Teaching Credential Guidelines

Being an ACA is NOT the end. It’s just the beginning! A while back, I shared how ICAN members could benefit from the ICAN x CPA MOU. Many ACAs reached out, eager to explore the opportunity—only for most to realize they weren’t even eligible! Not because of when they got inducted, but because they weren’t compliant with ICAN’s basic requirements. Now, ICAN has of last month issued another reminder: Reiterating that "Access to ANY Institute service or grant is strictly for members who meet certain eligibility criteria" To qualify, you must: ✔ Be financially up to date (all outstanding dues must be paid). ✔ Maintain good professional conduct (no pending cases with the Investigative Panel or Disciplinary Tribunal). ✔ Fulfill the updated Minimum Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) requirements. Without these, you cannot access: ❌ Transcripts issuance ❌ Practice Licence (Fresh or Renewal) ❌ Letter of Good Standing ❌ PhD Research Grant ❌ Professorial Inaugural Lecture Grant ❌ Fellowship Conferment ❌ Technical Assistance ❌ Benevolent Fund ❌ Death Benefit ❌ Other Institute-related services And here’s the big one—you need 110 MCPD credits before ICAN will even process your transcript! Yet, many ACAs don’t even have 5 credit points, not to talk of 110. Some don’t pay their yearly dues. Some don’t even bother with MCPD. Then, when it’s time for Fellowship conferment, or when they need a letter of good standing for an international opportunity, that’s when they realize they are not even eligible! Imagine waiting for years just to clock the due date for the almighty fellowship conferment (FCA) , only to be sidelined because of not being in compliance with these basic requirements. And you can’t even use the excuse, “I don’t have money to register for MCPD.” What about the free webinars ICAN organises from time-to-time that come with 2 credit hours each? If you attend just 5 of these free MCPD webinars, do you know how many credit hours you’d have? We really need to be intentional about our professional growth. Getting ACA is not the end of the road—in fact, it’s just the beginning of your professional journey. That ACA after your name is a badge of trust that must be upheld and defended at all times. So, let me ask—Are you financially up to date? Is your professional conduct in check? Have you met your MCPD requirements? If not, now is the time to take action. Cheers 🥂

When it comes to Professional Development Units (PDUs) do you know what you are looking for? I ask some of the Certified professionals I met this question and many of them responded; "60 every 3 years"! Their answer is partially correct if all you care about is keeping your Certification active, 60 PDUs will accomplish that. Post 1984, the PMP committee realized that simply amassing 60 PDUs in that 3 year period was inadequate and the concept of the Talent Triangle was implemented to assure that the 60 PDUs generated a minimum in the three Talent Triangle categories (currently Way of Working, Business Acumen, and Power Skills) in hopes of maintaining a balance in the person's project management knowledge base. Earning the necessary PDUs to maintain a person's Certification is not difficult or expensive. In fact all the PDUs you need in each 3 year period can be found easily and free of charge. But I think there is a whole lot more to PDUs than meet the eye. PDUs are meant to keep you current with the constantly evolving Body of Knowledge. For that reason the PMI Standard PMBoK is revised approximately every 4 years. These revisions to the PMBoK reflect the advancement of the inner workings of profession. When you earn your Certifcation your knowledge base should be consistent with the status of the profession currently in use at the time relative to tools, techniques, etc. However, as time passes and new concepts, tools and techniques come along, they potentially make your knowledge base inadequate or inferior. This is the real purpose of PDUs -- to give everyone a chance to practice continuous learning and maintain syncronization with the status of the profession"s knowledge base. Simple example, professionals who were certificed several years ago when AI was not being talked about much (if at all), would need to take learning programs that augmented their current personal knowledge base to stay current. So, at the beginning of each year you must conduct a personal "Knowledge Assessment" to determine where you have voids from the existing profession's status. You must conduct this assessment with a candid examination of your weaknesses and plan those learning programs that will fill your knowledge voids. From a career perspective the 60 PDUs are not nearly as critical as are they the right PDUs needed to keep your knowledge base current. Don't look for easy PDUs, look for the right PDUs. The question might be; "if you earned your PMP in 1990 and you have not practiced targeted learning since, are you actually still a PMP? It's your career, manage it! #leepmp Dave Garrett Sierra Hampton-Simmons Gina Alesse

