Frequently Asked Questions
Training
Q: Would there be a change in training dates and plans with the change to Production Simulation testing?
A: No, the changes to Production Simulation testing will not affect the training schedule and dates that was shared.
Q: Will there be a "train-the-trainer" approach to get county trainers ready before Go-Live?
A: Yes. Train-the-Trainer (TTT) runs June 15 – August 14, 2026 and prepares county trainers and Super Users to lead training within their own organizations ahead of Go-Live. Each trainer completes foundational, self-paced Salesforce Enablement training beforehand, then attends TTT sessions (estimated up to two weeks, adjusted for prior experience with CWS/CMS and CWS-CARES). Ongoing office hours and a support channel continue through October to keep trainers supported. For questions, contact OTSICWDSTraining@otsi.ca.gov.
Q: Will there be a system where the most updated training materials are available for users?
A: Training materials will be accessible to all Production Simulation users. We're currently finalizing the approach to ensure everyone has the most up-to-date resources, and additional details will be shared as soon as they're ready.
Q: What are the revised training approaches under consideration for CWS-CARES Version 1 (CARES V1)? Will there still be any Instructor-led training offered?
A: CARES V1 uses a blended, role-based training approach that combines self-paced and live learning, so staff are trained on the functions and workflows specific to their role. Each staff member begins with foundational self-paced online (Salesforce Enablement) training, with the time required varying by role. Instructor-led training remains a core part of this approach and is still offered, through both in-person and virtual sessions tailored for county, state, and specialized program staff. Most staff will need one to three days of instructor-led training depending on their role. Training rolls out in two phases: Train-the-Trainer, beginning June 15, 2026, followed by End-User Training, beginning August 3, 2026. For more information, contact OTSICWDSTraining@otsi.ca.gov.
Q: Are the Training Open Office hours the same as the Office Hours being held for EUST 3?
A: The office hours are different for EUST as they are slated for individuals who are enrolled in participating in EUST 3 whether that be admin, general, or report. The Training Office Hours are specific to answering county questions about the Training Curriculum Assignments for the planning of virtual instructor-led training for CWS-CARES V1 Go Live.
Q: Will the new Production Simulation environment impact the training plan?
A: Yes, Production Simulation will impact the training plan. The project will be making updates with the training workgroup to take the training plan impact into consideration.
Q: Will training for this count towards required training hours?
A: Yes, training will count towards the required 20 hours.
Q: Will there be training for Tableau?
A: Yes, technical Tableau training will be provided to those who are migrating the current reports and extracts (e.g., Business Objects, Other Org Reporting Tools) to Tableau, and/or participating in post go-live Organizational level Tableau report and extract development.
Q: How can someone become a member of the Training Advisory Workgroup (TAW)?
A: To join the TAW, the County SPOC should request during their scheduled RUGs meeting for approval. Once approved, they will be added to the distro list for meeting series, and added to the participants list.
Q: Will CARES V1 include a training application similar to the CWS/CMS Scenario Manager?
A: There are no plans for CARES V1 to develop a training app like Scenario Manager. The scenarios for CWS-CARES training are in CWS-CARES along with the material and there will be walk through prompts to guide the learner. The material for Adoptions will be based on the functionality developed by the development team and released in to the CARES V1 Training Environment. This material once developed will be reviewed by the State Review team and the Training Advisory Workgroup.