Professional organizers benefit from obtaining certification. To do so, taking courses and classes makes the process easier.
We explore the certification process, types of courses, and their costs.
Certification for Professional Organizers
Organizers who want to be taken seriously in their industry should consider professional certification. By becoming certified, you demonstrate a certain level of skill and experience to your clients. It also shows that you are willing to invest in your professional development.
Certification means that you have met specific requirements, such as completing a certain number of hours of professional organizing experience and/or taking classes and passing an exam.
There are several professional certification bodies that offer certification for professional organizers, such as the Board of Certified Professional Organizers (BCPO) and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD).
There are different types of professional organizer certification, but they all require passing an exam. The most common professional organizer certification is the Certified Professional Organizer (CPO).
Certification Process
The certification process for professional organizers involves professional experience for a number of years as a precursor, taking classes and passing an exam. Fill out the appropriate application and submit the required documentation to the certification body. Once you have been approved, you will be scheduled for an exam. The exam consists of a written and/or a practical component. After you take the exam, you will be notified of your results. If you pass, you will receive your certification.
Courses for Professional Organizers
Most professional certification bodies offer courses to help professional organizers prepare for their exams. These courses typically cover topics such as time management, space planning, and organizing products and services.
Some professional certification bodies also offer specialized courses for professional organizers who want to focus on a particular area, such as residential organizing or working with small businesses.
What You’ll Learn
In addition to taking courses, professional organizers who are seeking certification should also have a certain number of hours of professional organizing experience. This experience can be gained through internships, volunteering, or paid work.
The course material will cover topics such as:
- Professional organizing principles
- Time management
- Space planning
- Organizing products and services
- Basic business skills
These are topics that the certification exam will cover.
Costs for Courses
The cost of courses and classes varies depending on the professional certification body and the type of course. However, most professional certification bodies offer a discount for members. You might pay $1,000 for a part-time summer course or $1,200 for an intensive week-long course.
If you take the classes online, you might pay a little less. For example, an online course might cost $500. Nonetheless, it’s an investment in your business.
Conclusion
Professional organizers benefit from obtaining certification. Those who seek certification should consider taking courses. The cost of courses varies, but most professional certification bodies offer a discount for members. Attending classes helps professionals learn industry trends and techniques. Therefore, it’s a win-win.