Yet another member of the dynamic team at Competitive Edge in Stevensville has achieved enhanced industry certification, advancing her skill set to a new level for customers across the country.
Noreen Soos of Competitive Edge has earned the certification of Master Advertising Specialist, (MAS) administered by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the largest international not-for-profit association for more than 15,000 members of the $24-plus billion promotional products industry.
The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) and Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certifications are the promotional products industry’s premier professional designations. Individuals, like Soos and several of her colleagues, who have a PPAI Certification are industry leaders—those who have attained a higher standard of professional competence, knowledge and experience. PPAI industry certification is acquired through a combination of:
- Required certification classes
- Demonstrated years of employment in the industry
- Education
- Industry contributions
- Successful demonstration of expertise
Certification is maintained through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and leading-edge professional skills.
The Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Certification requires 75 hours from a structured industry approved curriculum, a minimum three years of experience in the promotional products industry and a passing score on the CAS Certification exam. The rigorous curriculum required includes an overview of the promotional products industry, promotional programs, best practices/ supplier-distributor relations, advertising and marketing overview, product safety basics and business ethics. Upon completion of the core curriculum, individuals then can structure their own course schedules to deliver the greatest relevance and value for their careers.
The Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) Certification, just achieved by Soos, requires completion of and current CAS Certification, a minimum five years of experience in the promotional products industry, additional MAS level course curriculum, industry service and passing a comprehensive exam.
The PPAI Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) Certification is an advanced industry program targeted towards seasoned promotional products professionals with seven or more years of industry experience. This project-based certification requires demonstrating advanced promotional products industry knowledge with the submittal of a work product in lieu of a comprehensive examination.
PPAI Certification demonstrates a commitment to both business excellence and continual professional growth. A relatively small percentage of professionals hold these certifications and are known as the industry’s innovators and leaders. The PPAI Certification Program has been recognized as a reliable indicator of professionalism and excellence in the promotional products industry.
The promotional products medium employed by Competitive Edge every day is an essential element in the marketing communications mix. Industry officials contend that a “branded” tangible product turns an ordinary message into a marketing experience an audience can see, touch, hear, smell and even taste.
