What You Should Know About
Training and Certification

Because there are so many programs, teaching methods, and certifications available, with more appearing every day, making decisions about the program you take can become confusing. Here are some things you should find out about any training program you are considering:

• What is the business experience in the field of instruction of the person conducting the training?  Many people barely start a business, then decide to teach others how to run a similar business.  If you don't have experience running your own business, how can you teach others to do the same?

• Has the program received state approval?   Many states require training programs to be state approved, yet many (if not most) of the people doing the training either don't know that or don't bother to get that approval.  States require approval for the protection of the students.  Make sure the program you take has that approval.

• How large is the class?   The smaller the class size, the more attention you will receive from the instructor, assuring your training needs are met.

• What types of training aids are used during the training?   We don't all learn the same way.  A training program should incorporate a variety of teaching methods and aids, including lecture, exercises, visual aids, and, of course, hands-on.

• What happens after class?  This can be one of the most confusing aspects of training.  Many training programs offer certification after completion, believing that will make their program more attractive.  However, there is no recognized certification at either the state or national level for any programs in redesign, staging, or interior decorating.  Certification is simply self-certification by the person doing the training, or certification by an organization the individual joins after the training.  It does nothing to improve the quality of the training, nor is it anything clients understand or even ask about.  Instead of certification, know what type of on-going support is available to you after the program ends, and at what cost.