Master the APSE CESP Exam: Essential Study Tips and Strategies

According to the APSE Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification handbook1, one of the core values and principles of practice is to respect the individual’s right to self-determination and informed choice. This means that the employment support professional should support the individual’s preferences and goals, and not impose their own opinions or decisions on them. Therefore, the employment support professional should not answer the questions for the individual (A), disclose the individual’s disability without their consent (B), or discourage the individual from seeking their assistance (D). The most appropriate way to provide support is to explain their role in the process and to provide support as needed after the individual introduces themselves ©. This way, the employment support professional can help the individual prepare for the interview, clarify any questions or concerns, and facilitate communication and accommodation if necessary234. However, the employment support professional should also respect the individual’s autonomy and let them take the lead in the interview as much as possible23. References:

• APSE Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification handbook
• Face-to-Face Interviewing | Business Communication Skills for Managers
• How to Conduct a Face-to-Face Interview Best Practices - BerniePortal
• Interview advice | National Careers Service

Paid work trials are a form of on-the-job training that allow employers to assess the skills and suitability of potential employees before offering them a job contract. They are different from unpaid work trials, which are only legal if they are brief, supervised, and used to demonstrate the minimum requirements of the job12. Paid work trials are also different from volunteer work, which is done for a charitable or community organization without expectation of payment or employment3. A guarantee of job offer is not a part of a paid work trial, as the employer may decide not to hire the worker after the trial period. Going to the day program is not a paid work trial, as it is not related to a specific job or employer. References: 1: What are Your Entitlements: Paid vs Unpaid Trials 2: When is a Trial Shift Legal? (2024 Update) - Lawpath 3: Volunteering - Fair Work Ombudsman

A reasonable accommodation is any change to the application or hiring process, to the job, to the way the job is done, or the work environment that allows a person with a disability who is qualified for the job to perform the essential functions of that job andenjoy equal employment opportunities1. Reasonable accommodations are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act for employers who have 15 or more employees12.

Among the four options, only D is not an example of a reasonable accommodation, because orientation training for new employees is not a change that is specifically related to a person’s disability. Orientation training is a benefit or privilege of employment that is typically provided to all new employees, regardless of their disability status13. Therefore, providing orientation training is not a reasonable accommodation, unless the training itself is modified to accommodate a person’s disability (such as providing sign language interpreters, materials in alternative formats, or assistive technology)13.

Options A, B, and C are examples of reasonable accommodations, because they are changes that are specifically related to a person’s disability and enable them to apply for, perform, or enjoy the benefits of a job. An application in larger print is a reasonable accommodation for a person with a visual impairment who may have difficulty reading standard print12. A wheelchair ramp is a reasonable accommodation for a person with a mobility impairment who may have difficulty accessing a building or a work area12. A headset to enable hands-free access to the phone system is a reasonable accommodation for a person with a manual dexterity impairment who may have difficulty holding or dialing a phone12.

References:

• 1: Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace | ADA National Network
• 2: Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the ADA | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• 3: Reasonable Accommodations - U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Career planning for high school students involves identifying their skills, interests, and goals, and exploring various career options that match them12. Career planning also involves gaining experience, developing key skills, and creating a plan to pursue advanced education and training to achieve their goals34. Career planning should be based on the student’s own preferences and aspirations, not on external factors or expectations34.

Among the four options, only D is consistent with these principles of career planning, and the best response for working with the student. By exploring what appeals to him about being a lawyer, the employment support professional can help him understand his motivations, values, and interests, and how they relate to his career choice34. This can also help him to decide if he should pursue that goal or other careers that offer similar benefits and working conditions, such as justice, advocacy, problem-solving, or communication53. This way, the student can make an informed and realistic decision about his future, and receive guidance and support to achieve it34.

