CERTIFICATION PROGRAM by Kelly Plastow • Are you looking for a vehicle that will assist you in being recognized within your field as a ‘School Plant Manager’? • Would a professional designation specific to educational facility management be a benefit to you in your career path? • Are you interested in quantifying your experience and being recognized for the knowledge that you have obtained? • Are you looking to take the next step in your career? • Have you been looking for a path for personal and career development? • Do you wish to open up avenues to assist in career moves? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then the School Plant Officials Certification Program will be of interest to you. The School Plant Officials Certification Program recognizes that the management,
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maintenance and operation of educational facilities are specialty fields. The program was developed by a forward thinking, experienced group of school plant officials who recognized that there was a need to quantify these specialties. The resulting certification program ensures the highest degree of professionalism and competency for Educational Facilities Managers gives employers the assurance of the qualifications of their certified staff, and is an excellent indicator of the qualifications of potential candidates for hire. The program is a joint venture between the School Plant Officials’ Society of Alberta and the School Plant Officials’ Association of British Columbia, and is recognized throughout educational facilities in both provinces. The dual track program offers staff, supervisors and managers from both operations and maintenance backgrounds to embark on a path that will lead to a profes-
School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Fall 2007
sional designation as a Certified Educational Facility Manager. Certification is available for entry level staff in both maintenance and operations and progresses through specialty levels in both fields and finally to the management level. The program also offers District Memberships which allow school districts to offer certification opportunities to their frontline staff. This program will assist your district in the professional development of staff you have identified as future leaders in your district. SPOA remains committed to supporting it members and recognizing the unique and highly skilled group of individuals that make up its membership. For complete details on the certification program, the Certification Handbook can be found at our website www.spoabc.org.
