header image

Course questions? IMSA confusion? Tech hiccups? Start here — we’ve got you.


Before you bombard me (or Taylor!) with calls, texts, screenshots, smoke signals, or interpretive dance questions 😂 — skim this page first. Everything I normally send you before class, plus the answers to the most common IMSA, renewal, and tech questions, lives right here. Check here first, then reach out if you still need help!


Reinventing your training experience...


🌟 START HERE – Read Before Class

Welcome to your IMSA program! The first and most important part of your IMSA Program is your ability to read and follow instructions. 🙂
Before we begin, please:

  1. Identify your enrollment type: Renewal or Exam.
  2. Sign the class roster: https://forms.gle/oVmpoUZBRxkiReTL9
  3. Download your Student Guide from the Drive folder: Click here to access the Google Drive. We don't provide printed materials, but you are welcome to print a copy for yourself. 😁
  4. Follow ONLY the instructions in the section that applies to you.
  5. If you experience any technical difficulties, please confirm that you followed all instructions for your enrollment type, then review the FAQs below to see if your question is already answered. 🙂
  6. Complete all required steps by the end of Day 1.

If you’re not sure which type you are just email me 😁


🟩 GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

📘 About Your Seminar

  • All students must be able to access their IMSA profile.
  • IMSA does not provide printed materials.
  • You may print materials from the Student Drive folder.
  • Virtual programs use Google Meet (browser-based).
  • Programs begin at 8:30 AM Eastern Time, unless otherwise noted.
  • The seminar link activates 10–15 minutes before class.
  • If you have any issues with your meeting link, please copy and paste it as plain text directly into your browser’s address bar.

🧪 Before Your Exam

  • A functioning camera is required.
  • Integrated cameras are strongly recommended.
  • Firefox is NOT supported.
  • Please use Chrome (preferred), Edge, or Safari.

📊 After Your Exam

  • Exam results are not immediate (typically 2–8 weeks).
  • Results post to My Courses →IMSA Exam Results.
  • Any IMSA requests will appear in the Notes column.
  • Certificates may take up to 8 weeks to post.
  • Certificates are downloaded from My Certification Record.
  • No hard copies are mailed.
  • Certificates of Attendance are available upon request.

⚠️ Retest Students

You MUST notify dmontes@imsasafety.org when you complete your exam or it will not be graded.

🏫 In-Person Attendees

  • Please bring your own device for testing when possible.
  • Loaner laptops and tablets are available if needed.
  • Classrooms are in the business park area to the right.
  • Please park politely - not in front of other businesses main entrance doors.

🔶 RENEWAL STUDENTS - Start Here

You are a Renewal Student if you are updating an existing IMSA certification.
(NO — you do not take an exam. NO — you do not upload a Work Zone equivalent. 😊)

✔️ Step 1 — If you haven't already done it, sign In for Attendance
Please complete the online class sign-in (once, on Day 1):
👉 Class Roster Form: https://forms.gle/oVmpoUZBRxkiReTL9

✔️ Step 2 — Complete Your Renewal Application (Within 2 Business Days)
We pay the renewal fee on your behalf, but YOU must complete the renewal application:
👉 Renewal Form: https://forms.gle/8MmzNdvPMGB9GvBo6

💡 IMPORTANT:
If you send anything directly to IMSA International, they assume YOU intend to pay your own fees — and we will lovingly let you.
I do not recommend becoming an accidental donor. 😂
Let me submit everything to IMSA so your fees stay covered. 😁

✔️ Step 3 — Make Sure Your Certs Are Correct
On your renewal form, list the certification(s) you are renewing, not necessarily the one you’re attending.
If you’re unsure what you currently hold, just email me — I’ll check your record.
(It’s MUCH easier than fixing incorrect paperwork later.)

