upon receipt of a written protest, the members of the USHJA Trainers Certification Committee will review the information presented.

Can individuals from Canada or other countries apply to the program?

Yes, anyone may apply to the program provided they meet all of the applicant requirements.

Will there be a "grandfathering" process for experienced professionals?

USHJA will not offer a grandfather exemption into the Trainer Certification Program.

If I am certified through another organization or certification program, will this automatically transfer to the USHJA program?

Each of the certification programs that are currently offered by the various organization's offer a wide variety of knowledge and require different experience levels in order to participate. Any certification from another organization will not automatically provide you certification with USHJA.

Will trainers be required to have a specific level of certification in order to attend certain horse shows?

No, a trainer will not be required to be certified to attend a specific level of competition.

If a member is suspended by USEF, will their certification be terminated and will have to re-apply to the program?

If an individual is suspended by the USEF, that individual's USHJA Trainer Certification will be suspended for the same time period. Upon completion of the USEF suspension period, the individual's USHJA Trainer Certification will be reinstated, absent a good cause determination to the contrary. Reinstatement of the individual's USHJA Trainer Certification remains at the sole discretion of the USHJA.

What is the difference between Professional vs. General Liability Insurance?

Information provided by Equisure, Inc.

Business Liability / Commercial General Liability Insurance
General Liability insurance covers claims of bodily injury or other physical injury or property damage.

Commercial General Liability - The Most Basic Form of Business Insurance
CGL policies cover claims in four basic categories of business liability:

• Bodily Injury
• Property Damage
• Personal Injury (including slander or libel)
• Advertising Injury

In addition to covering the claims listed above, Commercial General Liability policies also cover the cost to defend or settle claims - even if the claims are fraudulent.

Business Liability insurance protects your business against financial loss resulting from claims of injury or damage caused to others by you or your employees. (Some coverages may not be available on all policies or in all states.)

• Personal and Advertising Injury. Covers you for certain offenses you or your employees commit in the course of your business, such as libel, slander, disparagement, or copyright infringement in your advertisements.
• Defense Costs. Pays legal expenses for certain liability claims brought against your business regardless of who's at fault.
• Medical Expenses. Pays the applicable medical costs if someone is injured and needs medical treatment due to an accident on your premises.
• Premises and Operations Liability. Provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage sustained by others at your premises or as a result of your business' operations.

Why Do I Need Business Liability / Commercial General Liability Insurance?

Business Liability Insurance Keeps You In Business.

Every business benefits from adequate Commercial General Liability coverage. CGL insurance protects you if a customer is injured at your place of business. It would also cover damage or injuries caused by your employees at a client's site. Commercial General Liability protects businesses against these types of claims. Even if your company is negligent or liable for damage, injury or loss to another's property, reputation or health, your business can keep its assets if it is adequately insured.

Commercial General Liability Only Protects Against Some Business Liabilities. General Liability insurance does not protect your business against every liability. If you or your employees make professional judgments and recommendations in the course of your business, ask your agent or broker about a Professional Liability policy in addition to a CGL policy.

Professional Liability insurance (also known as Errors and Omissions, or E&O coverage) is a separate type of insurance that protects your business against loss from a claim of alleged negligent acts, errors or omissions in the performance of your professional services. Professional Liability insurance is another important type of coverage to protect your business from potentially catastrophic claims.

Professional Liability Insurance Coverage for specialists in various professional fields. Since basic liability policies do not protect against situations arising out of business or professional pursuits, professional liability insurance is purchased by individuals who hold themselves out to the general public as having greater than average expertise in particular areas.

What Is Professional Liability Insurance? Also known as Errors and Omissions insurance, Professional Liability insurance is your most critical coverage. Professional Liability insurance protects you and your business from potentially catastrophic litigation caused by charges of professional negligence or failure to perform your professional duties.

Why Do I Need Professional Liability Insurance? Your business provides a highly specialized service that many of your clients don't fully understand. Whether a claim is baseless or not, mounting a legal defense can bankrupt your company.

You may think your General Liability insurance policy covers everything, but that’s not the case. General Liability insurance covers claims of bodily injury and property damage only, and typically excludes coverage for claims related to the delivery of professional services. For example, if you damage a computer, which might fall under General Liability insurance coverage, you may simply be responsible for the cost of replacing it. But the cost of your company's professional errors, omissions and negligence is usually far greater than the costs covered by your General Liability policy.


For questions about the USHJA TCP Program contact Melanie Fransen, or call 859-225-6717.