MAS/CAS Program Overview

Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) and Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) are the promotional products industry's professional designations.  Individuals with MAS/CAS Certification are seen as industry leaders--those who have attained a higher standard of professionalism, knowledge and experience. MAS/CAS certification is acquired through a combination of: active employment in the industry; completed courses; industry contributions; and the successful demonstration of expertise. Certification is maintained through continuing education to ensure current knowledge and leading-edge professional skills.

The CAS certification designee should have a broad understanding of all aspects of the industry, best practices, business ethics, promotional products programs and technology guidelines. Designees will be well versed in all advertising and marketing media available for the promotional products industry.

The MAS certification designee will display excellence in all aspects of their professional practice and demonstrate leadership qualities with a commitment to the industry.

Value of MAS/CAS Certification

MAS/CAS is an investment in yourself and your career. MAS/CAS Certification designations are highly respected and the recognized credentials in the promotional products industry. As the industry benchmarks, they establish your professional credibility to colleagues, clients, employers and peers.

·         Demonstrates your commitment to the industry

·         Enhances the professional image of the promotional products industry

·         Reflects personal achievement

·         Establishes professional credentials

·         Improves career opportunities and advancement

·         Offers greater professional recognition from peers

MAS and CAS professionals are dedicated to a higher standard

·         HIGHER LEVEL OF EXPERTISE - Because certification comes only after extensive education, MAS/CAS designees have a greater knowledge base from which to work

·         HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE - Because these individuals are trained to be service experts, end-buyers can count on them to handle their account with unparalleled professionalism

·         WELL CONNECTED AND RESPECTED - Individuals carrying one of these designations are well connected in the industry and are respected by the distributors and suppliers of promotional products.

·         UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST TRENDS - Through continuing education and networking, these individuals are always up-to-date on the latest products and trends and can help end-buyers stay ahead of their competition with products and ideas to take advantage of the latest innovations in the industry.

·         PROVEN TRACK RECORD - These professionals have already proven they know the industry and how to help the customer.

·         MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK - These professionals have been exposed to real world experiences. They know what works and what doesn’t. They can utilize the end-buyer’s marketing dollars more effectively.

·         OFFERS MORE THAN A PRODUCT - MAS/CAS designees do more than fill orders. With their expertise they are able to help the end-buyer develop entire marketing campaigns designed to make sure their efforts result in success.

CAS Certification

 Click here to view Program Overview brochure

·         Points Required for Certification

·         Pre-requisites

·         Requirements

·         Examination

·         Certification Expiration

·         Recertification

MAS Certification

Click here to view Program Overview brochure

·         Points Required for Certification

·         Pre-requisites

·         Requirements

·         Demonstration of Expertise Options

·         Certification Expiration

·         Recertification

Getting Started 

Submit the MAS/CAS Registration form to PPAI via a fax 972-258-3096 or email certification@ppai.org – to enroll and confirm you are actively pursuing certification. By registering you will receive:

• Advance information on PPAI programs, special offers and ways to 

  acquire points

• Priority assistance in tracking your progress and processing credits

• Recertification assistance and notification

*PIN – (Personal Identification Number) Your PIN is your individual record number assigned by PPAI. It is not your PPAI company member number and you do not have to be a member of PPAI to have a PIN. The PIN is a unique number used for tracking your personal activities and trainings for professional development and certification reporting purposes. The PIN will appear on certification correspondence and your MAS/CAS transcript. Please include your PIN on evaluation forms, MAS/CAS credit reporting forms and registering for professional development programs.   

What’s Next?

·         For CAS certification, complete requirements outlined in the top ½ of the Program Overview brochure.

·         Attend PPAI professional development seminars/classes, live webinars and on-demand courses.

·         Attend Regional Association’s pre-approved classes or trainings.

·         MAS/CAS points will be posted to your transcript by PPAI for pre-approved classes for PPAI and Regional Association trainings.

·         Request credit for industry related classes, trainings, webinars, On Demand PPAI webinars or books not pre-approved or sponsored by PPAI or a Regional Association by submitting the Credit Request form.

·         Industry Service credit is given for approved industry volunteering or sharing expertise by developing and presenting approved education sessions. Industry credit must be applied for within 2 years of end of service.

o    PPAI board, committees, councils, task forces

o    Regional Association boards, committees, task forces

o    Developing approved courses for PPAI or regional events

o    Presenting approved courses for PPAI or regional events

o    Fulfilling the role of PPAI Advocate 

     To receive credit, submit the Industry Service Reporting form

Complete an additional 25 points every three years (maximum of 10 points may be earned through industry service)

·         Points may be earned through attendance at live industry classes, books, CDs and webinars

·         MAS and CAS level classes qualify for recertification

·         Remain active in industry

·         No required courses

·         No examination

·         Payment of recertification  fee ($75)

*CAS designees must continue to keep their CAS certification current by completing 25 points every three years while working towards their MAS. Once the MAS certification is achieved, individuals are required to complete 25 points every three years to keep their MAS certification status current.

Life Certification Exemption

Individuals can qualify for exemption from recertification requirements for their MAS or CAS designation. Designees who qualify for this exemption are certified for life by meeting one of the following criteria:

·         60 years of age or more

·         A member of the PPAI Hall of Fame

·         A “lifetime” Member of PPAI (Board nominated)

If you are 60 years of age or more and interested in life certification, please submit the Life Certification Exemption form.

View Online Transcript

·         Go to www.ppai.org.

·         Click on Login near the top left of the page.

·         Enter your e-mail address and password.

·         Click on Login.

·         In the listing that appears as Member Tools, click on My MAS/CAS Points.

·         Your Transcript and Tracking Worksheet will appear together on the same page.

·         You may choose to print or e-mail the information by clicking on File at the top left of your internet window and selecting the action from the drop-down menu.

Forms

·         MAS/CAS Registration Form

·         Credit Request Form

·         Industry Service Reporting Form

·         CAS Examination Registration Form

·         MAS Application Form

·         Life Certification Exemption Form

Resources

·         MAS/CAS End User Brochure

- To view brochure, click here

- To order brochure, click here

·         On Demand Required CAS Courses

·         Live PPAI Webinars

·         Archived PPAI Webinars

·         Books, DVDs, and CDs

Contact Information

·         certification@ppai.org

·         Ricardo Molina, Admin. Assistant,

RicardoM@ppai.org or 888-426-7724/ext. 3059

Direct line 972-258-3059

·         Mary Harris-Dieter, Manager, Certification & Curriculum Development, maryhd@ppai.org or 888-426-7724/ext. 3073

Direct line 972-258-3073.