✔️ Step 4 — After Class: How Renewals Are Processed
When IMSA finalizes your renewal, you’ll receive an email from communications@imsasafety.org that looks like an invoice…

👉 IT IS NOT AN INVOICE. YOU OWE NOTHING.
It simply confirms IMSA processed my payment for your renewal.
Your certificate will be available for download from your IMSA profile once finalized.

Processing Time
IMSA can take up to 8 weeks to finalize your certificate.
There are no hard copies — just download it from your IMSA profile. 😊

😇 That’s literally all Renewal Students have to do.

  • No exam.
  • No Integrity Advocate.
  • No 6-step odyssey.
  • No dragon guarding your exam link.

✅ EXAM STUDENTS - Start Here

PLEASE, for the love of all things, READ YOUR INSTRUCTIONS IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE emailing or texting us. (You can try to call… but I’m perpetually on the phone, so good luck with that. 😂)
Note: These are the steps required by IMSA International (not About Phase Academy).

Please complete these steps by the end of your first day.
Don’t panic if you get stuck — we’ll also go over this in class. 🙂

🟩 Step 1 – Access Your IMSA Profile

Follow these steps to make sure you can log in:

  • Go to https://www.imsasafety.org/
  • Click Your Account (top right).
  • Click “Check here first to find your credentials to login.”
  • Search using your First Name and Last Name only.
  • If your profile has errors or the email is wrong:
    Do NOT create a new profile. Text Stacey: 305-304-5331.
  • If the email is correct:
    • Return to the login page and click Forgot password.
    • In the email, click the link labeled “Go to password reset page” (not just the homepage).
  • Save your IMSA username and password somewhere safe.
🟩 Step 2 – Check Your Work Zone Requirement (Level I New Certs)

This step is required for new Level I exam students only (not renewals).

  • Log in to your IMSA profile.
  • Go to My Certification Record.
  • Look for the Work Zone Equivalent line.
  • If nothing is listed:
    • Click “Click Here to Begin”.
    • Fill out the form and upload a copy of your TTC certificate in PDF format.
  • IMSA reviews Work Zone submissions about once a week, so it can take time to show in your official record as an approved Work Zone equivalent.
🟩 Step 3 – Complete Your Certificate Application & Declaration/Release

This is required for ALL exam and retest students.

  • In your IMSA profile, click the Cert Application D&R button in the green bar.
  • Click the + near the arrow-up button on the right to open your application.
  • Fill in the required information:
    • Exam Type: choose Seminar for new students, Retake for retests.
    • Exam Date: use the second day of class.
    • Work history only needs to cover what’s required for prerequisites.
  • Scroll down, check the Acknowledgement box, and click Save. You do not need to print or email the PDF version—checking the box is enough.
  • Important: If you're attending another IMSA program in the near future, you must complete an additional Certificate Application for the upcoming program or you will continue to see a “Missing Information” button on the My Courses page.

Retest students only: After you complete your exam, email IMSA at dmontes@imsasafety.org so your exam can be graded.

🟩 Step 4 – Know How to Access Your Exam

On exam day:

  • Log in to your IMSA profile.
  • Go to My Courses.
  • Click View My Courses (enable pop-ups if nothing opens).
  • Your exam will appear under the Quizzes tab once it becomes available.

Level I students: At NOON on exam day:

  • Open your Course Home page.
  • Scroll to the Calendar section.
  • Click Work Zone Equivalent and open the assigned video.
  • You may fast-forward; it just needs to register as “viewed.”
  • Your exam will not unlock until this step is completed.
🟩 Step 5 – Follow the Integrity Advocate Exam Rules

IMSA uses Integrity Advocate (IA) to proctor online exams. Please:

  • Use an updated version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari (not Firefox).
  • Close other apps or browser tabs using your camera.
  • Submit a clear, well-lit photo of yourself and your government-issued ID.
  • Stay fully in view of the camera for the entire exam.
  • Do not get up once the exam starts.
  • No notes, phones, tablets, headphones, or outside help.

