Step 1. Assign a training manager.

Identify a training manager to keep the process on track, monitor employee progress and answer questions. The training manager can be the store owner, a manager or an experienced employee.

The training manager should make key decisions about how your store will use Pet Store Pro:

• Where employees are expected to complete the training (at the store or at home)
• When employees should study at the store (during slow times, before or after work)
• Whether employees will have access to a computer to study online or will work from printed study guides
• Which chapters are required to become a
  Pet Store Pro
• What incentives will be offered to reward employees who complete the program

Step 2. Register your store.

• Click New Store Registration at the top of the page.
• Complete requested information about your store and training manager.
• Create a user name and password to access the Trainer Home Page.

Step 3. Manage employees.

The Trainer Home Page is your point of access to register employees for training and to monitor their progress. You can also update information about your employees, reset passwords and change an employee’s status from active to inactive.

• Click Register New Student to add employees.
• Click on individual names to update employee information and chapter assignments.

Step 4. Register your staff.

Once you are logged in to the Trainer Home Page, click Register New Student and enter the following for each employee:

• The employee’s first and last name
• The user name and temporary password you’ve created
• The chapters you’ve assigned the employee to complete

Employees will be prompted to create a new password the first time they log in to Pet Store Pro. Training managers can always reset a forgotten password.

Step 5. Monitor employee progress.

You will be notified by e-mail each time an employee takes an online chapter test. Track progress and performance at any time through the Trainer Home Page.

• Click the Reports button to go to the employee’s Student Records page. You’ll see which tests have been completed, when they were taken and the scores.
• Click the Status of a completed test to see the results, including correct answers and which questions were missed.
• Click the Reset button to allow a student to retake a failed test.

NOTE: Tests can be printed and completed offline. Since the question order changes each time a test is opened, be sure to print an answer guide after printing the blank test. To do so, answer the first question then click Submit. Printed tests must be graded manually.

When an employee has successfully completed all required chapter tests, PIDA will mail you a Certificate of Achievement to post in the store or award to the employee.

Step 6. Prepare for success.

Smart employees are critical to your store’s success, but your staff needs your help and encouragement to succeed.

• Set a schedule. One chapter a week usually works well.
• Make time for learning. Provide uninterrupted time for employees to study or take tests.
• Look for learning opportunities. Encourage employees to demonstrate what they’ve learned by using their knowledge to serve customers.
• Provide ongoing encouragement. Check in with students regularly about their progress.
  
• Reward completion. Announce achievement at meetings and post certificates in a prominent location. Offer incentives such as new responsibilities, gift cards for movies or other treats or modest wage increases.
• Offer Pet Store Pro to everybody. Full- and part-time employees will benefit from the training. New hires will be more productive faster. Experienced staff can refresh and enhance their knowledge.