Discover the CASP Certification Program By David Looney, CASP
What is CASP? Certification as a Certified Auxiliary Services Professional (CASP) is a formal recognition by NACAS that an individual has demonstrated a proficiency within, and comprehension of, a body of knowledge of auxiliary services. CASP gives aspiring professionals a means to develop and demonstrate their knowledge and core competencies and provides career development guidance to individuals preparing for more senior responsibilities.
Why is Certification Important? Certification is recognized as standard of competency in areas of professional expertise. There was no widely recognized professional certification in auxiliary services. Senior Auxiliary Services Professionals are retiring and number of high-level position vacancies will increase. Higher Education expects credentialing as a source for employment decisions. Studying for and passing the CASP certification exam signals to current and future employers that an applicant meets the highest level of academic and experiential standards.
"With no collegiate academic program or degree in the management of auxiliary services, the CASP designation, in addition to successful collegiate auxiliary services work experience, will help validate the skills a candidate can bring to an auxiliary services management position in colleges and universities." Bill Ballard, MBA, CEM Associate Vice President for Administration and Facilities Services The University of Vermont
Steps to CASP Program Reviewed Credentialing Options Chose National vs. International Certification Developed Certification Program Eligibility Requirements Assessment Requirements Assessment Delivery Mode Recertification Requirements Developed Exam Surveys Psychometric Experts Subject Matter Experts Established Clear Policies and Procedures Assured CASP Independence from NACAS
How CASP Exam Developed CASP certification examination development required: Certification Task Force formed and charged with developing the program. Industry-wide surveys analyzing the work normally accomplished by a Director of Auxiliary Services and from positions supervising a Director of Auxiliary Services. Subject Matter Experts. Exam question writing and vetting. Exam psychometrics and validity with exam development consulting firm to ensure quality exam preparation.
Implementation The inaugural group sat for the CASP examination during the 2011 NACAS Annual Conference. The forty-seven auxiliary professionals now qualify to display the CASP designation, the new recognized standard and hallmark of excellence in the industry. Additional 38 professionals registered for the exam in 2012.
CASP Content Areas CASP provides a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate that you are proficient across all of these areas of responsibility. This is achieved by testing you in the following: Management Leadership Marketing, Communications, and Business Relations Student Development Operational Areas
CASP Content Areas Management Program and Product Management Financial Management Human Resource Management Technology / Information Systems Management Marketing, Communications and Business Relations Leadership General Leadership Ethics Interpersonal Skills and Group Facilitation Strategic Management
CASP Content Areas Student Development Student Personal Development Facilities Management Research and Assessment Operational Areas Physical Facilities Commercial / Retail Food Services Bookstores Card Services
Registering to Take the CASP Exam Eligibility Bachelor s Degree or higher Five years full-time experience in management directly related to auxiliary/ancillary services; three of these must be in higher education. Sign the NACAS Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Pay the application fee (includes up to two examination administrations). Scholarships are available through NACAS Education Foundation.
What I Learned Along the Way Why I think CASP is important. Intrinsic Value Professional Importance Preparation for the Future Certification Commission
How to Prepare? Recommended Resources http://www.nacas.org/resources/caspcertification/recommended-resources.aspx CASP Handbook http://www.nacas.org/media/2509/casphan dbookapp.pdf CASP Study Guide Posted CASP Facebook Page (Do not have to have a Facebook account to view.)
Exam Schedule Summer 2013 Application deadline On-site exam Remote site exam April 5, 2013 (Applications must be received by this deadline) Central, East and West Regional Conferences (June 2013: Specific Dates Announced Soon) TBA On-site & Remote sites results mailed Mid July 2013 Exam Schedule Fall 2013 Application deadline On-site exam Remote site exam August 2, 2013 (Applications must be received by this deadline) October 27, 2013 (2013 Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA) TBA On-site & Remote sites results mailed Mid December 2013 Once you have been accepted, you will need to pass the certification examination within two years of acceptance of the application.
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