User Guide Draft

Important Notice

You are now required to complete an Attestation and Course Evaluation for the new *APS Policies course before you can register for any additional courses in the Academy.

The course is based on the Terms of Use, which all users agree to follow at enrollment while using the Academy of Peer Services platform. The instructions in this guide will help you complete this required course.

1. New User – Register

These are the steps to register and sign up for courses if you are a new user.

Steps

1. Go to: https://www.academyofpeerservices.org
2. Click Log in (upper-right corner).
3. On the login screen, click Create Account.
4. Complete all fields in the registration form.
5. Review the Usage Terms (click the text), then click Register.

1.1 New User (Accessing APS From a Mobile Device)

Each mobile device displays pages differently. The APS homepage may look different depending on your device.

• If using an iPhone, be aware of limitations in private browsing mode.
• Scroll down to find links like the Course Catalog, Getting Started, Getting Help, and the Certification Board.

Steps

1. Go to: https://www.academyofpeerservices.org
2. Tap Log in (usually top-right).
3. Tap Create Account.
4. Answer all questions and submit the form.
5. Review the Usage Terms and tap Register.

2. Returning Users (Log In)

1. Go to: https://www.academyofpeerservices.org
2. Click Log in (upper-right).
3. Enter your username and password, then click Sign in.

Note: Your registered username is the same as before.

2.1 Returning User (Accessing APS From a Mobile Device)

If you can’t remember your password, reset it—do not create a new account. Creating multiple accounts violates APS Policies.

1. Click Forgot password.
2. Enter your username or email and click Request Password.

2.2 Change Password

1. Go to: https://www.academyofpeerservices.org
2. If logged in, use the left navigation bar and click Edit Account.
3. Check Change my password.
4. Enter your current password in Old Password.
5. Create a new password and confirm it.
6. Click Save.

3. Dashboard (Overview)

The Dashboard is where you will access courses and manage your course records.

1. Log in to APS.
2. Review the left navigation bar.

Navigation bar options

• Dashboard: View course status
• Register: Select courses to take
• Request Drop: Drop a registered course
• Print Transcript: View completed courses
• Edit Account: Change password

Dashboard sections

• Active Courses: Courses you are registered to take
• Completed Courses: Certificates earned after passing posttest (if required) + completing Evaluation and Attestation
• Pending Courses: Courses pending until you complete the *APS Policies course
• Learning Path: Tracks progress on required Core courses; after all 13 are complete, you can download a final Certificate of Completion

4. Register for a Course

1. On the left navigation bar, click Register.
2. Find a course using one of these methods:
   • Scroll alphabetically through the list
   • Use the search field to search by title
   • Use Find Courses and/or the All Categories dropdown to filter (Core, Elective, CE, Required, Supervision, etc.)
3. Click Info on a course thumbnail to view details.
4. Click Register to add it.
5. Repeat to add more courses.
6. Click Proceed to Checkout (upper right).
7. Verify courses in the confirmation window, then click Confirm.
8. Click Go to Dashboard.

5. Returning Users – *APS Policies Course (Required)

1. View your Dashboard.
2. If Active Courses is empty, register for the *APS Policies course (see Section 4).
3. Click the *APS Policies course in Active Courses and complete:
   • Start Course
   • Attestation
   • Course Evaluation

6. Take a Course

1. Go to Dashboard.
2. Click a course title under Active Courses.
3. From the course landing page, you can:
   • Start the Course
   • Take the Posttest
   • Complete the Course Evaluation
   • Complete the Attestation

Text-to-Speech options (if available)

• Option 1: Click the speaker icon on each slide to hear audio.
• Option 2: Use the Text-to-Speech controls to enable/mute audio for all slides.

7. How to Take the Posttest

1. Answer every question before submitting.
2. If you haven’t finished all questions, click Cancel to return and complete them.
3. Click Submit only when all questions are answered.

Posttest requirements

• To earn a certificate, you must pass:
  • 75%+ for Core, Elective, and Supervision courses
  • 80%+ for Continuing Education (CE) courses
• You must also complete the Course Evaluation and Attestation (after passing).
• You have two attempts. The test is not timed.

Tip: After submitting, you can review answers via Gradebook > View.

If you do not pass after two attempts, you can register again next Term for two new attempts.

8. Accessibility Resources Available for Learners

Alternate versions of courses may be available for learners who use adaptive/assistive technologies, such as magnifiers, transcripts for audio/video content, text files for screen readers, and automated narration devices.

If you need alternative versions of courses or accommodations to complete the posttest and evaluation, please fill out the online survey (as provided by APS). A team member will review your request and follow up.

9. Withdraw From a Course

1. In the navigation bar, click Request Drop.
2. Click Request New Drop, select the course and reason, then click Save.
3. Verify the course is no longer listed under Active Courses.

10. Certificates & Transcripts

11. Accessing the Certification Board Website

To learn more about NYPSCB certification requirements, visit the APS homepage and click Getting Started for certification information and links.

Certification Board contact info: https://nypscb.org/about-us/

12. More Help Is Available

• Frequently Asked Questions: (add APS FAQ link here)
• Virtual Learning Community: (add link here)