TechServe Alliance Launches Certification Program for the IT and Engineering Staffing Industry

Registration now open for the only industry certification program covering operational best practices

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- TechServe Alliance announces the national launch and availability of the TechServe Alliance Certification Program, its new certification program specifically designed for the IT and engineering staffing industry.

Going beyond other industry certification programs which solely address compliance issues, the program which was introduced at the 2013 TechServe Alliance Conference & Tradeshow in Las Vegas, covers general industry practices as well as specific best practices for account executives and recruiters. By raising the standards and professionalism of the industry, the goal of the program is to empower individuals and firms to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace driving growth and profitability. Registration is open now at www.techservealliance.org/certification.

"After years of effort and hundreds of hours of development time by a talented team that included Barb Bruno, Dr. Frank Burnett, and attorney Craig Etter, we are excited the TechServe Alliance Certification Program has become a reality. Despite the enormity of the undertaking, we believe the investment of time and resources will serve the industry well for years to come," said Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance. "Given the breadth of the program's content which covers industry practices, legal and compliance, and ethics along with specific modules for account executives and recruiters, attaining certification will be recognized as a true mark of distinction," added Roberts.

Certification Program Overview
Candidates seeking certification can pursue the course of study and take the examination designed for either account executives or recruiters (an individual can also seek both designations). Both types of certification recognize two levels of achievement: Level I & Level II.   

• Award of the Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE I) or Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR I) designations requires demonstrated mastery of the following content:
  • Industry practices
  • Common terms and definitions
  • Systems and processes
  • Understanding the IT & engineering niche
  • Best use of time
  • Employment laws and other industry specific legal issues
  • 20 lessons focused on the specific work performed by account executives or recruiters
• Award of Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE II) or Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR II) requires a minimum of two years of experience along with advanced mastery of the content by demonstrating the ability to apply the knowledge base to case studies.

In addition to careful study of the applicable online study materials, each candidate for certification must demonstrate his or her mastery through successfully passing a 100-question exam which is administered online. All candidates must also agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics (derived from TechServe's long-standing Statement of Business Principles). To demonstrate ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in professional skills, individuals awarded a certification through the program must participate in continuing education (24 hours over 3 years) whether through online resources such as webinars or in-person events. Passing Level I is a prerequisite for seeking Level II certification. 

Inaugural Class Held; First Certifications Awarded
At the annual conference, TechServe Alliance hosted its inaugural "prep" class (which is optional). Following completion of the class, several of the attendees sat for the examination and were successfully awarded the first CPSAE and CPSR designations under the program. "I want congratulate the inaugural group for both their initiative and achievement. I know the well-earned designation will pay long-term dividends to participating firms and individuals," commented Roberts.

"I was thrilled to be part of the inaugural group of individuals participating in the TechServe Alliance Certification Program. The class along with the online materials did a great job of providing a broad overview of industry best practices and legal issues we confront day-to-day," said Joyce Lopez, Chief Operating Officer, EdgeServices, Inc. "I have already encouraged other members of my team to seek their certification through the TechServe Alliance Program," added Lopez.   

Register at www.techservealliance.org/certification.

About TechServe Alliance
TechServe Alliance is the national trade association of the IT & Engineering staffing and solutions industry. Hundreds of IT & Engineering staffing and solutions firms and tens of thousands of affiliated professionals, count on TechServe Alliance to keep their leadership informed, engaged and connected. TechServe Alliance serves as the voice of the industry before the policymakers and the national and trade press. By providing access to the knowledge and best practices of an entire industry and tapping the "collective scale" of hundreds of companies, TechServe Alliance supports its members in the efficient delivery of best-in-class IT & Engineering staffing and solutions for clients and exceptional professional opportunities for every consultant.

SOURCE TechServe Alliance