Stand Out in a Crowded Industry – The Power of a Credential

Congratulations! You have successfully navigated and have been awarded IREC’s  certification or accreditation. You have demonstrated the required knowledge, experience and integrity.  Now how do you make this distinction work for you?

You need to spread the word about your achievement.  Increased awareness brings deeper value.  This mark of quality is important to prospective students and employers.  IREC accreditation lets them know that your program teaches the skills needed for the job.

There are a few simple things you can do immediately and quite easily.

A training organization is typically found by students and stakeholders through its website, a brochure or a program directory.  These are prime locations to display your credentialing mark.  Is your accreditation certificate framed and visibly displayed in your facility? Don’t underestimate the power of third-party assessment when it comes to instilling confidence in a young, quickly growing industry. Visitors will notice (and often share with others) that your organization is proud of the quality program it offers.

For trainers, your credential increases confidence in your professionalism. So don’t hesitate to market yourself with that hard-earned distinction. Include your credential on business cards, resumes, professional biographies, introductions for speaking engagements, and in your email signature. These are all easy, effective ways to stand out above your competition in a noisy market.

By broadcasting your IREC credential, you provide an assurance of knowledge, excellence, and value that represents a good investment in the time and cost associated with your training.

For more information about how to accurately display your IREC credential, please refer to the IREC Mark Use Policy in the IREC Credentialing Handbook.

From all of us at IREC and our Credentialing Team, happiest of holidays. And thanks for your readership!

Pat Fox

Pat is IREC's Director of Credentialing Development. She serves as a member of the working groups for IREC standards development efforts, and is part the team working with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and manage the ANSI-IREC Accreditation Program. Pat is also co-founder of the Waltham Energy Action Committee in Massachusetts.