Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I register for a seminar, workshop or program?
A: Download an education event registration form from this website. Or, contact the Education Department (education@ppa.org, or 888-492-6892) and request a form. Complete it and mail or fax it to: PPAI Education, Attention: Education Registration, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038-3526; fax is 972-258-3096. All forms must include payment in order to be processed.
Q: I would like to be a speaker/facilitator at a PPAI education event, what do I do?
A: Download the presenter proposal form and instructions from this website. We are always looking for interested and qualified presenters, whether association members or professional speakers. We usually begin our planning process six months to one year before the event, and have several events a year.
As the application states, we need information on: your topic; your background as a presenter; your bio; program objectives/learner outcomes; logistics/AV requirements; three references (from people who have heard you speak); and any other details that may be pertinent.
Interested professionals, please feel free to contact us anytime. You can submit up to five different proposals at a time. Videos of your presentation are also welcomed but not required. Once your proposal is received, a team will review and evaluate it based on PPAI's current needs, and we will contact you at a later date. All proposals are kept on file for three years.
Q: What is MAS/CAS certification, and what is required for it?
A: MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) and CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) certification are earned by industry professionals who complete a prescribed course of study, a specified number of years actively working in the industry, and a comprehensive examination. The certifications reflect a commitment to the industry, to the customer, and to personal/professional growth. Those holding MAS and CAS certification are a fraction of, and represent the best of, the promotional products industry.
Requirements for CAS certification include three years industry experience, acquisition of 70 points (approximately 70 classroom hours) following a structured curriculum, and passing a comprehensive examination. Requirements for MAS certification include five years industry experience, acquisition of an additional 100 points (an additional 100 classroom hours beyond the CAS) following a structured curriculum, and passing a comprehensive examination.
A certain number of points can also be acquired through contributions to the industry, such as developing/delivering approved educational programs, service on certain boards and committees, etc. Check with PPAI Certification for complete details. Certification is valid for three years only. Ongoing maintenance of certification is contingent on continued education/contribution. Recertification is achieved by acquiring an additional 25 points in any professionally relevant area prior to the end of the three-year period, and submitting this information to PPAI Certification. For more detailed information on the requirements, and for any other questions, contact Certification (certification@ppa.org or 888-492-6892).
Q: Is there any special way I can expedite achieving MAS or CAS certification?
A: Yes. In addition to classroom training, points are available through completion of approved audiotape programs, computer-based programs via the internet, such as the PPAI Online University, and print/reading programs. Contact Certification for more information on these. Also, PPAI Academy offers all the core, required courses for both MAS and CAS certification, in addition to many other approved courses. Business Academy offers advanced extended-length sessions for the experienced salesperson, senior managers, business principles and top executives. Both Academies are fantastic opportunities for those interested in a faster, inexpensive way to expedite achievement. Complete information on both Academies is also available on this website.