IA may show red warnings or take snapshots if it thinks something looks “off.” This is normal — just follow the rules and keep going. 🙂

🟩 Step 6 – After Your Exam (Results & Certificates)
  • Results usually post in about 2 weeks under:
    My Courses → Completed Online Courses.
  • Your certificate will not be released until:
    • Any required Work Zone Equivalent is approved.
    • Your Certificate Application is complete and the acknowledgement box is checked.
    • All required prerequisites are on file.
  • If you don’t see your Pass/Fail result by the end of the timeline posted in the Exam Result Message section, please contact Stacey — don’t bombard IMSA with calls or emails.
  • Certificates are digital only and can be downloaded from your:
    IMSA Profile → My Certification Record.

🟩 Helpful Hints from About Phase Academy (Do's & Don'ts)
  • We strongly recommend using a device with an integrated camera, as external cameras often cause trouble with the proctoring system.
  • Do NOT use Firefox — it will not work. Chrome is preferred; Edge and Safari are also supported.
  • Make sure your pop-up blocker is turned off or you will never get to the Exam Home Page.

Quick Note: If you see a “Missing Information” button instead of “View My Courses” on the My Courses page, you still need to:

  • Complete the Certificate Application for all upcoming programs and make sure you hit save in that box, not cancel 😊.
  • Check the Declaration and Release box.
  • Click Save at the bottom of the page.

Prefer video instructions? Watch here:
IMSA Exam – Video Walkthrough

📩 Need More Help?
Check out the FAQ Section below - If that doesn't work:

Email: stacey@aboutphaseacademy.com
Text: 305-304-5331

💡 A Friendly Heads-Up
Still stuck after checking everything? No worries — send me a message.
I don’t judge… unless you send your question in the form of an interpretive dance,
in which case I will applaud first and answer second. 😂

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question below to expand the answer.

👤 IMSA Account Help

How do I log in to my IMSA Profile?

Follow these steps:

  • Go to the IMSA login page:
    https://www2.imsasafety.org/IMSA/Contacts/Contact_Management/Sign_In.aspx?
  • Click “Check here first to find your credentials to login.”
  • Search using your First Initial and Last Name only.
  • IMSA will display the email address and username associated with your profile.
  • If the email is incorrect, you will not be able to reset your password.
    Do not create a new profile! Contact me and I will work with IMSA to update it.
  • If the email is correct, return to the login page and click “Forgot password.”
  • In the reset email, click the link labeled “Go to password reset page.”
    (The other link just takes you to the homepage.)
  • Create your new password and save both your username and password somewhere safe.
What is my IMSA username?

Your username is either your IMSA ID OR the email address associated with your IMSA account. Use the “Check here first to find your credentials to login” tool on the login page to confirm.

How do I find my IMSA ID?
  • Log in to your IMSA profile.
  • Go to My Profile.
  • Your IMSA ID appears on the left side under your picture (if provided).
How do I reset my IMSA password?

Option 1 – From the login page:

  • Visit the login page.
  • Click Forgot Password.
  • Enter your email.
  • Use the correct reset link from the email (the one that opens the password reset page).
    If you click the wrong link you’ll get stuck in a loop of not logging in.
  • Create your new password.

Option 2 – From inside your profile:

  • Log in.
  • Go to Preferences.
  • Select Change Password.
How do I update my email, address, phone, or company info?

You may update:

  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address

To update your Company information or Job Role/Title, contact us at:
📨 info@aboutphaseacademy.com


Courses & Access

How do I access my course after I register?

Your course access information is emailed to you shortly after registration. If you cannot locate the email:

  • Check your Spam, Junk, or Promotions folders.
  • Search your inbox for “About Phase Academy” or the course title.

If you still can’t find it, contact me and I’ll gladly resend your access details.

Are the courses self-paced?

No. None of our programs are self-paced.
All programs follow scheduled instruction, deadlines, and structured modules.

