Gary Dials, e-commerce manager at Shumsky, Dayton, Ohio, earned the certification of Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) administered by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
CAS is one of the promotional products industry’s premier professional designations. Individuals with a PPAI certification are industry leaders—those who have attained a higher standard of professional competence, knowledge and experience. PPAI industry certification is acquired through a combination of required certification classes, demonstrated years of employment in the industry, education, industry contributions and a successful demonstration of expertise. Certification is maintained through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and leading-edge professional skills.
“Gary has demonstrated his dedication and passion for our industry through this significant achievement,” said Juli Clark, chief operating officer at Shumsky. “A relatively small percentage of professionals hold these certifications, and are known as the industry’s innovators and leaders.”
The CAS certification requires 75 hours of study from a structured industry approved curriculum, a minimum of three years of experience in the promotional products industry and a passing score on the CAS certification exam. The rigorous curriculum required includes an overview of the promotional products industry, promotional programs, best practices and supplier-distributor relations, advertising and marketing overview, product safety basics, and business ethics. Upon completion of the core curriculum, individuals then can structure their own course schedules to deliver the greatest relevance and value for their careers.
Through industry certification, promotional products professionals can earn the designations of Certified Advertising Specialist, Master Advertising Specialist (MAS), or Master Advertising Specialist Plus (MAS+). PPAI certification demonstrates a commitment to both business excellence and continual professional growth. The PPAI certification program has been recognized as a reliable indicator of professionalism and excellence in the promotional products industry.
For more information on PPAI certifications, visit www.ppai.org/certification. For more information on Shumsky, visit www.shumsky.com.