I spend 15+ hours monthly on professional development that most agents skip. Most real estate agents think their license renewal education is enough. It's NOT. My continuous learning approach: 1️⃣ Mandatory + strategic education Beyond California's required 45 hours every four years, I complete additional certifications in buyer representation, fair housing, and risk management. The Bay Area market changes too rapidly for minimum compliance. 2️⃣ Technology mastery I test new platforms monthly - from AI-powered market analysis tools to blockchain transaction systems. 3️⃣ Market intelligence sources Daily consumption of specialized publications, MLS trend reports, and local market data. Recent example: Spotted the East Bay price correction trend three months before it became obvious, helping clients time their moves strategically. 4️⃣ Active industry engagement Monthly Bay Area real estate investor meetings, quarterly networking events, and even meeting people personally. The insights from experienced agents and market professionals often prove more valuable than formal coursework. 👉 Why this investment matters? When MLS rules changed in August 2024 regarding cooperative compensation, I had already updated my processes. When AI valuation models started affecting appraisals, my clients weren't surprised by the impact. 👉 The Result: My clients receive market insights that help them avoid costly mistakes and capitalize on opportunities others miss. Professional development isn't about collecting certificates - it's about delivering expertise that protects my clients' biggest investments in an ever-evolving market. How do you stay ahead of industry changes in your field? #bayarea #realestateagent #realtor #learning

Today marks my three-year anniversary of clearing my PMP exam (my PMP certiversary 😜) which also means it is officially time for my PMP renewal. *Long post alert* Looking back at the process, I’ve noticed a lot of people panicking and looking for "shortcuts" to hit those 60 PDUs. Here are 3 ways I WOULD NOT recommend to renew your certification: 1️⃣The "Claim Code" Chase Many people spend hours scouring forums or Telegram groups just looking for a 10-digit PDU claim code. It’s ineffective because you’re treating your professional development like a scavenger hunt rather than actual growth. 2️⃣Binge-Watching Low-Value Courses Just hitting "play" on a random course and walking away might get you the hours, but you gain zero actual skill. If you aren't learning anything new, you're just paying for a digital badge without the expertise to back it up. 3️⃣Waiting Until the Last 30 Days Trying to cram 60 hours of education and giving back into the final month of your three-year cycle is a recipe for stress. It leads to sloppy reporting and missed opportunities for meaningful "Giving Back" activities. This is how I would love YOU to do instead: 🎀Claim your "Work as a Practitioner" PDUs. You can claim up to 8 PDUs per cycle just for doing your job. It’s the most underrated way to get a head start. 🎀Create Content and Share Knowledge. If you’re already posting on LinkedIn or any other social media , that counts! Authoring articles or creating webinars is a high-value way to earn "Giving Back" PDUs while building your personal brand. 🎀Engage in Informal Learning and Mentoring. Mentoring a junior PM or having structured professional discussions with peers is a double win, you support the community and earn credits simultaneously. If you’re on your own PMP journey, here are some FREE resources from my end: 🫶How I studied for PMP with the full time job - https://lnkd.in/dRAetYXM 🫶Here is my 30 day study plan - https://lnkd.in/d2QGhrK3 🫶I am starting a mini-series on Instagram covering everything from how to crack the PMP to exam mindset and what after certification. Check that out here - https://lnkd.in/g47P77xs What’s next for me? CPMAI certification and I’m thrilled to have my study buddy, Cindy, onboard for this one. More volunteering with Project Management Institute, both virtually and through the PMI Sweden Chapter, to stay connected and give back to the community that helped me grow. #PMP #projectmanagement