What does “Hybrid” mean on the IMSA website?

On the IMSA website, Hybrid means the program is available for your choice of attendance types:

  • In person
  • Virtual
  • (or a mix of both if need be 🙂)

Exams & Proctoring

How long do I have access to my IMSA exam?

You have a 12-hour access window on the second day of the program (from 12:00 PM to midnight).

Once you click Start, you have 3 hours to complete the exam.

Are IMSA exams open book?

No. IMSA exams are closed-book. That means:

  • No notes or manuals.
  • No outside materials or extra screens.
  • No “phone-a-friend” or other assistance.

They have never been open book, no matter what you may have heard. 🙂

Is the exam proctored?

Yes. All IMSA exams are proctored:

  • In-person programs: Your moderator will proctor your exam.
  • Virtual programs: You are monitored by the Integrity Advocate system.

For important online exam requirements, please see the Integrity Advocate question below.

What should I know about the Integrity Advocate online exam rules?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ONLINE EXAM EXPERIENCE

IMSA International uses a computer system called Integrity Advocate (IA) to proctor their online exams. Please review the policies and procedures below before starting your online exam.

Required Rules (No Exceptions)

  • You cannot have other apps accessing your camera. Close other open browser tabs and exit any virtual meetings.
  • You will need to submit a clear, well-lit image of yourself taken by your camera.
  • You must submit a clear, easily read image of your government-issued photo ID (make sure the name on your ID matches the name on your account).
  • Make sure you are evenly in view of the camera. A high sitting or side sitting camera will cause IA issues.
  • You must remain engaged with the session for the duration of the exam (don’t get up once you start).
  • You may not receive help from or communicate with other people for the duration of the exam.
  • NO notes or electronic devices (phone, tablet, headphones, etc.).
  • SERIOUSLY — don’t get up, no headphones, no outside help, and make sure you’re squarely in camera view.

Helpful Hints

  • This is a 100-question, closed-book (no notes or anything!) exam with a three-hour time limit.
  • Firefox is NOT supported. Use an updated version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
  • External cameras can cause issues. If you don’t see a clear image of yourself or you’re getting camera errors, switch to a device with an integrated camera.
  • Go somewhere quiet where you won’t be interrupted and people aren’t wandering behind you.
  • Don’t try to babysit the kids, dog, or cat while you’re doing your exam.
  • Try not to stare off-screen for too long. The AI may think you’re reading something off screen.
  • If you can’t sit relatively still during the exam process, the online exam is probably not the best option.

Weird Things That May Happen (Do Not Freak Out)

  • If IA can’t get a clean shot of your ID — don’t panic. Just send me a copy and I’ll make sure it’s all good.
  • IA may put up red warnings during your exam when it sees something it thinks is “shady.” Whatever you were doing, just stop doing it 🙂
  • IA may take snapshots of moments it thinks you’re going off-book so a real person can review it later. Please don’t make us watch that — just follow the rules and it’ll all be fine 😄

Results & Certificates

Where do I find my exam results?

Results are Pass/Fail only; numeric scores are not posted.

When IMSA has completed their review, your results will appear in:

IMSA Profile → My Courses → IMSA Exam Results

(They will not appear on the original exam hosting page.)

When will I see my exam results?

Estimated timeline: 2–4 weeks.

Your Pass/Fail result will appear in your IMSA Profile → My Courses → IMSA Exam Results.

If you are missing any required information, IMSA will note it in the Notes section of your profile.

You may see two separate notes that do not affect each other. For example:

  • “Passed Exam — Missing Work Zone prerequisite”
    You passed the exam, but your certificate will not post until you upload the required Work Zone prerequisite.
  • “Failed Exam — Missing Work Zone prerequisite”
    You did not receive a passing score. The Work Zone note is simply a reminder to upload that documentation before you attempt a retest.
When will my certificate be available?

Estimated timeline: 4–8 weeks.

