Certification
With the development of skill standards, the logical next step is to recognize individuals who meet the agreed-upon standards in the sector. Certification is one way of recognizing a highly skilled workforce. It is an industry-recognized credential granted to a candidate upon successful demonstration of competence.
Over the past two years, CPISC has utilized a multi-phased approach to determine and develop a national recognition program for the printing and graphic communications sector. Starting with a review of existing certification/recognition programs and continuing on to broad based industry consultation process, CPISC was able to develop a model for a recognition program that reflected the unique needs of our industry. The final step was a comprehensive feasibility analysis which was completed in the fall of 2011.
CPISC will be implementing the certification program over the next six months starting with the establishment of the Certification Implementation Ad Hoc Committee responsible for:
- Ensuring adherence to the guiding principles for the Certification Program;
- Overseeing the implementation of the Certification Program including implementing the feedback and recommendations from the evaluation of the program pilot(s);
- Overseeing the development of the administrative, record keeping, management systems and governance structure required for secure, efficient and effective implementation of the Certification Program; and
- Overseeing the development and implementation of the assessor training programs, guidelines and information to enable participation in the certification program.
The Ad Hoc Committee will be assisted by five advisory committees for each process area occupations: prepress, press, bindery and finishing; production support; and, management.
