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MAS/CAS: Three Small Letters. One BIG Impact!

MAS/CAS Certification

 

Obtaining your MAS/CAS certification demonstrates you are up-to-date on industry best practices, an expert in the industry and committed to delivering the best service possible to your customers. MAS/CAS is an investment in yourself and your career.  MAS/CAS 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.

 



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@rt Artwork 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 servce

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)

 



Master Advertising Specialist (MAS)
Certification:
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)

 



How do I get started?
Submit the MAS/CAS registration form for Promotional Products Industry Certification to PPAI (fax 972-258-3096 or email certification@ppai.org) to verify your are actively pursuing certification.  By registering for the MAS/CAS program you will receive

  • Advance information on PPAI programs, special offers and ways to acquire points
  • Priority assistance in tracking your progress and processing credits
  • Recertification assistance and notification

 

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 trakcing 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.