resources
BOOK: The Business of Certification
We wrote the first edition of this book back in 2002 and it was quickly recognized by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) as one of “Six Books You and Your Association Need.”
The second edition is organized into three sections meant to guide associations through the entire lifecycle – every phase – of a certification program:
- Part One: Understanding the Business of Certification
- Part Two: Laying the Foundation for a Successful Certification Business
- Part Three: Managing an Established Certification Business
We are currently transitioning to a new publisher. During this time, The Business of Certification will be temporarily out of print. Please contact us at admin@knappinternational.com to be notified when the book becomes available.
ARTICLE: Certification Appeal – What to Know Before Creating a Program
CONSIDER ALL THE ANGLES BEFORE DEVELOPING A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
This highly regarded Association Management magazine cover story highlights key issues that should be uppermost on the minds of board members and senior staff. Discover how to evaluate whether a certification program is the best way to accomplish your goals and find out what it will take to get started.
TREND LOOK BOOK: 10 Trends to Know Now
Learn what should be on your radar screen today. From Gen Z to AI and everything in between! A great tool for educating your board and staff and jump starting your strategic planning.
BOOK CHAPTER: The Future of Certification
We’ve had the honor of being invited to author the “Future of Certification” chapter for the last two editions of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence’s seminal publication: Certification: The ICE Handbook.
The chapter highlights 15 trends and includes questions certifying bodies should consider when planning for the future.
ARTICLE: Five Truths About the Future of Certification
TRUTH #1: CERTIFICATION WILL NEVER AGAIN BE THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN
Here to stay are those “new” forms of credentials (e.g., micro-credentials, micro-degrees, assessment-based certificate programs, certificates, and specializations offered by MOOCs). They have strong market appeal and are growing in number.
Ready for the rest of the story?
ARTICLE: Can We Talk? Strategic Conversations for Certifiers
FIVE STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS YOU NEED TO HAVE ABOUT YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
This “oldie but goody” is one of our favorites. The Associations Now article outlines conversations that virtually all certification sponsors have. It includes the essential ingredients for these conversations—the signs that it’s time to talk and the questions to ask to get the most out of the discussion. Just add your board and staff and mix. The result will be your own formula for strategic conversation.
ARTICLE: Is It Time to Sunset Your Credential?
We know how easy it is to become over-extended with under-performing programs and legacy credentials. More than a few of our clients have found themselves in the same circumstances. And they’re not alone. Our ground-breaking industry benchmarking research revealed that 30% of certifiers had discontinued a credential or considered doing so in the previous five years.
That’s why Associations Now invited us to author this concise article explaining why certifications fail and sharing our time-tested tips for successfully sunsetting credentials.
