Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET)
EVS members: get your ACET certification!
EVS members hold a critical role at our hospitals. Through ACET, EVS members can learn more skills and possibly receive a certification pay increase!
Stipend available based on eligibility.
This video was awarded a 2023 Silver Telly Award: Education & Training.
Since ACET launched (Dec 2022):
16 cohorts
%
BIPOC participants
%
participants completed
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Pass rate for completers
Program Details
Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET) is a healthcare industry-informed 24-hour EVS professional training program that combines interactive online learning and examination with onsite training and assessment.
The Certification is valid for three years (36 months) from the date of completion, after which candidates can complete re-certification online.
Upcoming Training
3-day ACET Training:
Training Info & Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us to get started: (425) 255-0315.
Requirements for Applicants
To be eligible to participate in ACET, applicants must:
- Be an eligible EVS Professional with some on-the-job experience
- Apply and meet selection criteria (training may be prioritized based on seniority and available spots)
Program Outcomes
ACET program outcomes include:
- Improve workplace safety
- Increase staff knowledge, skills & competencies
- Equip & empower EVS Techs to proactively identify & address emergent issues
- Enhance patient care & experience
Curriculum & Topics Covered
ACET takes place over 3 sessions, totaling 24 hours:
- Session 1 Interactive instruction (8 hours)
- Session 2 Interactive instruction (4 hours)
+ Onsite mentorship (4 hours) - Session 3 Onsite mentorship (4 hours)
+ Final review & Certification exam (4 hours)
The topics covered in the ACET program address core competencies identified by industry leaders that address critical health system roles. These include:
- Promoting a culture of safety
- Infection prevention
- Tools & equipment
- Waste handling
- Green training
- Team & patient engagement
Participant Cost
The cost of this program is covered by Professional Development for Training Fund Members, including: instruction costs, laptops, supplies, and ongoing access to online lessons. Refer to the Plan of Benefits for more details.
Participant Support
Stipend available based on eligibility.
English Language Learner support. Check out resources & tutoring.
Employer Cost & Grant Funding
The ACET program is grant funded. Employer costs are covered.
Funding supports tailored training that addresses language and digital literacy needs, ensuring participants succeed in coursework and expand their proficiency. Support services address English language proficiency, literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills, with assessments guiding participants’ readiness for ACET or identifying areas requiring remediation.
Are you an employer who is not currently contributing to the Training Fund?
Good news! You can still participate in this program. Grant funding is available to cover the cost of ACET Training.
ACET Origins & CHEST
ACET originated as responsive programming to address both labor and management needs. Our partners at Swedish Hospital identified a need to advance EVS employees and promote respect for the valuable work that they do. This resulted in the CHEST program, which addressed this issue from the management perspective. Over time, this program has incorporated feedback from focus groups and subject matter industry experts to evolve into a new curriculum and certification program that is specifically for EVS workers: ACET.
Need to recertify your ACET credentials or have CHEST certification?
ACET Recertification Instructions
The ACET Certification is valid for 3 years following your certification date. The expiration of your certification can be found on your ACET certificate.
In order to keep your ACET credentials active, you will need to complete 15 CEUs (continuing education units) during the 3 years following your certification date. This will allow you to:
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- reinforce your knowledge of ACET content.
- maintain your professional certification, including any associated certificate pay (if applicable)
By successfully completing the ACET program, you now have free access to HealthStream, a web-based learning platform where you can complete these 15 required ACET CEUs anytime between now and your certificate’s expiration date.
Please complete this form to gain access to your HealthStream login credentials. Please allow several days to review your eligibility and to set up your account. We will email you your login information and instructions on how to access HealthStream as soon as we can.
The CEUs to maintain ACET credentials are listed below:
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- Bed Making Skills
- Communications: Peer Relationships
- Concepts of Infection Control
- Developing Cultural Sensitivity
- Effective Professional Communication
- Handwashing
- Housekeeping Basics
- Introduction to Infection Control
- Personal Cares Refresher
- Personal Stress Management
- Stress Management Skills
- Taking Care of Your Back – for All States
- Time Management in Healthcare
- Understanding Coronavirus
- Understanding Infections
Note: these CEUs will be updated in upcoming months as we continue to refine the ACET program. You are welcome to begin these CEUs now, but please note that an updated course list will be available later in 2023.
Thank you, and please contact us at (425) 255-0315 or email with any questions or concerns.
If you have current CHEST certification...
Environmental service professionals with a current and valid CHEST certification are eligible to jump straight to the final review and exam portion of the 24-hour Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET) professional training program. Connect with the Training Fund to learn more or to sign up for an upcoming review and exam!
Why participate in ACET?
ACET is an innovative, accessible program that uses an interactive online learning developed by EVS and education industry professionals. ACET scales up existing knowledge by refreshing and improving skills to reduce healthcare-associated infections and injuries for patients and professionals alike.
- ACET is free for Training Fund Members (available to non-members for a nominal fee)
- ACET certification is valid for 3 years following successful completion of final ACET exam
- Passing the ACET exam comes with 3 years free access to relevant continuing education
- ACET maintains the same pay-increase associated with CHEST
- ACET certification is an attractive addition to your resume and wall
Want to know more? Contact the Training Fund:
%
CHEST to ACET on-ramp participants who passed the final exam on first attempt
Hear from ACET program participants and mentors
“This class is going to help people. I had been looking for something like this. Some people don’t know about the chemicals they are dealing with this. This is a good class. I’ve been telling people to go to the class, learn how to work with chemicals, how to protect yourself.”
Alock completed ACET in the summer of 2023. Since then she has been encouraged by coworkers and the Training Fund to become a mentor for the program. Wanting to help others she accepted. “At first I didn’t want to take the training or be a mentor because my English is not the best- but I was encouraged to take it. I’ve learned so much in this job. I said to myself- I have to do it!”
“I like to work in healthcare because I like to help people. When I am mentoring I teach them step by step. I like to be a leader to teach that employee. The more I mentor the more I get knowledgeable and my English is getting better and better.”
“My job is very valued. What I do in the building is very important for everybody’s safety, for the patient.”