Option A is not a good response, as it implies that the student’s goal is unreasonable or unrealistic, and that he should settle for a more attainable goal, such as moving up to prep cook in the restaurant. This goes against the principle of empowerment, which states that the student should be encouraged and supported to pursue his own goals, not discouraged or limited by others67. Option A also shows a lack of respect for the student’s preferences and abilities, and may undermine his confidence and motivation67.

Option B is also not a good response, as it implies that the student is unaware or unprepared for the educational requirements for becoming a lawyer, and that he should reconsider his goal based on the length of time it will take. This goes against the principle of choice, which states that the student should be able to choose his own career path, not be influenced by others’ opinions or assumptions67. Option B alsoshows a lack of support for the student’s aspirations and potential, and may discourage him from pursuing his goal67.

Option C is also not a good response, as it implies that the student needs to undergo a vocational evaluation to identify a goal that is commensurate with his current level of education and work experience, and that his goal of becoming a lawyer is not suitable for him. This goes against the principle of individualization, which states that the student should be treated as a unique person, not as a category or a label67. Option C also shows a lack of recognition for the student’s interests and goals, and may divert him from his desired career path67.

References:

• 6: What Is Supported Employment? | British Association for Supported Employment
• 7: Certified Employment Support Professional - apse.org
• 8: Supported Employment Services | DSHS
• 9: What Is Supported Employment? - Integrity, Inc.
• 5: Guide to Career Planning for High School Students - Study.com
• 3: The Ultimate Career Planning Guide for High School Students
• 1: Career planning for high schoolers : Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of …
• 2: Career Planning Checklist: High School - EducationPlanner
• 4: Setting Your Career Goals: A Guide For High School Students

Customized employment is a process that involves individualizing the relationship between the employee and the employer to meet the needs and preferences of both1. One of the core valuesof customized employment is that the individual has the right to choose the type, amount, and frequency of employment support services they receive1. Another core value is that the individual has the opportunity to earn competitive wages and benefits that are commensurate with their skills and abilities1. Therefore, the statement that the individual can earn sub-minimum wages if this is part of the negotiated job description process is not consistent with the core values of customized employment, as it violates the individual’s right to fair compensation and economic self-sufficiency1. The other statements are consistent with the core values of customized employment, as they reflect the individual’s autonomy, self-determination, and inclusion in the workforce1. References: 1: Customized Employment | U.S. Department of Labor

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. An undue hardship is defined as a significant difficulty or expense in relation to the employer’s size, financial resources, and the nature of its operations. Therefore, when advocating for supports and accommodations for someone with a disability, it is most important to consider that the employer must provide accommodations regardless of the cost unless the employer can prove that the accommodation would create an undue hardship. The other options are incorrect because:

• B. The accommodations may be used by other employees as well, as long as they do not interfere with the performance of the employee with a disability or create a safety hazard.
• C. The accommodations are not the decision of one person, but rather the result of an interactive process between the employer and the employee with a disability, and possibly a third party such as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or an employment support professional.
• D. The accommodations are not limited to physical accommodations, but may also include changes to the work environment, work schedule, work tasks, work equipment, work policies, or work procedures, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. References:
• Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace
• Disability and Health Inclusion Strategies

 Supported employment services are a personalized model for supporting people with significant disabilities to secure and retain paid employment in integrated communitysettings12. The model uses a partnership strategy to enable people with disabilities to achieve sustainable long-term employment and businesses to employ valuable workers12. Supported employment services are based on the core values and principles of inclusion, empowerment, choice, respect, dignity, and individualization12.

Among the four options, only C is consistent with these values and principles, and the most appropriate way to proceed with the individual. By meeting with him to discuss his employment interests, and engaging him in the job development process, the supported employment professional can demonstrate respect for his preferences, goals, and abilities, and empower him to take an active role in his own employment journey12. This can also help to build rapport, trust, and motivation, and address anybarriers or challenges that may have affected his previous engagement and follow through34.

