Relevant Across Roles And Career Stages PPAI Advance supports professionals at all levels, from newcomers seeking a foundation in promo to veterans looking to sharpen or expand their skill sets. At launch, the learning platform includes nearly 200 courses, with new content planned throughout the year. The curriculum is designed to reflect the wide range of responsibilities in the promotional products space. Content categories include sales strategy, marketing fundamentals, customer experience, supply chain operations, finance, compliance and leadership. In addition, several courses touch on broader themes like sustainability, digital transformation and industry ethics. All modules are selfpaced, allowing learners to move through content based on their needs. Courses can be filtered by job function, subject area or difficulty level, helping users find the best match for their current role or aspirations. “Our industry is incredibly diverse in the types of roles people hold,” Gibbons-Rauch said. “We made it a point to provide learning opportunities that speak to everyone – from someone brandnew to the industry to seasoned executives looking to refine their leadership approach.” Certifications Made Simpler PPAI Advance is the new home for the Association’s trusted certification programs: the Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS), Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) and Master Advertising Specialist (MAS). Progress toward certification is easier to follow thanks to built-in tracking tools and dashboard views. As learners complete courses and earn continuing education credits, their status updates automatically. Required courses, elective options and remaining credit totals are clearly outlined so users know exactly where they stand. The CAS program, which historically included content spread across multiple systems and delivery formats, has been fully restructured. It now features net-new content packaged into clear, modular lessons. These modules focus on topics such as ethics, product safety, communication, client relationships and professional conduct. “The CAS program wasn’t just updated, it was reimagined,” Gibbons-Rauch said. “We stripped it down to the essentials and rebuilt it in a way that matches how professionals want to engage with content today.” For those pursuing MAS certification, the system accommodates a broader, more strategic scope. MAS candidates can expect deeper content centered on leadership, foresight, business culture and high-level industry trends. Universal CEUs, Unlimited Options Perhaps the most transformative update is the introduction of universal CEUs. In the past, CEUs were fragmented across certification levels and tied to specific types of content. Learners often found themselves navigating a confusing system of what counted and what didn’t. The universal CEU system simplifies the process. Now, any qualifying learning experience contributes toward certification goals, regardless of the level being pursued. Learners can earn CEUs by: • Attending live sessions at events like The PPAI Expo, WLC, LDC or webinars. • Participating in on-demand or self-paced online courses. • Volunteering, speaking at events or contributing to the promotional products community. “THE CAS PROGRAM WASN’T JUST UPDATED, IT WAS REIMAGINED, WE STRIPPED IT DOWN TO THE ESSENTIALS AND REBUILT IT IN A WAY THAT MATCHES HOW PROFESSIONALS WANT TO ENGAGE WITH CONTENT TODAY.” —Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, PPAI’s senior manager of professional development PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2025 • 41
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