🎓 Looking to Earn #CTS Renewal Units (RUs) Outside AVIXA’s Website? Here’s Your Go-To List ✅ Earlier this morning, after sharing some guidance on preparing for the #CTSexam, I was asked the following question: Are there other training sources (beyond AVIXA) that offer CTS Renewal Units❓ Absolutely ! and here’s a curated list of manufacturers and organizations offering AVIXA RU-approved training for certified professionals: 🎛️ 1. #QSC: Courses in AV design, control and networked systems that support CTS renewal. 🌐 2. #NETGEAR: Specialized trainings in AV-over-IP and network infrastructure qualify for RUs. 📡 3. #SDVoE Alliance: Offers technical certification and training focused on Software Defined Video over Ethernet, eligible for CTS Renewal Units. 🎙️ 4. Shure: Wireless audio and system configuration training recognized for CTS RUs. ⚙️ 5. #Crestron: From programming to system integration, most training qualifies for RUs. 🎧 6. #Dante (Audinate): Dante Level certifications and workshops are widely RU-approved. 🔈 7. #Biamp: Training in AV network design and system deployment qualifies for RUs. 🔌 8. #HARMAN (AMX): AMX-specific courses in control and AV systems provide RUs. 📢 9. #Bosch: Focused on conferencing, communications and public address systems. 📽️ 10. Christie Digital: RU-eligible training in projection, video walls and visual systems. 📺 11. Panasonic: AVIXA-aligned courses in pro AV technologies and applications. 🎥 12. Barco: RU-certified training in visualization, collaboration and control systems. 🔊 13. AtlasIED: Communications, paging and sound system trainings qualify for CTS RUs. 🎼 14. #LAcoustics: Known for immersive audio courses with renewal credit options. 🎚️ 15. #Yamaha: Audio solution certifications often include RU-eligible coursework. 🗣️ 16. #ClearCom: Intercom and audio distribution training aligned with RU requirements. 🔧 17. #Extron: A wide portfolio of CTS RU-approved education in AV technology. 🖥️ 18. #SAVI Controls: Commercial AV system training sessions qualify for renewal. 🖼️ 19. #RP Visual Solutions: Visual and display tech courses approved for CTS renewal. 📊 20. #Watchfire: RU-eligible training focused on digital signage technologies. 📚 21. #ExertisAlmo: Training on a broad range of AV topics approved for RUs. 🎛️ 22. #ExertisJam: Certifications (e.g., Allen & Heath AHM) offer CTS renewal credits. 📌 For the most up-to-date list, refer to the AVIXA CTS RU Provider directory: https: //https://lnkd.in/dmdDVY9b 💡 In Conclusion: Maintaining your CTS credential is more flexible than ever. By tapping into these trusted manufacturers and training providers, you can continue your professional development while keeping your certification current — all while staying sharp in the fast-moving #AVIndustry. #CTS #CTSRenewal #AVTraining #AVProfessionals #AVEducation #ProAV #AVIXA #AVCommunity #AVCareer #AVTechnology #AVIntegration #AVCertification #AVTweeps #AVOverIP #SDVoE

Every 12 months, advisers find themselves in the same place. The clock runs out. The scramble begins. Everyone logs into a learning management system and clicks through content that doesn’t matter. Not because you want to. Not because it makes you better at your job. But because you have to. Meanwhile, the real professional development, the deep conversations with peers, the experts you pay, the licensee support, the articles and research that actually shift your thinking aren't counted. It’s too hard to prove. Too expensive. Too slow. Too manual to record. We've put an end to that. Over the last few years we’ve built a system that converts any piece of content: - Virtual meetings - Online articles - Compliance updates in your inbox - Quarterly investment committees - Video or podcast transcripts and convert it into compliant CPD. Here's how: We built technology that: - Checks the content against the legislative criteria - Allocates the points to the correct CPD areas - Generates a quiz in real time - Marks the results of the quiz - Issues a certificate All in as little as two minutes All you need to do is focus on the learning. The genuine professional development - wherever that occurs. The rest is on us. No waiting. No admin. No chasing details. Now, the internet itself - every conversation, every article, every insight is a potential learning experience that counts towards your annual compliance requirements. Imagine how much time that saves. How many frustrations that solves. Rather than searching for content behind a login, we’ve turned the entire internet into your LMS. Why does this matter? Because professional development should be about progress, not paperwork. It should reward curiosity and growth not compliance fatigue. The systems built to track learning have crushed the spirit of it. Advisers have always done professional development, we just built a way to verify it. Now, advisers can earn CPD from the content that truly pushes their advice process forward. Genuine learning, finally recognised as compliant learning. This isn’t a small improvement. It redefines what continuing professional development can be. And it starts soon at the upcoming ALPD #cpdcheck

