1. Industry Certifications: Low Hanging Fruit
Presented By:
Betsy Shortell, CMDSM, MDC, EMCM, MDP
Harvard University

2. Agenda Why certification?
Mailing Industry Certifications: Focus on MDP and MDC
Industry conferences & training opportunities
Scholarships
How to get started…
Study Group interest?

3. Why is professional certification important?
Proof of expertise:
Mail and Distribution technology
Professional management skills
Administrative skills
Provides value to the operation
Career advancement/certifications can be added to job descriptions and resumes! (they travel!)
Certified professionals command more salary, have greater flexibility in job choices and gain respect amongst peers

4. Managing Mail is more challenging than ever before!
Just keeping up with USPS changes, regulations and design specifications.
Expertise matters-- avoiding costly mistakes, and reducing postage spend.

5. “Management of mail and distribution systems today calls for many more skills and knowledge than in the past. With the changing attitudes of executive management toward the importance of employing managers with higher skill levels, a new breed of mail management professional has emerged. Organizations of all sizes are beginning to recognize that they cannot afford to entrust the management of their mail and distribution operation to unequipped managers. A professional manager is required in order to achieve an efficient mail operation that is capable of providing maximum quality services at minimum cost.”
-MSMA website

6. “The objectives of the Certification Programs are:
To raise professional standards and management skills.
To establish for employers, as well as people in the profession, a defined body of knowledge for effective performance in the profession.
To establish guidelines for achievement and a learning experience path for people to follow in developing their career in this profession.
To award recognition to those who have demonstrated a high level of competence and ethical fitness for the profession.
To improve the performance in the profession by encouraging participation in a continuing educational program for professional development.”
-MSMA website

7. Postal Customer Councils (PCC’s) members who wish to:
Enhance their professional credentials in Mail Center Management
Achieve a professional level of competence
Earn recognition within the industry
Enhance their personal reputation and that of their company
-PCC website

8. WIIFM?

9. Mailing Industry Certifications
MDP – Mail Design Professional (USPS)
EMCM - Executive Mail Center Manager (USPS)
CDMP- Certified Direct Mail Professional (USPS- NPF)
Periodicals Professional
MDC – Mailpiece Design Consultant (MSMA)
CMDSM – Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Manager (MSMA)
CMDSS – Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Supplier
(MSMA)
CMM – Certified Mail Manager
(IPMA)
CGCM – Certified Graphics Communications Manager (IPMA)

11. Mailpiece Design Professional (MDP)
The MDP Online program provides training specifically designed for mailing industry professionals. The curriculum provides training including:
Maximizing eligibility for postage discounts
Discussing the 5 classes of mail
Deciding non-profit eligibility
Recognizing barcode formats
Designing mail for automation
Designing Reply Mail pieces
Determining mailability, processing categories, and machinability
Using Address Information System (AIS) Products

12. Upon completion of the MDP course the student will be able to:
Properly design various types of mail.
Course participants will learn how to design their mail to enhance its compatibility with USPS automation equipment while maximizing cost effectiveness.
Course participants learn elements of design that will increase the market value and deliverability of mail pieces.
Enhance their professionalism and maximize their proficiency at designing letter and flat mail to meet USPS standards.

13. Mailpiece Design Professional (MDP)
Training is 100% free to all users (there are no pre- requisites)
This course is available at and may be taken at any time
USPS® MDP certification is only available upon successful completion of course assessment, which does have a fee ($90 NCED, $95 NPF)
Hard copy exam mailed once registration and payment received
In order to be certified, the student must complete the MDP examination and pass at 80%

15. Mailpiece Design Professional (MDP)
Module training online and available to anyone (10 lessons):
Betsy

16. Study Group ? On-line sections can be done at your pace
Could be done individually and then followed up with group call to review?
10 sections, 5 weeks to complete?

18. Mailpiece Design Consultant (MDC)
MSMA offers a mailpiece design consultant certification designed to increase your knowledge of proper mailpiece design and acceptance requirements of the U.S. Postal Service for domestic mailings.
The course covers 10 sections and information on the MDC is what much of the multiple choice questions are taken from on the CMDSM/CMDSS exams.
Betsy

19. Mailpiece Design Consultant (MDC)
Subjects covered:
Postal Processing Overview and Classes of Mail
Processing Methods and Categories
Workshare incentives
Addressing and Automation
Extra Services
Ancillary Service Endorsements
Remittance Mail
Postage Methods
Private Express Statutes
History of the Postal Service
Betsy

20. Mailpiece Design Consultant (MDC)
Exam is an open book online exam (can be done hard copy in groups via MSMA chapters)
Immediate notification pass/fail
2 opportunities to take the exam without additional fee
Certification is for 2 years
Cost for members is $60 ($75 non-members)
Study guide (FREE) download:
Betsy

22. Study Group Interest? 6 weeks Week 1-5 in person or conference calls
Week 6 in person to take exam as a group
Hosted by MSMA New England
July-August 2017

23. Other Industry Conferences & Training Opportunities
National Postal Forum
MAILCOM
NACUMS/Regional Associations
Postal Customer Councils (PCC)
MSMA
Webinars & Teleseminars
Vendors

24. For more information - www.npf.org
National Postal Forum
The National Postal Forum is a premier educational trade show available to all mailing professionals
The National Postal Forum will allow you to get a complete education in the "Business of Mail"
Learning tracks in multiple categories
NPF is held annually
The 2017 National Postal Forum will be in Baltimore, Maryland May
For more information -
Jim