Option A is not appropriate, as it implies that the individual is not ready for services, and needs to undergo a prevocational program to assess his skills and abilities. This goes against the supported employment principle of zero exclusion, which states that anyone who wants to work can work, regardless of their level of disability or support needs12. Prevocational programs are often segregated, time-limited, and do not lead to competitive employment outcomes56. Option B is also not appropriate, as it implies that the individual is not committed or responsible, and needs to prove himself before receiving services. This goes against the supported employment principle of empowerment, which states that the individual should be treated as an equal partner, and not as a passive recipient of services12. Setting up conditions may also create a power imbalance, and discourage the individual from engaging in the process78. Option D is also not appropriate, as it implies that the individual is not welcome or valued by the current program or provider, and needs to start over with a new one. This goes against the supported employment principle of inclusion, which states that theindividual should be supported to participate fully in the community, and not be isolated or excluded12. Referring him to another program or provider may also disrupt the continuity of services, and affect the quality of the relationship and the outcomes910.

References:

• 1: What Is Supported Employment? | British Association for Supported Employment
• 2: Certified Employment Support Professional - apse.org
• 3: Supported Employment Services | DSHS
• 4: What Is Supported Employment? - Integrity, Inc.
• 5: The Case Against Prevocational Services - ThinkWork
• 6: Prevocational Services: A Review of the Literature - Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
• 7: Motivational Interviewing in Supported Employment - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• 8: Motivational Interviewing in Employment Services - Journal of Rehabilitation
• 9: The Importance of Continuity in Employment Services - Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
• 10: The Impact of Staff Turnover on Employment Services - Journal of Rehabilitation Administration

The LEAST effective way for a family to support a job seeker in obtaining competitive employment is to attend job interviews and new employer orientation sessions to learn more about the job and hiring procedures. This is because it may interfere with the job seeker’s autonomy, self-determination, and self-advocacy skills, which are essential for successful employment outcomes. It may also create a negative impression on the employer, who may perceive the job seeker as dependent, unprepared, or lacking confidence. Furthermore, it may violate the confidentiality and privacy of the job seeker, who may not want to disclose personal information to the family or the employer. Therefore, the family should respect the job seeker’s choices and preferences, and support them from a distance, unless the job seeker explicitly requests their presence or assistance. References:

• APSE CESP Practice Exam, Question 3
• APSE CESP Exam Content Outline, Domain 2, Task 2.2
• APSE CESP Code of Conduct, Principle 1, Section 1.3
• APSE CESP Handbook, Page 12, Section 4.1.3

This answer reflects the core values and principles of employment support professionals, who believe that all people have the right to work in the general workforce and earn competitive wages. Employment support professionals also respect the self-determination and empowerment of job seekers, and provide individualized services that match their interests, goals, and abilities. The other answers are not appropriate because they suggest limiting the job seeker’s options, segregating them from the community, or lowering their expectations. References:

• Domain 1 Application of Core Values and Principles to Practice1234
• Domain 2 Individualized Employment and Career Planning1234

 According to the FLSA, individuals may volunteer their services to public agencies for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without being considered employees of the public agencies, as long as they offer their services freely and without coercion, and they do not perform the same type of services as their regular employment1. Therefore, Brad can volunteer for the blood drive, which is a charitable activity organized by a non-profit organization, without being paid by the bank, which is his private sector employer. The other options are incorrect because they either misstate or contradict the FLSA provisions regarding volunteers. There is no prohibition against employees with disabilities from volunteering in any capacity or line of work in the public sector, as long as they meet the same criteria as other volunteers1. Being paid is not required for volunteers with disabilities, unless they are employed by the same public agency that they volunteer for2. People are not allowed to volunteer their services to public agencies when they are doing work that is the same as the work in which they are employed, regardless of whether their employer is a public or private entity1. References: Fact Sheet #14A: Non-Profit Organizations and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), eCFR :: 29 CFR Part 553 Subpart B – Volunteers