Prerequisites: CTO experience or certification is recommended
The CTO track of the Illuminations Program provides
at-your-desk continuing education for agency CTOs, trainers and other interested individuals. The program is offered as an annual subscription-based service and includes 4 online courses per year – taught quarterly by APCO Institute adjunct instructors. Courses delve into topics of specific interest to CTOs and others with training responsibilities. They can be accessed from any computer with Internet access. Topic selections change each year.
Each 3-month-long course allows participants to earn three
(3) CDE hours, for a total of 12 CDEs per subscription year.
2025 Topics Include:
| January – March: |
CTO Toolbox: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Training Effectiveness This Illuminations course equips Communications Training Officers with valuable tools to enhance their training techniques. Participants will learn how to apply AI-driven insights to personalize training plans, support trainee development, and refine their instructional methods. Through this course, they will gain specific skills in using data analysis to refresh routine feedback, resulting in more engaging, impactful, and effective learning outcomes. |
| April – June: |
Analyzing Chapter 6 of the CTO Standard The Communications Training Officer will analyze Chapter 6 of the APCO standard – “CTO professional competence.” This course emphasizes the primary responsibilities of CTOs for developing, maintaining, and enhancing their knowledge and skills. Participants will acquire strategies for developing and maintaining their competencies by creating personalized plans with short-term and long-term goals for continuous CTO development. Participants will also identify ways to seek feedback about their performance and any improvement needs. |
| July – September: |
Mastering Objective Reporting: A CTO Guide to the Daily Observation Report This Illuminations course equips Communications Training Officers with the skills to effectively complete the Daily Observation Report (DOR). Participants will use the Standardized Evaluation Guidelines(SEGs) to ensure objective, fact-based observations and accurate documentation of trainee performance. The course highlights maintaining a positive tone and addressing areas for improvement through remediation. By the end, participants should be prepared to master the DOR process and enhance the impact of their evaluations. |
| October – December: |
Mastering CTO Duties The Communications Training Officer will analyze section 7.2.3 of the APCO CTO standard – “providing individualized instruction to the trainee.” Diverse teaching methods and instructional techniques to meet the specific trainee needs are emphasized in this course. Participants will create training plans based on agency goals, objectives, and benchmarks for individual learning style preferences. Participants will also evaluate and document trainee performance and recommend supplemental education/training to enhance training effectiveness. |
COST: Annual Subscription (per student):
(No refunds, transfers, or substitutions allowed for this program)
| Options | Price |
|---|---|
| Non-Member | $145 |
| APCO Member | $125 |
| Group of 26-50 registrants | $115 per person |
| Group of 51 and up registrants | $105 per person |
APCO Institute is committed to bringing you affordable, quality training and education. Please take the opportunity to try out this new learning medium and invite a co-worker or two to join you!
