Using need-to-know criteria to design training

To make sure that training is relevant to water system operators, job-related need-to-know (NTK) criteria developed and evaluated by the Association of Boards of Certification can be used as a starting point to analyze learning needs. NTK criteria inventory and rate the importance of the specific tasks of a given job. Then, instructional systems design (ISD) methods and principles can be applied to fine-tune instruction and develop certification examinations. ISD identifies such elements as job tasks, what is needed to perform various duties, the skills and knowledge that learners bring to the training process, and performance objectives.