Consider becoming a secondary sponsor of state certification courses through TAAD to provide cost-effective training in your local area!  It's very simple, and we are happy to help walk you through the process.  Better yet . . . it's free.

TAAD has prepared step-by-step directions for the process:
· Let us know you/your office desires to become a secondary sponsor
· Complete the paperwork required by BTPE (simple, and we can help!)
· Submit paperwork to BTPE and wait for approval
· Conduct the class
· More paperwork to finish up
· Pay your PTEC licensing fee
· Done!

File the necessary paperwork
· File with BTPE Form E1 (Sponsor Agreement).  This is a signed agreement between you (as Secondary Sponsor) and BTPE outlining the duties and responsibilities of being a sponsor.  Complete the top portion, sign/date the bottom portion, then mail or fax to:

BTPE
333 Guadalupe Tower II, Suite 520
Austin, TX 78701
Fax 512/305-7304

· After BTPE has signed Form E1 and returned to you, fax a copy to TAAD at 512/452-0427.  TAAD MUST have a copy of this agreement on file.

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Your responsibilities before the class
· Notify TAAD at least 4 weeks before holding class (preferably earlier); use a Notification of Course Offering form
· Notify TAAD as early as possible if you will need a master set of class materials
· Notify TAAD on the Notification of Course Offering if you wish to order/purchase supplemental class materials
· Use an instructor approved by BTPE
· Reach agreement for compensation and expenses with instructor
· Determine what audio-visual equipment the instructor will need
· Comply with all BTPE rules and regulations (listed on form E1)
· Use the most up to date class materials (always check with TAAD before using!)
· Prepare copies of all class materials for each student enrolled
· Complete Form E2 (Course Presentation Agreement), sign/date at bottom of page.  Fax to TAAD.  We will complete the form and return a copy for your files.  Do this for EACH class you offer.

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Your responsibilities during the class
· Have each student complete a BTPE End of Course Evaluation
· Select a student or secondary sponsor representative to administer the end-of-course evaluations.
· Provide enough copies of blank end-of-course evaluations and envelopes to the selected student or secondary sponsor representative to administer the end-of-course evaluations.
· Send sealed envelope containing all end-of-course evaluations to primary sponsor within 2 business days of course completion.

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Costs payable to TAAD
· $50 for master set of class materials (instructor guide, student outline, overheads, exam and key)
· We will also send you a sign-in sheet/roster and a BTPE evaluation form
· Make check payable to TAAD.

That's it! TAAD doesn't charge special fees or additional costs.

Costs payable to PTEC
· $25 per student licensing fee is paid to PTEC.
· Make check payable to TAAD/PTEC and mail within a month after the class to TAAD; 7700 Chevy Chase Drive; Building One, Suite 425; Austin, TX 78752-1558.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to become approved as a secondary sponsor?
Usually it takes less than a week, especially if all information is submitted correctly.  TAAD will submit the request form to BTPE as soon as it's received, and will notify you as soon as BTPE grants approval.

What do we charge students to attend our class?
That's up to you. You'll need to cover the cost of instructor expenses, copying class materials, etc.

What do we pay TAAD when we sponsor a course?
You will pay $50 for a set of the most current course materials.  Suggestion: If you already have a set of course materials, contact TAAD before ordering a new set.  We can verify whether you may already have the most current information.

Can we purchase one copy of the Texas Ad Valorem Tax Textbook (pink text) and/or the PTEC Glossary and make copies for each student?
No.  These texts are copyrighted by PTEC.  TAAD has them available for purchase, however.

Can we make copies of the student outlines used in class?
Yes.  Your $25 per student PTEC licensing fee conveys permission for you to copy these class materials for each enrolled student.

How do we order required or suggested texts for students?
On the Notification of Course Offering form indicate the number and type of texts you wish to order; TAAD will mail them to you.

In what format can we receive the overhead visual aids for the class?
The overheads are prepared in PowerPoint.  TAAD can email them or send them on a diskette or CD.

How do I find a BTPE-approved instructor?
BTPE's website ( http://www.txbtpe.state.tx.us ) has an Excel file available for download.  Or, you may call 512/305-7300 to request an instructor list from BTPE.

How much do we pay an instructor?
That is between the secondary sponsor and the instructor.  TAAD is happy to share its reimbursement policy (as an example) if requested.

Do I need to send BTPE a copy of each student's certificate AND the roster of students?
No.  BTPE only requires the roster be sent to them.  If it contains all necessary information, that is sufficient.

What information is required on the roster sent to BTPE?
Student name, employing entity, BTPE number, whether the student took the course for credit or audited the course.

If a student fails the course, may they at least get credit for auditing the course?
According to BTPE, no.

Do I have to get permission from TAAD to hold a course?
No.  You may offer whatever course you need, whenever you wish to offer it.  TAAD only requires you notify us by means of a Notification of Course Offering form in advance.

Will TAAD publicize our class?
Yes.  Please notify us as soon as possible, use a Notification of Course Offering form, and we will post it on the TAAD website.

What if we cancel a course?
Notify TAAD as soon as possible.  There is no cancellation penalty.

What is PTEC?
It's an acronym for the Property Tax Education Coalition - a group of seven property tax-related organizations who have informally joined together to address the needs of educating property tax professionals.

What is the PTEC fee?
It's a $25 per student "licensing" fee, paid to the coalition for use of copyrighted materials it developed.

Which students pay the PTEC fee?
All students pay the PTEC fee when they take a course. It does not matter if they are or aren't registered with BTPE, or whether they are taking the course for state licensing requirements, CEUs or simply auditing the class.

Why must I send a roster to PTEC?
PTEC requires a roster to ensure that the correct fees have been paid.  If you would like to protect students' confidentiality, provide only for each their name and employer.

If payment is not made to PTEC, will the students still receive BTPE credit?
No.  PTEC fees must be paid before BTPE will grant credit for the class.

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Consider becoming a secondary sponsor of state certification courses through TAAD to provide training in your local area.