Base-level and Pro-level Certifications

Understanding the Difference Between Base-Level and Pro-Level Certification

We offer two distinct levels of certification to meet the needs of professionals at different stages of their careers: Base-Level Certification and Pro-Level Certification. While both validate an individual’s knowledge and commitment, they differ in terms of prerequisites, intended audience, and recognition of professional experience.

Base-Level Certification

Our Base-Level Certification is designed for individuals who are beginning their journey in the field or who are seeking foundational knowledge in the subject matter. It serves as both a learning opportunity and a formal credential that demonstrates a solid understanding of core concepts.

Key Features:

• Training Required: Participants must complete training, which is available in several flexible formats including in-person, virtual/online, and self-paced study.

• Exam Included: The certification exam is included in the training package and is delivered online under proctored conditions. Proctoring requirements may vary depending on whether the exam is taken remotely or in one of our classrooms.

• Certificate of Attendance: If participants complete the training but choose not to take the exam, they will receive a certificate of attendance, but not a certification.

• Certification Granted Upon Passing: Individuals who pass the exam receive the Base-Level Certification.

• Experience Requirements: Some work experience is required—typically at least two years of general professional experience. However, this experience does not need to be directly related to the subject matter of the certification.

Pro-Level Certification

The Pro-Level Certification is tailored for experienced professionals who have a strong background in the subject area and are looking to validate their expertise at a more advanced level. This certification is more rigorous and takes into account a candidate’s real-world experience, education, and prior learning.

Key Features:

• No Training Requirement: While the long-form base-level training is not a prerequisite, it can count toward meeting the experience requirements for the pro-level certification.

• Relevant Experience Required: Candidates must demonstrate substantial relevant work experience in the subject area of the certification. General experience is not sufficient at this level—experience must be directly applicable to the certification topic.

• Two Qualification Pathways:

  1. Pathway 1: Limited Relevant Experience + Exam
     Candidates with limited but acceptable relevant experience can qualify by passing the same exam used for the base-level certification.

  2. Pathway 2: Extensive Relevant Experience
     Candidates with extensive and clearly relevant professional experience may be granted the certification based on experience alone.

• Experience Assessment: In evaluating a candidate’s eligibility, we consider not just work experience, but also formal education, other certifications, and completion of our base-level training.

• Professional Recognition: This certification signals a higher degree of professional accomplishment and is suitable for individuals who are actively engaged in advanced or specialized roles within the field.

Summary of Key Differences