The IRWA International Professional Education Committee is excited to announce the launch of our new Right of Way Surveying and Engineering (R/W-SEC) Certification Program. The International Surveying and Engineering Committee and the Credentialing Subcommittee of the IPEC have worked diligently with the International Governing Council (IGC) and leaders across the Association to develop the coursework requirements, necessary surveying or engineering experience, and capstone examinations.

The requirements for this certification can be found by clicking HERE.  These requirements will also allow members to acquire advanced knowledge from the surveying and engineering professions and increase their value as professionals in the surveying and engineering industries.

​All members who wish to pursue the R/W-SEC will be required to complete a Declaration of Candidacy Form, which will allow IRWA to track what you are working towards so that our staff and Chapter Professional Development Committee (PDC) chairs can better assist you with your professional development needs.

The Credentialing Subcommittee is asking all of those who wish to pursue the R/W-SEC to complete and submit this Declaration of Candidacy Form to your Chapter PDC chair and pay a $25 fee for members or a $35 fee for non-members. By completing the Candidacy Form, Chapter PDCs and Education Chairs will better understand the needs of members and be able to offer courses in a timely manner to complete certification requirements.

​The IRWA International Professional Education Committee would like to thank the International Surveying and Engineering Committee IGC, and staff who have spent a considerable amount of time to develop this new certification to better serve your needs. We look forward to continuing a successful implementation and rollout of this exciting new program.

The International Right of Way Association (IRWA) has openings for individuals in the United States and Canada who want to become an IRWA Instructor and have education qualifications and experience in any discipline of the right of way/infrastructure field.

The PEAK objectives and assessment will confirm that at the conclusion of this training, you will:​

• Understand how to become a compelling IRWA instructor.
• Develop, practice, and apply engaging instructional tools.
• Identify the IRWA’s Instructor Standards.
• Recognize what learning does and does not look like.
• Understand the importance of and demonstrate checking for understanding.
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise.
• Create a dynamic learner-centered experience for your participants.

You will complete four assessments during the training, which require you to present, instruct, and facilitate (see definitions on the following page). Based on your performance you will receive one of the following assessment scores Acceptable, Exceptional, Unsuccessful. The Assessment Criteria and PEAK Instructor Standards can be found by clicking the PEAK Instructor Standards" button above.
If you receive an Acceptable or Exceptional score, you will be eligible to become an IRWA Instructor, provided you:​

1. Are an IRWA member in good standing.
2. Take and successfully pass Course 219: Adult Communication Principles and Methods if you have not already done so within one year of passing the PEAK.
3. Take the course that you identified in your Letter of Interest that aligns with your qualifications, skills, and experience prior to your first teaching assignment.

Please note: If you receive an Acceptable score, you will be required to team teach at least once with another qualified IRWA instructor who has experience teaching the course before instructing on your own.
​If you receive an Unsuccessful score, you will receive detailed feedback for how you can improve upon your presentation, instruction, and facilitation skills and be given an opportunity to attend a future PEAK Instructor Development Training.
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Once approved as an IRWA Instructor, you have the option of teaching in-person classes, virtual courses or both. If you choose to teach virtually, you will be required to attend a one-hour training with IRWA Education staff prior to your first class using the IRWA’s virtual classroom platform.

We are excited to announce the launch of the new Right of Way Appraisal (R/W-AC) Certification Pathways to better serve your needs and those of the appraisal profession. The International Valuation Committee and the Credentialing Subcommittee of the IPEC has worked diligently with the International Governing Council (IGC) and leaders across the Association to develop and integrate new coursework, right of way appraisal experience, licensing, and general appraisal education requirements. We feel it is important to provide you with a preview of the changes.
 
The new requirements for all four pathways — R/W-AC for U.S., Canadian, International, and Cross Certification Appraisers can be found by clicking on the Program Guide found here. These new requirements will also allow members to acquire advanced knowledge from the appraisal profession and increase their value as professionals in the right of way appraisal industry.
 
All members currently pursuing the RW-AC will be required to complete a Declaration of Candidacy Form, which will allow IRWA to track what you are working towards so that our staff and Chapter Professional Development Committee (PDC) Chairs can better assist you with your professional development needs. However, those who have already declared candidacy for the R/W-AC will not have to declare their candidacy again.

Now, the Credentialing Subcommittee is asking all of those who are currently pursuing the R/W-AC to select one of two options:
1.  Stay on your current R/W-AC pathway.
If you are currently pursuing the R/W-AC, you will be required to complete and submit this Declaration of Candidacy Form to your Chapter PDC Chair by no later than June 30, 2025, or you will automatically be placed into the new program.
No fee will be charged for this initial declaration of candidacy, and you will have five years from June 30, 2025, to complete all the requirements of the pathway you are on.
If you think you cannot complete the requirements during your five-year candidacy period, we suggest you choose the second option.

2.  Migrate to one of the new R/W-AC pathways.
If you choose this option, you will be required to complete and submit this Declaration of Candidacy Form to your Chapter PDC Chair and pay a $25 fee for members or a $35 fee for non-members.

Contact Right of Way Magazine Editor Vivian Nguyen for submission guidelines and details

The submission window is now open to submit a proposal to present an education session at the 2025 Annual International Education Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia on June 1 to 4. 

Are you interested in getting more involved with IRWA?  Would you like to serve on Chapter 57's Board?  We would love to have you!
Vacant positions:

• Education
• Professional Development (SR/WA designation required)
• Young Professionals
• Environmental
• Oil and Gas Pipeline
• Relocation
• Transportation

Please email Chapter President Darcy Mendoza if you are interested in joining the Board in any capacity. Thank you!