CompTIA Certifications Explained (Latest) Here’s the all-in-one overview: CompTIA certifications are designed as a progression, not a random list. This overview breaks down all CompTIA certifications by level and what each one is typically used for. Let’s dive in 👇 🟢 Beginner level → Entry point into IT fundamentals. • A+ ↳ Hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic IT support skills for help desk roles. • Network+ ↳ Networking fundamentals including routing, switching, DNS, DHCP, and basic troubleshooting. • Tech+ ↳ Introductory IT concepts for absolute beginners exploring technology careers. • Cloud Essentials ↳ Cloud basics, shared responsibility, and how cloud fits into modern business. 🟡 Practitioner level → Core professional certifications. • Security+ ↳ Foundational cybersecurity concepts including threats, risk, identity, cryptography, and incident response. • Linux+ ↳ Linux administration, permissions, processes, networking, and scripting fundamentals. • Server+ ↳ Server hardware, virtualization, storage, availability, and infrastructure operations. • Cloud+ ↳ Cloud architecture, security, operations, and troubleshooting across providers. • Project+ ↳ Project management fundamentals used in IT and technical teams. 🟠 Advanced level → Role focused specialization. • CySA+ ↳ SOC analyst skills including detection, investigation, threat analysis, and response. • PenTest+ ↳ Offensive security concepts, exploitation, reporting, and ethical hacking workflows. • Data+ ↳ Data analytics concepts, data handling, visualization, and governance fundamentals. • DataSys+ ↳ Data system administration, databases, pipelines, and operational data management. • SecAI+ ↳ AI security, model risks, adversarial attacks, and securing AI systems 🔴 Expert level → Senior and strategic expertise. • SecurityX ↳ Advanced security leadership, architecture, risk management, and enterprise security strategy. • DataX ↳ Advanced data leadership, governance, and large scale data strategy. • CloudNetX ↳ Advanced cloud networking, architecture, hybrid environments, and enterprise connectivity 📚 Final Thoughts CompTIA works best when followed as a structured path. Build fundamentals first, specialize intentionally, and aim for expert certifications only when your role actually requires them. 🔁 Share with someone planning their CompTIA path! 💾 Save or screenshot this so you don’t forget. #CompTIA #ITCertifications #Cybersecurity #ITCareers

You passed PMP. Now here's the part everyone forgets - and pays for later. You worked hard to get certified. But PMP doesn't last forever without effort. Here's everything you need to know about keeping it - before you find out the hard way. 📋 The basics: → PMP certification is valid for 3 years → To renew, you need 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) in that cycle → No PDUs = certification lapses. Lapsed = you'd have to reapply and retest. What counts as a PDU? PDUs fall into two categories: Education (minimum 35 PDUs): → Online courses (SkillupEd, LinkedIn Learning, PMI chapters) → Webinars and workshops → Reading PM books and articles (yes, this counts) → Attending PM conferences Giving Back (maximum 25 PDUs): → Volunteering in PM roles → Working as a project manager (yes, your job counts - 8 PDUs/year) → Mentoring others → Creating PM content (wait - this counts too) 📱 How to track and submit: → Log into PMI's CCRS portal (Continuing Certification Requirements System) → Submit each PDU activity with dates and descriptions → You can track in real time - don't wait until year 3 💡 The smart approach: → Earn 20 PDUs per year - you'll hit 60 easily before renewal → Your current PM job gives you 8 PDUs/year automatically → One good course = 10-15 PDUs instantly The people who lose their PMP aren't those who stopped growing. They're the ones who forgot to document that they kept growing. Earning PMP was the exam. Keeping it is the practice. (Day8/10) #PMP #PDU #PMPRenewal #ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #PMPIndia #ContinuousLearning

