What is a QST?

The basic Chainsaw and Faller programs have recently undergone a complete review in partnership with CAGC, the BC Forest Safety Council, the BC Wildfire Service and WorkSafeBC. 

As part of this review the term QST was updated to reflect Assessor and Trainer as distinct occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a QST (Assessor, Trainer)

 

1. What is a QST?

Qualified Supervisor Trainer.

During the program review it was identified that the broad term QST was three distinct occupations. They are Assessor, Trainer, and Supervisor.  

 

2. How do I become a QST?

There first step in becoming a QST is to be a Faller Tutor and worked as a tutor mentoring a minimum (number TBD) candidate. All QST’s must be a member in good standing with the CAGC. Each QST must sign a code of ethics declaration, have WSB insurance and First Aid. All QST are individual contractors meaning they are not employees of CAGC. You must also complete the Instructional Skills Development (ISD) course from Energy Safety Canada or equivalent.

 

3. What are the QST levels and what can I do at each level?

QST I  (Assessor)

Must hold a Certificate of Qualification - Assessor

Allowed to complete assessments and competency conversations on candidates that have completed the faller training process and are building evidence for the final assessment.  This assessment can also include the final practical assessment that will be reviewed in the final review of evidence for a Certificate of Qualifications - Faller.



QST II (Level 1 Trainer)

Must hold a Certificate of Qualification - Trainer

  1. Allowed to complete the duties of a QST
  2. Allowed to be the lead Instructor in Level One – Basic Chainsaw courses.
  3. Allowed to be the assistant trainer in a Level Two – Faller Entry course
  4. If they have completed the Assessor training and hold a certificate of Qualification – Assessor then would be able to complete all the duties of a QST I.


QST II 1/2 (Level 2 Trainer)

Must hold a Certificate of Qualification - Trainer

  1. Allowed to complete the Duties of a QST
  2. Allowed to be the lead Instructor in Level One – Basic Chainsaw courses.
  3. Allowed to be the Lead trainer in a Level Two – Faller Entry course
  4. If they have completed the Assessor training and hold a certificate of Qualification – Assessor then would be able to complete all the duties of a QST I.

 


QST III (Train the Trainers)

Must hold a certificate of Qualification Assessor, Trainer and be appointed by the Chainsaw Committee.

  1. Can do all the duties of all the QST’s above.
  2. Can complete competency evaluations for certification and recertification of the QST, QST I, QST II and QST II ½.

 

4. I am already a QST 1. What do I need to do to upgrade to the new model?

Level 1 QST are required to:

  • Complete Assessor modules online/ PDF
  • Attend in class/online upgrade session
  • Complete new Faller modules online/PDF
  • Complete 5 competency conversations with last 2 meeting outcomes
  • Complete 5 summative practicals with last 2 meeting outcomes
  • Complete 2 gap training plans
  • Assessor competency conversation or exam.

 

 

5. I am already a QST 2. What do I need to do to upgrade to the new model?

Level 2 QST are required to:

  • Complete Trainer modules online/class
  • Attend in class/online upgrade session
  • Completed Faller modules online/PDF
  • Portfolio of Evidence collected against the outcomes
  • Trainer competency conversation or exam.

 

 

6. What about new QST’s?

The same as listed in questions 4 and 5 plus and additional requirements set out by CAGC.   Contact CAGC for details.