DSA Academy

PRE-EXISTING DSA ACADEMY ACCOUNTS

Account profiles for any previously created DSA Academy account logins have been moved to the new LMS, except for passwords. To access the new LMS, you will need to perform a password reset. Refer to the DSA Academy Learner Guidebook linked in the Additional Information box at the bottom of this webpage and see the section titled “Pre-Existing Accounts” for detailed instructions.

NEW ACCOUNTS

Account profiles for new learners are created by the users themselves. Refer to the DSA Academy Learner Guidebook linked in the Additional Information box at the bottom of this webpage and see the section titled “New Accounts” for detailed instructions.

REGISTRATION

Course registration is completed through DGS's LMS, linked above. For additional details on registering and managing your learning, review the DSA Academy Learner Guidebook, linked in the Additional Information box at the bottom of this webpage.

ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT TYPES

• Payment by Credit Card. Our LMS collects payment by credit card or debit card. There is a convenience fee of 2.99 percent for credit/debit cards. A notification will be sent to the user's email address confirming registration is complete and payment is successful.

• Payment by E-Check. Our LMS collects payment by electronic check. There is no convenience fee for eChecks. A notification will be sent to the user's email address confirming registration is complete and payment is successful.

CERTIFIED ACCESS SPECIALIST (CASp)

CASp 101: Certification and Practice ($50)
This webinar highlights significant changes to the DSA Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Program, with information relevant to the CASp, candidates interested in seeking certification, or individuals who want to find out more about the CASp program.

 

PROJECT INSPECTOR

DSA Project Inspector Overview ($500)
This class provides a summary of the key knowledge areas affording project inspector competency of the rules, regulations, standards, procedures, and inspection techniques associated with public school construction projects under DSA jurisdiction. DSA-Certified Project Inspectors must attend this class within their four-year certification period as one of the requirements for re-certification.

DSA Recertification Seminar ($0)
This Recertification Seminar is an on-demand course. This seminar does not replace the Project Inspector Overview Course. This seminar is designed to ensure that inspectors are sufficiently knowledgeable of changes to the California Building Standards Code and DSA administrative procedures relative to inspection. The content focuses on new and recently revised codes, reference standards, and DSA procedures. The Recertification Examination must be registered and scheduled in the DSA Academy as a separate course at the conclusion of this class.

DSA Recertification Exam ($400)
The scope of the Recertification Examination will be a multiple-choice test measuring the inspector’s knowledge of new and/or revised California Building Standards Codes and administrative procedures. The registration description states "Classroom”, but it will be administered through the LMS system and Microsoft Teams. This course will not be accessible for registration until you have completed the DSA Recertification Seminar.

 

STRUCTURAL

Structural Plan Review ($250)
Equips participants with the essential concepts, reference materials and job aides for conducting timely, consistent, and accurate plan reviews for structural compliance.

2019 CBC Amendments – Structural Safety ($250)
Highlights significant changes regarding Structural Safety included in the 2019 California Building Code (CBC).

 

SUSTAINABILITY

Induction Cooking and the All-Electric, California Schools, Kitchen of the Future ($0)
This two-hour recorded webinar explains how a properly designed, all-electric kitchen has the potential to save labor, reduce maintenance, increase kitchen comfort, and enable more scratch cooking, while minimizing any increase in utility costs. The session includes a discussion and demonstration of induction cooking presented by Frontier Energy’s Food Service Technology Center. The live webinar was recorded on Aug. 26, 2021.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

Access Code Updates for the 2019 Intervening Code Cycle – Part One ($0)
This 90-minute session will provide the updates to the 2019 Triennial Edition of the CBC, Chapter 11B approved during the Intervening Code Cycle. In this session the code amendments to public housing, social service center establishments, housing at a place of education, plumbing fixtures and toilet compartments will be discussed.

Access Code Updates for the 2019 Intervening Code Cycle – Part Two ($0)
This 90-minute session will provide the updates to the 2019 Triennial Edition of the CBC, Chapter 11B approved during the Intervening Code Cycle. In this session the code amendments electric vehicle charging facilities, detectable warnings and diagonal and parallel curb ramps will be discussed.

 

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

Plan Review for Fire and Life Safety Process and Procedures – 2019 CBC and 2016 NFPA ($500)
Learn DSA's plan review process for fire and life safety requirements to ensure compliance with California's building codes. This course is based on the 2019 California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2, Volume 1 and the 2016 NFPA 13 and 72.

How do I register for a class?

