EDP designation specifies a high standard of ethics, knowledge and experience in the field of electronic document systems. If you are looking for a way to differentiate yourself and bolster your career, you may want to consider entering the program in time to be awarded your certification at the 2002 conference.
Why Be Certified?
According to Frank Romano, EDP, of the Rochester Institute of Technology, certification is a meaningful achievement. "It demonstrates and documents your professional credentials. More importantly, it records the continuing improvement that you have practiced," explains Romano. EDP professionals are business and technology experts who are responsible for the electronic document systems in their organizations. The EDP program is designed to ensure these document professionals have expertise as they manage electronic documents and business communications.
What Certification Means
For the professional, certification brings recognition, career advancement, greater financial opportunities and personal satisfaction. EDP-certified employees need less training, and employers can choose qualified professionals with demonstrated competence. According to an independent survey of program participants, the most common program benefits of certification include peer and employer recognition, improved opportunities for raises and promotions, a sense of personal accomplishment and increased job security.
Wayne Riggall, EDP, from the University of Waikato in New Zealand, says his certification has helped him build a higher level of visibility, confidence and credibility. "First, it is a discussion point," says Riggall, "particularly as there are very few people with this certification. Second, it has given me greater confidence in my role within the organization. Finally, certification has also resulted in a higher level of credibility within my own organization."
Does an EDP really make a difference? Riggall believes it does. "The growing worldwide community of EDPs includes many successful and influential users of new and emerging technologies," notes Riggall.
Name Change
According to Scott Kelly, EDP, chair of Xplor's certification commission, although the name of the program has changed and the process has been simplified, but from EDPP to EDP, the program has retained its commitment to quality. Here are some of the updates to the EDP certification program:
Streamlined process The original three-step certification process was streamlined to two steps, and the application and eligibility forms were combined.
Recertification The program has always required continuing education and additional competence in the field in order to maintain the EDP certification. The recertification process was changed to encourage knowledge sharing, or giving back to the industry, as well as keeping up to date on current technology.
Mentor A mentor program was instituted to match any new candidate with a certified individual who has already gone through the certification process. Experienced mentors answer questions, review the portfolio before submission and provide moral support.
International acceptance In order to encourage more international participation, the EDP program was changed to allow applicants to submit work examples in their native languages.
How to Become Certified
Xplor International is currently accepting applications. Prospective candidates must have five years of work experience, be currently employed in a document-related position and submit a portfolio of work examples that demonstrate three bodies of knowledge relating to document systems.
For more information, visit www.xplor.org/edp or email edp@xplor.org for a brochure. Barbara Oswald is with Xplor International. Contact her at 310-791-9547.
