For Examiners
For Sterling Examiners
Training requirements, scoring frameworks, recognition opportunities, and assessment schedules — everything you need in one place.
Training & Schedule
What each examiner level is required to complete, the 2026–2027 training schedule, and how to register.
2026–2027 Assessment Cycle
Required Training
New & 2nd Year Examiners
- Sterling Framework for Performance Excellence (Criteria 101)
- Evaluating Applications
- Application Assessment Training
Plus self-study
- Introduction to Key Factors
- Criteria 102
- Case Study
Returning Examiners (3rd Year+)
- Assessment Leadership and Results Training
- Application Assessment Training
Note: Criteria 101, Evaluating Applications, and Criteria 102 are not required for returning examiners but are highly recommended for 2nd and 3rd year examiners.
Plan ahead
2026–2027 Assessment Cycle Examiner Training Schedule
All training sessions are held virtually or are computer-based self-study sessions. “Required for” indicates Examiners that are required to attend a module. With the exception of Assessment Leadership and Results Training, Examiners may attend additional (non-required) modules as they desire.
Sterling Framework for Performance Excellence (Criteria 101)
9:00 – 12:00
| Day | Dates |
|---|---|
| W–TH | September 9 & 10, 2026 |
| W–TH | September 16 & 17, 2026 |
| W–TH | September 23 & 24, 2026 |
Required for: 1st and 2nd Year Examiners
Evaluating Applications
1:00 – 4:00
| Day | Dates |
|---|---|
| W–TH | September 16 & 17, 2026 |
| W–TH | September 23 & 24, 2026 |
| W–TH | September 30 & October 1, 2026 |
Required for: 1st and 2nd Year Examiners
Assessment Leadership and Results Training
9:00 – 5:00
| Day | Dates |
|---|---|
| T | October 20, 2026 |
| T | October 27, 2026 |
| T | November 3, 2026 |
Required for: Advanced, Senior, Lead, and Master Examiners
Application Assessment Training
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
| Day | Dates |
|---|---|
| W–TH | October 21 & 22, 2026 |
| W–TH | October 28 & 29, 2026 |
| W–TH | November 4 & 5, 2026 |
Required for: All Examiners
Self-Study Deadlines
Computer-based self-study sessions
- Introduction to Key Factors
- To be completed by Monday, September 14 (1st and 2nd Year Examiners)
- Criteria 102
- To be completed by Monday, October 12 (1st and 2nd Year Examiners)
- Case Study
- Due Monday, October 19 (1st and 2nd Year Examiners)
Across the cycle
Application Milestones
- Application of Intent Due
- Spring
- Eligibility Determination
- Full Application Due
- Early summer
- Application Distribution to Teams
- Independent Review Period
- Consensus Week
- Site Visit Window
- Fall
- Feedback Report Finalization
- Panel of Judges Review
- Award Announcements
- At the Sterling Leadership Conference (May)
Stay certified
Certification
Sterling Examiner certification is renewed annually through:
Completion of required training for your experience level
Active participation in at least one assessment cycle per year
Successful completion of consensus and site visit (where applicable)
Register
Ready to train for the 2026–2027 cycle?
Secure your spot in the Examiner Training modules above.