📜 Cybersecurity Certifications – From Beginner to Expert Cybersecurity certifications have become a cornerstone for professionals aiming to validate their skills, strengthen their resumes, and stand out in a competitive market. Depending on your background and career goals, different certifications provide different value, ranging from entry-level foundations to highly specialized expertise. For beginners, certifications like CompTIA Security+, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, and ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) are excellent starting points. These programs focus on the fundamentals—risk management, basic security concepts, and common attack/defense strategies—making them ideal for those just entering the field. At the intermediate level, professionals often pursue the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) from EC-Council, CompTIA CySA+ which focuses on threat detection and analysis, and the Cisco CCNA Security for those leaning toward network-focused security. These certifications signal hands-on knowledge and the ability to handle more complex scenarios. Advanced professionals often set their sights on certifications such as the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), known for its rigorous hands-on penetration testing exam, or the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), which emphasizes architecture and governance. In addition, GIAC certifications provide specialized tracks in areas like forensics, threat hunting, and incident response, offering depth for those who want to master a niche domain. Finally, in specialized domains, certifications such as CISM (focused on management), CISA (for audit and compliance), CCSP (for cloud security), and provider-specific options like AWS Security and Azure Security help professionals align their skills with industry-specific demands. These are especially valuable for those working in cloud-heavy or compliance-driven environments. ⚠️ Disclaimer: Certifications are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They should be chosen based on career objectives, available budget, and the professional path you want to follow. #CyberSecurity #Certifications #InfoSec #CareerGrowth #SecurityTraining #BlueTeam #RedTeam #OSCP #CISSP #EthicalTech

One of the most helpful manufacturing education efforts I’ve seen is Siemens’ Mechatronic Systems Certification Program. This is one of five targeted programs by Siemens to support education for the U.S. power & manufacturing industry. For someone entering — or already working in — a modern manufacturing facility, this certification is a major advantage. It signals real capability across mechanical, electrical, controls, and systems-level troubleshooting. That matters on real factory floors, where uptime and problem-solving count. Over my career, I’ve consistently heard strong praise for the German education and apprenticeship system. Germany does an excellent job combining classroom learning with hands-on apprenticeship, and it’s no coincidence that it remains one of the world’s strongest manufacturing nations. That workforce model has clearly worked. Siemens bringing a German-inspired mechatronics certification framework into the U.S. is a big plus — especially as the manufacturing labor shortage continues to grow and will worsen further as baby boomers retire. There is, however, an important difference between the U.S. and Germany. In Germany, certification combined with an apprenticeship is often sufficient on its own to launch a manufacturing career. In the U.S., manufacturers are still more comfortable when certifications are paired with a two-year or four-year degree. That’s simply the system we operate in today. Because of that reality, the Siemens certification is most powerful in the U.S. when it is: 🔷 Combined with an associate or bachelor’s degree for new entrants 🔷 Used by existing workers to upgrade skills, move into higher technical roles, or advance within their current facility Personally, I would like to see U.S. manufacturers continue shifting closer to the German model, where certification + apprenticeship carries more weight on its own and gets people into productive work faster, particularly for young people, veterans transitioning out of the military, and career changers. That said, the degree + certification combination is a strong model today. It ensures that: 🔷 People being educated are truly job-ready 🔷 Employers can hire with confidence 🔷 Incumbent workers can validate skills and progress upward ATI Industrial Automation congratulates Siemens for their strong push to educate the manufacturing workforce. Combined with efforts from hundreds of other corporations and our school systems, this will go a long way toward reducing the manufacturing labor shortage. #robotics #manufacturing #education