This past August marked the 2-year anniversary of the IAB Digital Media Sales Certification program. With over 2,300 certification holders so far—and the emergence of a new industry-accepted standard– the program has reached another milestone. The first group of certification holders is now undergoing re-certification. Like any other official certification credential program, IAB requires recertification for candidates in order to maintain their credential and to demonstrate their continued proficiency. No one would take advice from a doctor who hadn’t recertified his board credentials in over ten years. Or hire an accountant whose CPA license had expired.
Although the stakes for digital sales might be different, the pace of change and need for continuous learning is just as important. For the last complete year of revenue, digital advertising grew 17% over the previous year. For 2013, that translated into $42.8 billion annual revenue in an industry in which digital sellers witness tremendous change. Sales teams trying to stay abreast of trends, technological advancements, standards, and best practices have to keep learning.
Recertification is the process for renewing one’s credential every two years so that it proves the holder has kept up with the growing demands of the digital ecosystem. It requires individuals to earn 24 credits of continuing education by participating in activities that align with the areas of knowledge found in the exam; retaking the exam also satisfies the recertification qualification. Educational activities include conferences, classes, internal training, webinars, participating on a panel discussion, and more. IAB offers an assortment of events that are free, including webinars and town halls, and it’s possible your organization offers learning opportunities that qualify. Fulfilling these requirements is mandatory or the credential can no longer valid.
Recertification extends beyond the individual to the sales team. It not only shows interest in one’s career growth, but also in their company’s success, which benefits their clients, managers, and colleagues – all reasons why companies should get involved in recertifying their teams. If you’re interested in becoming a corporate partner and want to know more about supporting your team’s need to get recertified, please email us at [email protected]. We offer group discounts and would be glad to work with you to help develop you’re an internal training program which qualifies for recertification credits. Finally, let us know if you have an expertise that can be shared through a lecture, webinar or class. It’s a great opportunity to earn CE credits as well as offer CE credits to others.
We look forward to working together to build an even stronger, confident and productive industry through active learning. For any questions, please email us at [email protected].
