What is the difference between accreditation and certification?
Accreditation is the “stamp of approval” from a third-party review of an agency’s certification system. The review includes all aspects of certification testing including completeness, fairness, security, validity and correlation to national standards. Agencies such as state/provincial certification agencies, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and national and overseas organizations may be accredited.
Certification is the verification that a candidate has successfully completed an evaluation of his/her knowledge, skills and abilities against the national standard. Individuals that successfully pass a certification examination process are certified.
Candidates that are certified by an accredited agency have the added value of the assurance that the test they took accurately measured them against the standard.
How does an agency become accredited?
State/Provincial certification agencies, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and national organizations may seek accreditation by first contacting the Accreditation Manager, Bob Rand, at 508-599-2344 (rrand@proboard.org), or by going to the Pro Board’s website at www.theproboard.org. The Pro Board may consider the accreditation of overseas agencies on a case by case basis.
What does the accreditation process involve?
The eligible agency applying for Pro Board accreditation must complete and electronically submit an Application for Accreditation; a Self-Assessment Document with required supporting document to substantiate that the agency meets the Pro Board’s accreditation criteria. After reviewing those materials, the agency receives a site visit in order to further evaluate and validate the agency’s testing processes.
How does a person receive a Pro Board certificate and get entered the Pro Board’s National Registry?
A person can receive a Pro Board certificate and be internationally registered only if he or she has been tested and certified through a Pro Board accredited agency. The Pro Board itself does not test and certify individuals.
How can I convert my state/provincial certification to a Pro Board certificate?
Affirm that your certification was achieved through a Pro Board accredited agency. If so, you may request the accredited agency to issue you an Application for National Registration – COA-7 and submit the completed form to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, the accredited agency may have submitted your certification on your behalf. Connect with them directly to determine your status.
If I come from a state/province or agency that is not Pro Board accredited, how can I obtain a Pro Board accreditation certification?
To receive a Pro Board accredited certification, you must be certified through a Pro Board accredited agency. Log on to the Pro Board website and determine if there is an accredited agency close to you. Contact that agency to ascertain your eligibility. Some national organizations are Pro Board accredited and may offer the certification that you seek. Lastly, contact your state’s/province’s certification/training office and ask them when they will become Pro Board accredited.
How can I check to see if I am listed in the Pro Board’s Registry?
There is a Certification Search feature on the Pro Board’s web site. it is located on the dropdown menu for “Certification Candidates”.
If you have additional questions regarding your search, you may contact the Certification Administrator from this page.
I have lost my Pro Board certificate. How do I obtain a duplicate certificate?
Please complete and submit an “Application for Pro Board© Certificate Replacements” form found at theproboard.org/documents.