MAS-certification classes provide additional growth and knowledge of the promotional products industry.  By continuing to provide you with relevant and timely industry information, your MAS certification helps you maintain the highest standards of professionalism, knowledge and expertise.

Points Required for Certification:175 points (75 points required for CAS; 100 MAS-level points)
Prerequisites:5 years industry experience

Requirements:
1.) All MAS-level courses (classes, books or webinars must be industry relevant with topics concerning business management, technology, sales, marketing, personal and professional development.

• No required courses (Individuals can customize MAS course of study to maximize the learning experience by focusing on areas of growth or expertise relevant to the industry.)
• No more than 25 points from self-paced programs, books or independent learning programs.

2.) Industry Service - Minimum of 1 point and maximum 15 points.

• Credit given for approved industry volunteering or sharing expertise through presenting and developing education sessions.

Demonstrate Achievement and Expertise:
1.) Submit MAS application form with $225 payment to PPAI certification
2.) Choose one of three options to demonstrate expertise:

• Pass a comprehensive 150-question multiple-choice exam that covers a wide range of general industry knowledge
• Develop and present an approved workshop, seminar or training program for a PPAI or regional event after receiving CAS designation
• Write a paper or article on a business topic that is published in a pre-approved insutry publication with minimum of 2,500 wors after receiving CAS designation

Certification Expiration:  3 years from certification date

Recertification:
Complete additional 25 points every three years

• Points may be earned by attending live industry classes, books, audiotape/CD and online learning programs
• Maximum of 10 points may be earned through industry service
• Remain active in industry
• No required courses
• MAS or CAS level classes qualify for recertification
• No examination
• Payment of recertification fee ($75)

Culminate your promotional products professional career by earning the Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) designation!

The PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certification is a PPAI Professional Development Certification initiative aimed at providing veteran promotional products professionals with at least seven years of industry experience an avenue for earning an industry certification that demonstrates their advanced proficiency of promotional products industry concepts and business practices.

Criteria:
The PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certification applicants must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certification.

• Presently serving in a position with a promotional products company and with at least seven years of verifiable promotional products industry experience
• Have earned a minimum of 225 MAS or CAS education points (as it is reflected in the candidate’s PPAI Certification Transcript (50 points must have been earned within the last five years)
• Posses a detailed work product which demonstrates the candidates advanced knowledge of promotional products industry concepts and business practices
• Acceptable projects may include (but are not limited to)
• Submission of Pyramid Award entry (distributor)
• A business plan
• A sales campaign
• A marketing program or campaign for a client (distributor)
• Tradeshow plan (supplier)
• Plan for Product Safety compliance (supplier)
• Projects which are not generally regarded as acceptable, includes
• Volunteer service
• A course or seminar delivered on behalf of the industry
• Possess a current UPIC (www.upic.org) login (registered email address and password)
  

Project Submission Process

1.   Expected time from MAS+ Application to approval is generally four-five weeks

2.   Candidate completes the MAS+ Application

3.   PPAI sends a confirmation email to candidate notifying that PPAI is evaluating the application

4.   The completed Application is reviewed by the Certification Committee for pre-approval

5.   PPAI sends a confirmation email to the candidate notifying them of the Committee’s pre-approval of the project

6.   Candidate pays the MAS+ Evaluation Fee when submitting MAS+ Work Project Submittal Form

7.   PPAI sends a confirmation email to candidate notifying that PPAI is evaluating the Project

8.   PPAI notifies the candidate when their project is approved

What is a PIN?
PIN - (Personal Identification Number) Your PIN is your individual record number assigned by PPAI. It is not your PPAI company member number and you do not have to be a member of PPAI to have a PIN.  The PIN is a unqiue number used for tracking your personal activities and trainings for the professional development and certification reporting purposes.  The PIN will appear on evaluation forms, MAS/CAS credit reporting forms and registering for professional development programs.

How do I view my MAS/CAS Transcript?
1.) Go to www.ppai.org
2.) Click on Login near the top left of the page
3.) Enter your email address and password
4.) Click on Login
5.) Click on My MAS/CAS Points
6.) Your transcript and tracking worksheet will appear together on the same page>
7.) You may choose to print or email the information by clicking on File at the top left of your internet window and selecting the action from the drop-down menu

Who do I contact?
For more information on how to get started call 888-426-7724 or email certification@ppai.org.