It’s Important That We Embrace Certification Programs Like AAP
By Gary Molinaro | June 10th, 2010 | Category: Perspective | No Comments »Credentialing is the process of establishing the qualifications of professionals, organizational members or organizations, and assessing their background and legitimacy. The process is generally an objective evaluation of a subject’s current licensure, training or experience, competence, and ability to provide particular services or perform particular procedures. Personnel credentialing is typically undertaken at commencement of employment (initial application) and at regular intervals thereafter (reappointment). Credentialing of vendors or other organizations may begin prior to the purchasing process and be repeated regularly. — Wikipedia
I have been around long enough and am fundamentally cynical enough that the kinds of things that often impress or excite others usually leaves me with a yawn. Most flag-waving and cheerleading leaves me flat, and things done for show are wasted on me. For me, substance precedes posturing.
This type of cynicism can be healthy and is necessary in keeping us from being overly-influenced by minor shows of commitment or temporary displays of advancement.
What we have learned from other becomes our own reflection. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Back in my early days in this industry, back in the 1980s, AWDA University is where I learned much of what I needed to know about the aftermarket and how our businesses could best operate. The courses were well-designed, taught by qualified presenters and crafted to meet the needs of those in attendance. Out of that grew the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) certificate program.
Over the years, through the development of AWDA University into the University of the Aftermarket, this designation gained credibility within the industry — not just because it existed or kept accurate track of hours spent in a classroom, but because those hours spent in study were real-world based with subject areas both specific to our industry’s needs but also programming that made our personnel better at all their interpersonal responsibilities in every way.
The ultimate goal of the educational system is to shift to the individual the burden of pursuing his education. — John W. Gardner
Over the years, the University of the Aftermarket has affiliated itself with an accredited four-year university, Northwood University; expanded the AAP program to include a Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certificate program; and continues to deliver on the promise with both “live” programs, as well as online and distance learning opportunities for various levels of the industry.
Learning is like rowing upstream: not to advance is to drop back. — Chinese Saying
These programs deserve our support and our commitment. That commitment should take the form of overall support of the University, but, more specifically, taking advantage of courses offered as well as suggesting courses and programs needed.
But, most importantly, as an industry, we need to emphasize AAP and MAAP when we are hiring and promoting, and encourage staff to work toward these certifications as evidence of their commitment to the betterment of the organization.
Certifications and credentials alone are no answer. But solid certifications, developed by an industry to address its specific needs, are of particular value.
