The assessors have for their particular knowledge areas, guidelines that are accessible on the website.
Students also receive extensive study guides in each knowledge area.
Students will contact the faculty member of their choice and develop a contract. The sequencing of KA's and the specific topics covered can be tailored to the students' interests. Students and faculty meet face to face at the national sessions and when they visit clusters. They are also in contact on the web, through email, and via more structured seminars offered online. Each student can negotiate with a faculty assessor to demonstrate that previous work is current and does show competence in the knowledge area.