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GET CERTIFIED

Obtaining your certification demonstrates you are up-to-date on industry best practices. 

See how to obtain your TAS / CAS / MAS / MAS+ today.

TRAINED ADVERTISING SPECIALIST (TAS) CERTIFICATION

Getting Certified is an investment in yourself and your career.  Certification designations are highly respected and the recognized credentials in the promotional products industry. As the industry benchmarks, they establish your professional credibility to colleagues, clients, employers and peers.

To learn more about certification and how to obtain your CEUs, please visit PPAI's website at:https://www.ppai.org/members/certification/

Begin the evolution of your career with the Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) Certificate!

The PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) Certificate is a PPAI Professional Development initiative aimed at providing promotional products professionals with less than three years of industry experience an avenue for earning an industry credential, which is aligned with their entry-level experience, education, and/or achievements.

Components:
The PPAI Professional Development Certification Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) Program is an earned certificate program comprised of the following elements:

  • Foundational education program targeted towards promotional products professionals with less than three years of industry experience
  • Completed and approved Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) application form
  • Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) program fee
  • Verification of 25 earned education points from either MAS or CAS-approved courses
  • Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) certificate

Criteria:
PPAI Professional Development Certification Trained Adverting Specialist (TAS) Program applicants must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) Program:

  • Possess a current UPIC (www.upic.org) login (registered email address and password)
  • Presently serving in a position with a promotional products company

CERTIFIED ADVERTISING SPECIALIST (CAS) CERTIFICATION



CAS-certification classes serve as a solid foundation for all promotional products professionals, regardless of experience or position within the industry.  Covering basic fundamentals to the most relevant, top-of-mind subjects, the CAS curriculum will arm you with the knowledge you need to successfully grow your business, while positioning yourself as an expert in the industry.  You may customize curriculum to best suit your specific business interests in order to obtain an additional 60 points toward your CAS certification.

Points required for Certification:75 points (15 required points; 60 additional points)
Prerequisites:3 years industry experience


Requirements:
1.) Required courses - 15 points:

  • (PPI) Promotional Products Industry Overview Part 1 & Part 2 - 3 points*
  • (PRO) Promotional Programs Part 1 & 2 - 3 points*
  • (BEP) Best Practices/Supplier-Distributor Relations - 3 points*
  • (ADV) Advertising and Marketing Overview - 3 points*
  • (ART)sm@rtArtwork Guidelines - 1.5 points*
  • (ETH) Ethics - 1.5 points*

2.) Additional 60 points

  • Classes, webinars, books (individuals can customize their additional course of study to maximize the learning experience by focusing on areas of growth or expertise.  Classes, books or webinars must be industry relevant with topics concerning business management, technology sales, marketing, personal and professional development.)
  • Industry service - Maximum of 5 points for industry service

3.) Submit request to verify requirements are met and you are ready to take the exam

(*Required classes available through PPAI On Demand Program at: ondemand.ppa.org)

Examination:
1.) Submit exam registration form with $225 payment to PPAI Certification

2.) Pass 150-question multiple choice exam (content from six required courses and industry experience)

Certification Expiration:  3 years from certification date

Recertification:
Complete an additional 25 points every 3 years (after initial CAS certification or recertification date)

  • 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)
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