Industry Survey finds Certifying Agencies Missing Marketing Opportunities

In May 2009, Seacrest Company distributed an industry survey that was completed by 124 representatives from certifying agencies. The goals of the survey were to gather information, set benchmarks and identify strategic questions to assist in planning. The survey found that while more than 70% of certifying agencies have developed a marketing plan, only nearly 60% use it. The survey also found that 37% of certifying agencies do not have staff members who are dedicated to marketing, and that 42% said their marketing budget has decreased because of the economy.

While it seems as though social networking tools are everywhere we look these days, 83% of agencies said they do not currently have a blog, while 60% said they don’t use any social networking tools at all. The survey found that the top goals of certifying agencies are to increase the number of certificates and raise awareness of the certification, however they are facing the challenge of not having enough money and staff when it comes to meeting these goals. Lastly, the survey found that the tactics that get the best results are; word of mouth, website and email, but that 80% of agencies surveyed said their organization is missing marketing opportunities. The results of this survey are important to the industry because they identify common challenges and share successful strategies.

Visit the SeaCrest Booth at NOCA

Seacrest is exhibiting at the 2009 NOCA conference, “Shine On: Exploring the Spectrum of Credentialing,” November 18-21 at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. If you are attending the conference, make sure to stop by the SeaCrest table to learn more about who we are and how we can help strengthen you organization’s certification program and achieve accreditation! To register for NOCA 2009, click here.

NCCA 2010 Accreditation Deadlines Approaching

The NCCA 2010 deadlines are fast approaching, and it’s always a good idea to start planning early. The 2010 deadlines are; January 31, April 30 and September 30. Applying for NCCA accreditation is a complex and time-consuming process. We recommend that you start preparing your materials now. Organizations interested in applying for NCCA accreditation should submit their letter of intent 90 days before their selected application deadline. If you miss the 90-day deadline you may still submit your letter, but be aware that the Commission may not be able review all submitted applications during their in-person meeting, and therefore an organization that missed the 90-day deadline may have their application tabled until the next Commission meeting. For more information about the NCCA application process and guidelines, visit their website.

One Beacon, Medversant partner to offer electronic credentialing solution

An article recently published by HealthcareITNews states that One Beacon Professional Partners, a member of OneBeacon Insurance Group, is joining forces with Medversant Technologies so that clients can have access to an electronic management and credentialing verification system. The new system is called AutoVerifi, and is designed to constantly validate, retrieve and store medical providers’ records for healthcare providers including, physicians, dentists, nurses, therapists, aides and other healthcare workers. The system was designed to simplify the credentialing process because it can keep medical information in one location. AutoVerifi continually updates and verifies information so that health plans can organize the credentialing and data management process.

Source: HealthcareITNews, September 8, 2009

ABNS Hosts Summit on Creating International Research Agenda

On October 7 - 9, I attended the National Certification and Competency Summit, hosted by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) and the American Board of Nursing Specialties. The goal of the meeting was to develop an international research agenda. More than 80 participants attended and worked in an interactive setting, specifically designed for the meeting, to discuss research priorities. If you attended the meeting, congratulations on a successful meeting. If you didn't attend, I encourage you to visit the summit Web site. This was a unique event that used a collaborative and innovative approach to build consensus.

Putting Certification to the Test

Take a look at this article from the August 2009 issue of Associations Now. It’s a worthwhile read.

It's one thing to say your certification is world-class. It's another to prove it. ASIS International put three of its certification programs through a years-long process of rigorous analysis and in-depth audits, and now they have an internationally recognized accreditation to show for it.

ASIS was confident that our certifications and training options were world class, but we wanted to raise the bar. We also wanted to further distinguish ourselves in an increasingly competitive, international, and varied marketplace while taking a proactive role in the development of strong standards for the security industry.

NOCA Seeking Advisory Panel Members for NOCA Certificate Accreditation Program

After an open discussion between stakeholders concerning ANSI/NOCA 1100, Assessment Based Certificate Programs and the development of NOCA accreditation program based on the Standard, NOCA is now seeking interested parties to participate on a NOCA Advisory Panel. The NOCA Advisory Board is responsible for developing policies and procedures for the accreditation program.

You do not need to be a NOCA member to participate.
NOCA is also taking applications for NOCA Main Committee voting members.
More information on ANSI/NOCA 1100 Standard can be found here.

Further information on the Advisory Panel and NOCA can be found at www.noca.org.