26. MAILCOM
MAILCOM is an independent, educational organization dedicated to “promoting the advancement of the art and science of mail communications” MAILCOM will allow you to learn the latest strategies for managing the people and technology involved in mail, document, and distribution services MAILCOM is held 2-3 times annually Spring 2017 – Philadelphia, April Fall 2017 – Las Vegas, October 2-4 Two-Day Summits – Will be announced soon! For more information:
Betsy

27. The National Association of College and University Mail Services
NACUMS was formed in August 1995, with the following goals:
Maintain communication channels so mailing professionals within the college and university community can share ideas, concerns, etc., with the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Rate Commission, USPS Board of Governors and other bodies
Promote the development and use of ethical and effective mail management techniques
Develop and improve training and educational opportunities
Collect and distribute information of value to members
Provide assistance to members new to the mailing industry
Promote, develop and unite mailing professionals of higher education institutions
Facilitate cooperation, communication and professional relationships among the membership.
Betsy

28. The NACUMS conference is developed to assist you in your personal and professional development as a Director, Manager and Supervisor, Team Lead or staff member of Mail and Logistics in a college or university setting.

29. Postal Customer Council - PCC
200 local Postal Customer Councils
Approximately 120,000 members across the nation
Regular meetings, educational programs, mailer clinics, and seminars/webinars
Betsy

30. Your local PCC offers these benefits...
The Postal Customer Council® (PCC®) program is a valuable resource for business mailers, large and small. Local PCCs serve as an open channel for USPS-to-business communication, providing information and best practices for cost-effective and profitable mailing, education and training, and solving local challenges. Though most PCC members include large business mailers, government agencies, and business mail service providers, small businesses can benefit from PCC membership, too.
Your local PCC offers these benefits...
Learn from postal experts about marketing through the mail.
Find new sources for mailing lists. Printing, database management, and more.
Get discounts to major mailing industry events.
Network with other mailers, business mail service providers, and USPS executives to discover new ways to make your mailings more efficient and profitable.
Hear first-hand from other decision-makers on how they deal with the same challenges you face.
Leverage best practices to improve mailing effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability.
Gain knowledge about postal products, services, and tools to improve mail quality through workshops and events—and earn a professional certificates!

31. Create and perpetuate a meeting environment to share information
Established in 1981
Create and perpetuate a meeting environment to share information
Build professional recognition and grow as professionals
Advancing the education and integrity of those in the mail communications industry
Over 1000 members and 12 local chapters nationwide
Betsy

32. Webinars & Teleseminars
IMB
Address Correction Software
Informed Visibility/Delivery
Teleseminars
Disaster Recovery, Leading Change, Power of Networking, Setting Goals, Standard Operating Procedures, Designing A Mail Center …and so much more!
Monthly
Relatively inexpensive or FREE!
Save recordings and PowerPoint for staff development
Jim

33. Scholarship Opportunities
ACUMS - Charles D. Scott Scholarship
$100 toward certification fee
Minimum requirements for members
2-years of active membership
Attended two (2) ACUMS conferences in the past three (3) years
Has not received a scholarship for the same exam or program in the past three (3) years
Has not received a scholarship for the same exam or program within the past year
ACUMS approved list = CMDSM, CMM, EMCM (might have expanded)
P_FUND
Jim

34. Scholarship Opportunities
Cliff Bennett Annual Scholarship: sponsored by MSMA, MAILCOM and MAIL Magazine.
Minimum requirements for members
Time in industry: Must have one (1) year by June 30th of year applying
Support of Employer: letter showing support of time and travel commitment to Fall MAILCOM
MSMA: Must be a Member in Good Standing
500 Word Essay describing:
Why you chose a career in the mailing industry
Contributions to the industry
Jim

35. MSMA New England Annual Educational Scholarship
Management of mail and distribution systems today calls for many more skills and knowledge than in the past. Organizations of all sizes are beginning to recognize that they cannot afford to entrust the management of their mail and distribution operation to unequipped managers. A professional manager is required in order to achieve an efficient mail operation that is capable of providing maximum quality services at minimum cost. One of the ways that today’s Mail and Distribution Systems Manager can show their expertise is by achieving industry certifications.
The education and training of mail and distribution systems managers, suppliers and industry professionals continues to be the #1 goal of MSMA. Our mission is to offer all members opportunities to gain as much industry knowledge as possible through programs sponsored at the local and national levels. MSMA New England is happy to support this national mission by offering financial support to our members who may need help to start their certification process.
MSMA New England is proud to offer “the 2017 MSMA New England Educational Scholarship”, which is available to those who meet the following eligibility:
Applicants must be members of MSMA New England in good standing.
Individuals must have attended at least 2 MSMA events (can include webinars) in 2017.
Applicants must submit an essay of at least 150 words, describing why they want to earn the certification and what they hope to achieve by having this credential.

36. ******Applications must be received by August 1, 2017******
One Scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who best fulfills the criteria above to study and take the MDC certification.
The award will include:
$55.00 towards the cost of the exam.
Support from MSMA New England in study preparation including a review with a member of the Executive board.
How to Apply:
Fill out the attached application and mail to:
MSMA New England
P O Box 51764
Boston, MA
******Applications must be received by August 1, 2017******

37. How to get started?
Betsy

38. Helpful Certification Strategies
Select the certification that fits your needs
Talk to your boss, what are the rewards (for you and the company?)
Which one could be achieved first? (“low hanging fruit”)
Review applications for qualifying knowledge and requirements
Seek out a mentor in the mailing industry
Identify points you have already earned

39. Helpful Certification Strategies
Create a personal achievement file- keep documentation of participation
Set a realistic time line to prepare
Participate in a study group (investigate local MSMA, PCC groups)
Use resources
Practice essay writing!!!

40. Questions?

41. Study Group Interest ?