Certificates are digital only and can be downloaded from your:

IMSA Profile → My Certification Record

You will see two green buttons that allow you to print:

  • Your Certification Card
  • Your Certificate

Note: The certificate window does not scroll. Use the gray page bar to move between your active certificates.

Who should I contact if my results or certificate seem delayed?

Definitely NOT IMSA according to their new policies! 😂 Please be patient — IMSA is an international organization, and other sections may be running programs at the same time we are, so our class may not be first in line.
If you don't see results in a few weeks: Contact us - the kindler gentler providers - not the honey-badger international group 😁

Please keep in mind, before certificates can be finalized, IMSA must:

  • Review everyone’s Integrity Advocate status.
  • Process class paperwork.
  • Verify prerequisites and documentation.

They do post an estimated timeline on your exam home page under the “Exam Result Message” section. You can refer to that for their current timelines.

If you do not have a Pass or Fail notice in My Courses → IMSA Exam Results by the end of that posted timeline, Definitely DO NOT CONTACT IMSA according to their new policies! 😂 Contact us - the kindler gentler providers - not the honey-badger international group 😁


Renewals & Credits

Which programs can be used for renewals?

You can attend your certification program again (yawn) or…

Anyone with a Signal Inspector or Signal Technician of ANY level can attend ANY of the following 16-hour programs and use those hours to renew:

Feel free to click on any of those links and select the dates that work best for you. 🙂

Do renewal students need to take an exam?

No exam is required; just sit for hours and submit applicable paperwork. 🙂

How long do renewals take?

Estimated timeline: 4–8 weeks.

I submit renewal packets monthly. When IMSA processes yours, you'll receive an email that looks like an invoice.

Do not pay it! I’ve already handled the payment. 🙂

It will list your name under “Bill To” and my name under “Name on Card,” confirming that IMSA processed my payment for you.


Promo Codes & Careers

My promo code isn't working. What do I do?

Please confirm:

  • The promo code has not expired.
  • You typed it exactly as provided.
  • It applies to the course you're registering for.

If it still doesn’t work, contact me before completing checkout.

Does About Phase Academy offer job placement?

Not formal guaranteed placement.

The Phase 226 Initiative offers:

  • Pre-screened Prospects
  • Shadowing opportunities
  • Structured training paths

This bridges the gap between training and employment for both Prospects and Host Companies.


⚠️ IMSA Policy & Procedures – Read Before Enrolling

To avoid issues with renewals or accidental exam enrollments, please review these updates first.

IMSA Updates Are Now Live! Help us help you – please review the policy changes before scheduling students.

IMSA has rolled out a series of new rules — covering how students are enrolled, who may contact IMSA (and who may not), and when fees apply. A quick review of the current processes and the new changes will help keep everything running smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications. 😊

If you suspect you need ANY help at all ... Just remember:
I’m fast 👟 I’m friendly 🫂 I drink coffee ☕☕☕☕

🟡 IMSA’s “Prohibition Era” – Who Can Contact IMSA About Exam Results?

Welcome to the Roaring 20’s: IMSA’s Prohibition Era – APA is here to help you navigate the Updated Communication Rules 😁

Just don't... 😂

Per the IMSA Certification Program Policies Manual (CPPM):
“Students are prohibited from contacting the International Office regarding exam results.”
(Yes, really. We checked twice to make sure it wasn’t satire.)

Please direct all questions through us 😁
About Phase Academy staff will quickly and happily assist you to make sure your concerns get to the right place 🤩

🟡 How Do I Unlock an IMSA Identity & Verify a Student’s IMSA ID?

You’re independent and want to do things yourself 😊
Here's the un-simple procedures to unlocking an IMSA Identity 😂

To verify a student’s correct enrollment type (New vs Renew) and avoid IMSA’s new fees, you’ll need their IMSA ID.

Go to our Help Desk page. In the FAQ section, see:
“How do I log in to my IMSA Profile?”

