ISC field assessors have to complete the ISC Training course to be qualified to complete ISC field assessments for Physical Form and Streamside Zone sub-indices.

The ISC is applied on a statewide level by all CMAs, each CMA is required to complete the reach assessments in their own jurisdiction, consequently a number of different assessors collect ISC data.

Without stringent training, resources and a methodology conjusive to straight forward data collection, the variation in assessments results between field assessors would create variability in data that does not represent the real world conditions.

The outcome from the statewide application of the ISC is that the data is timely, of high quality and ‘owned’ by the CMAs. The training course has been developed to achieve this outcome. At the end of the training courses, participants must have the skills, and desire to professionally apply the ISC. Training courses have been a constant feature of the ISC. The training courses are structured over two days and provide a mixture of theory and practical field experience with an expert in the ISC field assessments. It has been shown that two day training courses reduce variability in visual based assessments of stream habitat and has been adapted in the ISC quality assurance process. It has been identified that it is likely that variability will decrease with experience in collecting ISC data, although problems of ‘drift’ are likely to increase over time.

The first day consists of lectures and detail the calculation procedures to be used in the field. Following the presentations, trainees are taken out to a site and complete a partial ISC assessment. The second day is based around completing a full assessment which is followed by an accreditation test. Examples and practice runs are deemed the most effective means of teaching for ISC training. Furthermore, feedback on accreditation tests are provided in a timely manner.

Examples of field data sheets that have been filled incorrectly are provided to the CMA nominees. The training courses have enough flexibility to encompass the range of skills and experience that participants have in the ISC. Overly technical language is avoided during the training course and there are many opportunities during the course to ask questions. The last day is also designed to be flexible so that it can fill any needs of the participants.