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FEATURE
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Head Of The Class
Shari Garvalia, MAS
Showdown Displays
Garvalia earned her CAS at The PPAI Expo 2012 and earned her MAS in
March 2016 using PPAI’s online proctoring service to complete her exam.
PPB
What challenges did you encounter,
if any, when fulfilling the requirements for
earning each designation?
Garvalia
I had attended education events
primarily at the Dallas and Vegas shows as
well as local regional association events,
throughout my many years in the industry.
When I decided to test for CAS certification
a few years ago, I had more than enough
credits, however I learned I had to fulfill some
basic requirements which included basic entry
level courses that did not exist when I started
in the industry, such as Promotional Products
Industry Overview Part I and Part II.
A few years ago, not all of these courses
were available via webinar, so I had to wait
for the opportunity to attend them in person.
That was interesting, and while not difficult,
the realization that I had to complete those
basic courses, after all of my years in the
industry, delayed my testing. The increase in
the number and variety of courses available
through live and recorded webinars has made
it much easier to complete required courses.
PPB
What were some of the webinars or
live education events that you enjoyed
most, or that most surprised you with their
relevance to your work?
Garvalia
I always enjoy the live events more
than the webinars, because the interaction
and spontaneity keeps me engaged and
energized. The best live education events
have been part of the Women’s Leadership
Conferences and North American Leadership
Conference, and I also always enjoy the
general session keynote speakers at The PPAI
Expo in Las Vegas.
PPB
How will having these designations
elevate your business among clients, and
how can certification improve the industry
as a whole?
Garvalia
The CAS and MAS designations
represent one’s commitment to continued
education and personal and professional
development. The certifications show that a
commitment to the industry has been made by
a dedicated professional, and someone who is
willing to invest in their personal development
and career. The certification program is one
important element which can help us elevate
the perception of the promotional products
industry, especially in the minds of those who
think of us as just selling “logoed stuff.”
PPB
You completed your MAS exam
through the online testing platform; what
can you share about your experience that
would help others who might be unsure
about testing online?
Garvalia
When I realized there were not any
in-person exams scheduled at events or
at times that I would be available for many
months, I was intrigued by the opportunity to
test online. The proctoring service was easy
to deal with, and the scheduling and actual
testing process was simple and seamless.
The proctor is visible to you at all
times on your screen, and at one point
when I had a question, he answered it
immediately. While the cost was a little
higher to test online, it was definitely more
convenient and timely for my needs. I also
liked the fact that I received an immediate
score rather than waiting a few weeks, which
happens with in-person exams.
PROFILES IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The certification
program is one
important element
which can help
us elevate the
perception of
the promotional
products industry,
especially in the
minds of those
who think of us
as just selling
“logoed stuff.”
28
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JANUARY 2017
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