If after following the instructions nothing appears, don’t panic — Contact Us 😁
Your Friendly Neighborhood IMSA Guru’s 😊

Send us the students’ full name, and we’ll help 😊
This tiny step prevents most enrollment issues — and by extension, at least three of the other tiles on this page. 😄

🟡 Need Your Students' Enrollment Type? (New vs Renewal)

Need Your Students' Enrollment Type? Of course you do – but why make it easy?
How to Actually Get Info (Spoiler: You Can’t 😂)

IMSA does not make students’ certifications publicly viewable – those records being national secrets & all 😂
We assume the vault is guarded by a dragon made of paperwork 😂

The only non-IMSA people who can see a student’s true status are:

  • ✔ the student (if they can access their profile)
  • ✔ me – because IMSA expects Certification Chairs to be miraculous – & we are 😇

So if you need to know whether your employee is a New Certification, Renewal, or somehow misplaced in an alternate Exam Universe, just email 😊

🟡 The Accidental Enrollment Fee – IMSA’s New $35 Policy

The Accidental Enrollment Fee (A Modern Cautionary Tale)
IMSA now charges a $35 fee when a student is enrolled incorrectly (New vs Renewal).

Whether the error is made by you or by me, the fee is billed directly to me — even if the student never takes the exam (because nothing says “customer service” like charging for an exam you didn’t take and a fee not backed by actual data).

Since we don’t pass along baseless penalties, please triple-check enrollment types before submitting.
If there’s any doubt, just ask. We’re happy to help 😇

🟡 IMSA’s Official Enrollment Cutoff – 5-Day Window Only

IMSA’s Official Enrollment Cutoff Policy
Need to Add a Student? You’ve Got a 5-Day Window. Period. End of Discussion 😑

Once we cross that magic line, IMSA locks the roster and no one (not even me, armed with coffee & charm) can add new participants.

To ensure your student is included:

  • Submit all names at least 5 days before class.
  • Double-check New or Renew.
  • If you’re unsure, DON'T GUESS!

IMSA doesn’t have the sunshiny temperament that I do, and they’ll just throw $35 fees at us until we behave 😂
After the 5-day cutoff (Not 4. Not 4.75. IMSA is very firm on this), IMSA’s system becomes a nuclear silo on lockdown 😂

🟡 About That Mysterious Scheduling Blackout…

Why Is There a Big Empty Space in Our Schedule?

Don’t worry — there’s nothing wrong with us (outside the usual 😂).

IMSA prohibits sections from running programs 30 days before or 7 days after their conference as running classes anywhere in the hemisphere might (in their own words) “interfere with conference participation.”

We will resume normal programming when it's not prohibited. In the meantime, thank you for your patience.

Please enjoy this brief intermission brought to you by "Policies We Didn’t Write™" 😂

🟡 Want to Share Feedback With IMSA?

Want to Share Feedback With IMSA? Please direct all commentary to management — this kitchen is merely the messenger 😇

IMSA Leadership Contacts:

Heidi M. Cramb – Executive Director
hcramb@imsasafety.org
(321) 349-3600

Tim Rasmussen – Director of Education and Certification
trasmussen@imsasafety.org
(321) 349-3567

Ann Marie Hughes – Director of Finance and Operations
finance@IMSAsafety.org
(321) 349-3566

🟡 IMSA Values You❣️ (Truly. Deeply. Actuarially. Existentially.)

A Friendly Reminder of Your Value to IMSA International ❣️

Students, members, & certificate holders are the foundation of IMSA — the reason the organization exists & the primary source of its financial stability.

Every course you take, renewal you complete, and certification you maintain supports the operation, staffing, & ongoing programs of the organization.

Your voice carries weight (as it should) so remember: Your feedback to IMSA leadership truly matters to a group built on your participation.

Leadership tile is right next door, should you feel inspired 💛