Examiners

Virginia SPQA’s success depends on dedicated Examiners who provide feedback to Award and Recognition Applicants and Discovery Program Participants through the lense of the Criteria for Performance Excellence.  Being an Examiner is an honor and potential career enhancer. Examiners dedicate an average of 130-180 hours each year to review SPQA award applications, conduct site visits as necessary, and write detailed feedback reports. Examiners come from all walks of life; the common denominator is an interest in the sciences associated with organizational performance excellence. Introduce yourself to those who most recently served by downloading Meet the Examiners on the right.

12 Benefits of Being an Examiner

1. A resume noticeable accomplishment
2. Public recognition of accomplishment including a certificate and employer letter signed by Virginia’s Senators
3. Continued personal learning and professional development – sharpening skills and adding knowledge valuable to other types of certification efforts
4. Recertification or continuing education credits in some professions
5. Applied knowledge of the Baldrige “World Class” Criteria for Performance Excellence
6. Understanding how to apply the Criteria in one’s own organization
7. Exposure to best practices from other organizations and sectors to apply in one’s own organization
8. Networking with performance excellence professionals who share a common language
9. Complimentary registration for Examiner Training, the annual Virginia Forum for Excellence and potential registration discounts for other events
10. Developmental path for advancing in the Virginia SPQA Program
11. Potential advancement to the national Baldrige Program
12. Experience of a sense of pride and giving back to the community

Information for Individuals who want to be an Examiner

To ensure expertise is present and consistently applied, Examiners undergo training prior to undertaking a review. Likewise, new Examiners are supported by a mentor and paired with more experienced Examiners to form evaluation Teams.

Individuals interested in becoming an Examiner submit an “on-line” application generally available between October and December of each year. Along with returning Examiners, there are new ones – but all must apply for the year they wish to serve. Prospective Examiners should review the latest Examiner Guide found on the right. It contains information on the phases in the review cycle, training requirements, time commitments and the Code of Ethical Conduct.

Examiners are needed for both the Virginia SPQA Recognition and Discovery Programs. Requirements for each vary and the differences are noted in the Examiner Guide. Applicants are also encouraged to review the respective Guides for the Award Recognition and Discovery Programs which can be found on those program pages.

Needed to Participate

Individuals interested in becoming or returning as an Examiner will need the following available on the right.

1. The Examiner Guide (PDF)should be reviewed by individuals prior to submission of an application to become and Examiner.
2. The Examiner On-Line Application is generally open between October and December of each year.

To learn more about Virginia SPQA and becoming an Examiner, contact director@spqa-va.org