Certified Workforce Specialist
The International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) believes that to grow as people and to grow in our careers, we need to be lifelong learners. That's why IAWP is committed to helping its members achieve professional development goals and it is the reason the Certified Workforce Specialist (CWS) Program was developed.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
Why should you become a Certified Workforce Specialist?
It shows you have passed a rigorous competency-based testing program from an international association, that you are respected by your peers, and that you see professional membership as an important part of your career.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
There are four (4) requirements for certification:
1. Education plus Experience
Master's Degree with two (2) years current experience OR
Bachelor's Degree with three (3) years current experience OR
Associate's Degree with four (4) years current experience OR
High School Diploma or GED with five (5) years current experience
(Documentation must be provided in the form of a copy of diploma/degree from an accredited insitution and verified workforce development experience.)
2. Professional Membership
The applicant must have maintained membership in IAWP for the previous two (2) consecutive years or have similar membership in another workforce development professional association for the same time frame.
(IAWP membership will be verified by the Administrative Office. Other association memberships will require documentation.)
3. IAWP Workforce Professional Development Program (WPDP)
Candidates must pass all four (4) WPDP competencies -
History of Workforce Development
Business & Jobseeker Specialist
Unemployment Insurance Specialist
Labor Market Information Specialist
The WPDP is currently available in a hardcopy version, but an electronic/online version is being developed.
4. Professional References
The candidate must submit two (2) letters of reference: one from an immediate supervisor, and one from another person within the workforce profession who can attest to the individual's experience, knowledge and skills.
CERTIFICATION PERIOD
Certification is valid for three (3) years from time of approval. Individuals may apply for recertification every three (3) years as long as they can show proof that they are still employed in a workforce development profession and provide proof that they have completed at least 100 hours of professional development training since their last certification. Professional development training can include verifiable attendance at IAWP International Conference workshops, IAWP Chapter training seminars or other workforce development training.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application Form -
The official application form must be completed legible and sent to the IAWP Administrative Office with the required documentation and fees as noted. (
Click here for the application package.)
Time Frame for Review -
Applications will be reviewed by the IAWP Review Committee within two (2) months of receipt.
Notification/Recognition -
Approved applicants will be notified within two (2) weeks of completion of review by way of a certificate and letter of congratulations.
Notification by letter will be sent to the applicant's employer and/or immediate supervisor. Certified Workforce Specialists will be recognized in Workforce Professional (the official newsletter of IAWP) and in the printed program of the annual IAWP International Conference.
FEES
Certification -
The application fee is $50 and is not refundable. If the application is not accepted, you can reapply within sic (6) months for no additional fee.
Re-certification - (every three (3) years
The reapplication fee is $50.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
You can visit the International website at
www.iawponline.org or contact the IAWP Administrative Office at 1-888-898-9960.