Does time spent in orientation training count toward the pre-service training requirement?

Does time spent in orientation training count toward the pre-service training requirement?

• A. Yes, time spent in orientation may be counted toward pre-service training.
• B. No, orientation training must be separate from the pre-service hourly training requirement.
• C. Yes, if the agency approves it in advance.
• D. No, orientation training counts toward only the general staff development hours.

Answer: (B)

Time spent in orientation is for introducing you to the agency’s policies, procedures, and operations, while the pre-service training requirement is a defined set of substantive, regulatorily mandated topics you must complete before fully performing duties. Allowing orientation to count toward pre-service would blur onboarding with the mandated competencies and could leave gaps in the required content. Keeping orientation separate ensures you receive the necessary regulatory training as a distinct, foundational step, with pre-service hours meeting the required topics.