Definition of Certification
Certification, the original objective for ALA-APA, is a well-established practice in many professions; indeed a right of passage in some fields for those who wish to progress. Although the terms certificate and certification programs are often used interchangeably, ALA-APA defines certification as
- usually offered by a professional association;
- voluntary;
- requiring that applicants meet minimum criteria, such as experience or education;
- granting the authority for graduates to use a designation (e.g., CPLA®);
- including an assessment covering a broad range of skills;
- ensuring the privacy of participants; and
- requiring that certified professionals adhere to procedures to retain the designation