To register online, log into the DSA Academy (Cornerstone LMS) System. Go to the Course Catalog to browse available classes. Click on a class in the Class Catalog to see the class description, delivery method, locations, dates, times, fee and class availability. Add any class you wish to take to your cart. When you are ready to check out, the LMS will then take you step-by-step through the process of finalizing your class selection(s) and making your payment. 

Is there a registration deadline for in-person classes?

Registration deadlines vary between the different classes and exams. Please view individual course and session details to see the registration deadlines. Fees must be paid at the time of registration.

What is included in my registration fee?

Professional training materials include electronic versions of the instructors’ presentations, exercises, and resource information. Visual aids and other class-related materials may also be utilized. 

Will I receive a class confirmation?

Yes, your class confirmation will be emailed to you at the end of the online payment process. You can also view classes you are registered for on your Learner dashboard and on your transcript.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

If you cannot attend a class, you must notify us by the designated cancellation date (varies by class and exam. Please view individual course and session details to see the registration deadlines) in order to receive a full class refund or credit of your registration fee. The DSA Academy will not issue a refund of the class registration fee if you fail to attend a class or request to drop or cancel your registration after the designated cancellation date.

How do I drop a class?

Refer to the DSA Academy Learner Guidebook (PDF) for detailed instructions on how to drop a class.

Will my credit card be credited when I drop a class?

No, the DSA Academy is unable to credit your credit card account. If you dropped a class and require a refund, please email dsalmshelp@dgs.ca.gov. Please reference “Refund Request” in the subject line. All refunds are processed in check form and take four to six weeks for delivery. Refunds will not be processed for on-demand classes if you have already started the class.

How will my registration fee be applied if my in-person class is postponed or rescheduled?

The DSA Academy will make every reasonable effort to notify all students as soon as possible if a class needs to be rescheduled or postponed. The DSA Academy will automatically apply class registration fees towards the revised class date, if the DSA Academy reschedules or postpones a specific class. Students, who are unable to attend the revised class date, will receive a refund. All refund requests received as a direct result of a class being rescheduled or postponed by the DSA Academy will be reviewed for consideration on a case-by-case basis only.

How do I use my DSA Academy credit?

The DSA Academy policy for credits requires the credit to be used within 24 months from the cancellation date. If you believe you have a credit from the previous DSA Academy system, please send an email to dsalmshelp@dgs.ca.gov.

How do I update my contact information?

Refer to the DSA Academy User Guide (PDF) for detailed instructions on how to update your contact information.

What should I do if I have forgotten my password?

If you have forgotten your password, you may reset your password from the DSA Academy (Cornerstone LMS) System. You will be sent an email with a reset password link.

Will I receive proof that I attended a class?

Yes, once you fully complete a class it will appear in your User Transcript. Click on the “View Certificate” button next to the completed course and the course completion certificate will download to your computer.

Why does my class history show I did not receive credit for a class?

You will not receive credit if you attended only part of the class. To receive credit for completing a class, you must attend the entire class.

Which class is required for DSA Project Inspector re-certification?

The Project Inspector-Overview class is one of the requirements for re-certification (the other requirements are the Recertification Seminar and the Re-certification Exam offered by the Inspector Program). DSA-certified Project Inspectors must attend the Project Inspector-Overview class within their four-year certification period. The purpose of the class is to ensure that inspectors are sufficiently knowledgeable of the regulations and procedures to fulfill their code-required duties. The code edition addressed in the class is the currently effective code as of the class date. Inspectors are not required to bring their code books to class.

Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for taking DSA Academy classes?

The DSA Academy is an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES) registered provider. AIA members can earn Learning Units (LUs) by attending qualifying classes offered by the DSA Academy.

You are required to attend the entire class to receive your Continuing Education Units.

To request AIA Learning Units (LUs) send an email to dsalmshelp@dgs.ca.gov as soon as possible, after completing a class. DSA has a firm 10 days to report to AIA for the credit(s) to count. The DSA Academy will notify AIA when you have completed the class and will send you a replacement certificate of completion showing your AIA units.

To receive ICC and ACIA units, the student does not need to provide DSA with any information. Just keep your class certificate on hand in case ICC or ACIA requires proof you completed the class.

Is the DSA Academy online registration system secure?

Yes, when you enter your credit card information to make your payment, look for the padlock at the bottom of your browser indicating it is a secure connection.

How is my credit card information protected?

Your credit card information is encrypted when it is transmitted to the credit card processing company. It is not stored, printed or viewed on our local computer systems.