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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the acronym for the Texas Educational Support Staff Association?
TESA (formerly Texas Educational Secretaries Association)
What does STEM stand for?
Staff Training for Effective Management
What does CEOP stand for?
Certified Educational Office Professional
How would it benefit me?
Once you finish all of the STEM training and receive your CEOP certification, Tarleton will add a one-time $500 lump sum amount to your salary. The CEOP courses offer valuable training in customer service, communication, up to date office practices, and many other topics that are dealt with daily in the workplace. You also get to "network" with other educational support staff locally as well as nationally when you participate in the summer and fall TESA conferences. Valuable friendships and contacts are made at these training sessions.
What is the TESA website address?
Do I need to take the classes in any particular order?
No, there is no required order. There is no time limit for completion after the first class is taken.
Is TESA membership required?
No, you may attend classes without membership; however, membership is required to receive your CEOP certification. The Central Office will maintain a record of all classes attended by TESA members.
How many hours do I have to take for certification?
The program requires 60 hours. STEM courses comprise 42 hours while 18 hours are job-related self-directed study taken in a classroom setting with a certified instructor in a minimum of three hour increments.
At what point must the Certification Application be submitted?
At any time
What is Certification Update?
Certification update consists of six clock-hours of course study per year for those CEOP recipients who wish to keep their CEOP certification current. This course work must be completed between August 1 and July 31 of each year to meet requirements for that year.
Can I take a class a second time for re-certification credit?
Yes, after three years
Where can I find a CEOP Course Documentation Form?
On the TESA website (www.tesatexas.org) and under forms on our TAEOP  webpage.