• Serving on PPAI committees or task forces. Each certification level still includes required courses that must be completed to qualify. Beyond that, learners select electives based on their goals, interests or desired career path. CEU values are based on content complexity, learning outcomes and engagement levels, not time in a seat. This creates flexibility while preserving academic integrity. “You don’t have to wonder whether a session counts for CAS or MAS – it does,” GibbonsRauch said. “All your learning is measured the same way.” A Path That Fits You The new system allows for highly personalized learning experiences. Rather than prescribing a rigid path, PPAI Advance empowers users to chart a course that matches their career journey. A sales rep might begin with core certification courses, then expand into electives focused on social media strategy or digital prospecting. A product manager may combine compliance-related content with operations-focused modules. An emerging leader could explore MAS-level coursework alongside event participation and mentoring. “The beauty of this system is that it’s customizable,” Gibbons-Rauch said. “You build the journey that fits your role, your goals and your timeline.” PPAI Advance was developed in direct response to member feedback. Input from active learners, certification holders and volunteers guided key decisions around design, usability and content priorities. The result is a platform that feels familiar in purpose but dramatically improved in execution. Navigation is smoother, tracking is more transparent, and the system as a whole is easier to use. Learners spend less time figuring out logistics and more time focused on growth. “This wasn’t about creating what we thought members needed,” Gibbons-Rauch said. “We built this based on what members told us they wanted.” A Smarter Way Forward While PPAI Advance already offers a robust suite of learning tools, the platform is designed to grow. New courses, certification levels and interactive experiences will continue to roll out based on member input and industry trends. PPAI is also exploring new delivery formats and ways to integrate learning across platforms. The goal is to meet the industry’s changing needs while staying true to what makes professional development meaningful: relevance, clarity and opportunity. Members are encouraged to share feedback and suggest topics they’d like to see added. These insights will help shape future modules and ensure the platform remains responsive and member-focused. “Our job is to make the path clear, modern and personalized,” Gibbons-Rauch said. “Your job is to keep showing up curious, motivated and open to what’s next.” PPAI Advance is more than a learning tool. It’s a cultural one. It repositions professional development as a practical, accessible and valuable part of every promo career. By combining smart technology, simplified certification and modular learning, PPAI Advance helps members take ownership of their growth. For learners of all levels, it offers a flexible, modern path to professional progress – one course, one credit, one milestone at a time. Johnson is a content manager with PPAI. “THE BEAUTY OF THIS SYSTEM IS THAT IT’S CUSTOMIZABLE. YOU BUILD THE JOURNEY THAT FITS YOUR ROLE, YOUR GOALS AND YOUR TIMELINE.” —Jessica GibbonsRauch, PPAI’s senior manager of professional development 42 • SEPTEMBER 2025 • PPAI
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