Are You Certified?

There is no discounting the importance of achieving and maintaining professional certifications for the lines of business in which you operate

A while back Jim received his new card for certification as a Certified Professional Soil Scientist. One shocking thing about the card that had not been there previously was the line: Certified for 38 years.

First, it reminded him that time continues to march on. But more important it highlighted that for his entire career, he had met the continuing education requirements to maintain certification. In this case, that means at least 40 continuing education units every two years.

You can do the math on how many hours that is over 38 years. Dave has similar requirements to stay updated as a professional engineer. The bottom line is that regardless of what your profession is, certification and continuing education are important.

Great leveler

Certification is a voluntary process by which an organization grants recognition to a professional who has met predetermined standards. As many of you know, we have been involved in continuing education and certification programs for the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT).

There are many other certification programs or opportunities out there. It is important from a business standpoint to participate and be certified. Through education and certification, you gain a more structured way to share your experiences with your peers and to avail yourself of their knowledge.

One thing that always separates this industry from others is the extent to which people will go to find practical answers to their questions and to share that knowledge with those just starting out. Despite the independent nature of the industry, and its competitiveness, this trait is something we see all the time in our travels.

NAWT certification programs are voluntary, and that is what separates them from state licensing programs. It also makes the NAWT programs and other similar programs strong, while showing that those who are certified are truly committed to their professions. After all, no one is forcing them to be certified.

Rather, those people recognize that the way to stay competitive in the market and to be able to relate that to the customer is to be certified. It is a way to indicate that you continue to improve in your profession out of care and dedication — not because you are required by a state agency and wouldn’t be allowed to work in the field otherwise.

Defined standards

All certification programs have a set of standards that define them. Get to know the standards of the organizations you belong to. Anyone who can meet the standards through exams, education, experience and others can become certified.

Likewise, standards define what you as an installer should be able to do, and should know. Having certification helps you demonstrate your abilities and knowledge to customers.

A number of factors drive the demand and need for certification, and they hold true for virtually all professions. These include continuing technological innovation, exponential increases in the knowledge required and the public’s demand for standards and assurances that the professional they hire can meet them.

Through the certification program’s continuing education requirements, you’re continually updating and adding to your knowledge and skills. Lifelong learning is important for any professional and is at the heart of onsite industry certification programs.

For our part, we usually refer to this as “raising the bar” of professionalism. As our profession becomes more recognized, there is a great opportunity for state associations and organizations to become involved in the education process.

Take the step

From your business perspective, it is important that you build certification both for yourself and for your employees into your business plan. If you are considering expanding your business into other areas, education and certification programs are the place to start to help focus those plans and to give a more accurate reading of how well the expansion is likely to work.

Widely used credentials specific to the onsite treatment industry include.

  • NAWT Certified Inspector
  • NAWT Certified Installer
  • NAWT Operation and Maintenance Certifications (Part 1 and Part 2)
  • NAWT Certified Vacuum Truck Driver
  • National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Basic and Advanced)

Become involved and support the certification programs of your state association, and other professional organizations. You will be very happy with the outcome.



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