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Head Of The Class | FEATURE
Certification also helps seasoned
workers stay relevant, especially as
Millennial professionals enter the
workforce with up-to-date skill sets
already under their belts. Achieving
field-specific certifications shows
current and potential employers that
workers are dedicated to their craft and
the industry to which they apply their
skills and professional development.
To the customer, holding an industry
certification shows a higher level of
professionalism and is documented
evidence of industry expertise.
“Achieving certification is not about
checking a box—it’s about gaining the
content knowledge that enables you to
earn a certification,” says PPAI Certification
Manager Julie Levay. “It’s a customizable
program that allows you to learn more
about the industry and how to do your
job better.”
PPAI Certification is a valuable
means of differentiating oneself in the
marketplace, Levay says. “As the industry’s
longest-running certification program,
its Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS)
and Master Advertising Specialist (MAS)
designations are instantly recognizable—
and well regarded among professionals in
the field.”
Certification in the promotional
products industry requires an investment
Ready To Go To The Head Of The Class?
Earn Your PPAI Certification
CERTIFICATION Designation
Awarded
Industry
Experience
Education
Points
Required
Courses
Exam
Required*
Recertification
Required **
TAS
Trained
Advertising
Specialist
Less Than
3 Years
25 CAS or
MAS Level No No No Certificate of
Completion
CAS
Certified
Advertising
Specialist
3+ Years 75 CAS orMAS Level Yes Yes Yes Certification
MAS
Master
Advertising
Specialist
5+ Years
100 MAS
Level &
Valid CAS
No Yes Yes Certification
MAS+
Master
Advertising
Specialist
Plus
7+ Years
225 Total
Points &
Valid MAS
No
No
(Project
Based)
No Certification
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
*The PPAI Certification exam is offered year-round at PPAI live events and online. In order to register you must have already
completed the specified CAS or MAS program requirements.
**CAS designees must continue to keep their CAS Certification current by completing 25 additional educational credits over three years.
MAS designees must continue to keep their CAS Certification current by completing 25 additional MAS-level educational credits
over three years.
| JANUARY 2017 | 31