I am a Certified Professional Organizer
Are credentials important to you? My “initials” in instagram represent a credential that’s valued beyond measure to me. My industry offers a gold standard for working with clients. It’s called Certified Professional Organizer®, which I have been since the program began in 2007. I am so proud of my CPO that I always share this credential in articles, speaking and blogging.
Credentials are earned by passing a test to show a base line level of knowledge. The test includes questions about my job, called a job task analysis, to be sure what is being tested applies to the work I do. To sit for the test, there are a required number of hours with clients.
What is required for certification?
You might say it’s surprising that there is a certification for this work. Most clients inquire about how long I have been in business rather than the education or testing done. Certification includes earning over 1250 hours in working with clients and passing a test over a body of knowledge for working in this field. This credential is offered by the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers®. There are a little over 350 CPOs globally. It’s an elite group!
Here’s more facts about my certification.
It’s more than passing a test! It’s about maintaining your education with continuing education.
- Every three years I recertify by earning 45 or more continuing education units. I just recertified with 127 CEUs. I take classes to make a difference with you as my client and stay on top of industry and professional trends. We recertify every three years. This is the year of my recertification.
- I am bound by an enforceable Code of Ethics.
- Certificates are not the same as certification. I also hold certificates of study in ADHD and chronic disorganization, as well as specialist certificates in life transitions and workplace productivity.
- The CPO is the only certification endorsed by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO).
Why certification matters
Certified Professional Organizers are committed to experience, education and ethics. That’s who I want to work with when I am choosing a professional too!
There was a time when certification in our industry wasn’t an option. When colleagues first began talking about it, I didn’t fully realize the value of being certified. But as time went on I, it became clear that furthering our education in this intentional way was essential to bringing the best to our clients. So while I chose to pursue the CPO-CD credential from ICD because it was the right fit for me, I completely respect and support the CPO credential offered through BCPO. Kudos to you for making professional development a priority, and giving so much of your time and expertise to our industry.
Thanks @Linda! Yes, the focus of each certification is a little different, however the thought behind it is the same. Offering a credential in our industry shows the public and our clients our commitment to education, ethics and expertise. I salute all of our colleagues who have chosen to go this path.