PPAI has updated its Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) program to better engage and support industry professionals pursuing career improvement and industry education. The changes to the MAS program, which follows revisions to the Trained Advertising Specialist (TAS) and Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) programs announced earlier this year, are designed with a focus on learning and testing on specific content, and on the pursuit of electives that best suit professionals’ specific learning needs. The Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+) program remains unchanged.
The MAS program is now open to industry professionals with three years of experience rather than five, and candidates are required to earn 50 credits through completion of dedicated courses and electives. They must complete courses that provide 15 dedicated MAS credits, and each includes a quiz upon completion through PPAI’s online education platform. Candidates can take the quizzes at any time. No paper or online proctored exams are offered with the new program. The 35 MAS-level electives do not require quizzes.
The MAS program also requires candidates to earn one industry service credit. Industry service credits recognize and honor professionals’ contributions to the industry. They can be earned through service on the PPAI, PPPC or regional association boards; participation in PPAI or regional association committees and advisory groups; or serving as a volunteer speaker for a PPAI webinar or live events, or as an industry ADvocate. All industry service credits are awarded at the end of the completed term of service and/or at the completion of the service activity.
MAS-certified industry professionals must be recertified every three years by completing 25 CAS/MAS credits and complete the application with a fee for recertification.
More information on the full certification program can be found here. For additional information or to ask questions, email certification@ppai.org.
