WHAT IS CERTIFICATION, WHAT IS ITS IMPORTANCE, AND HOW DO I BECOME CERTIFIED?

The Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) began a professional certification program in 1991 and administered its first certification test the following year. At present, the AEMA has over 500 certified equipment managers in the United States and Canada. In order to build validity into the certification program, the AEMA contracted with a certifying agency,Columbia Assessment Services (CAS) to establish this program. CAS was chosen because of their proven work in the athletic field with groups like the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).

CAS did a role delineation study with the entire membership to determine what athletic equipment managers do. This role delineation identifies who we are, what we do, and how much time we spend doing it.The role delineation gives us a basis from which to structure our certification program. While each member's responsibilities vary from other member's, without some type of "national norm" it would be next to impossible to develop such a program. The breakdown is as follows:

PURCHASING 17.6%

FITTING 22.2%

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR 23.4%

MANAGEMENT 17.6%

ACCOUNTABILITY 19.2%

The certification test is based on the role delineation with the amount of questions reflecting the percentages of time we spend in each area. Questions are taken from resources such as Convention Workshops, the Certification Manual, the AEMA Journal, and information in the resource center. Transcripts and video tapes of Convention Workshops and copies of Journals can be obtainedthrough the Resource Center. A Certification Manual can be purchased through the Administrative Assistant.


RESOURCE CENTER CHAIRMAN
AEMA National Office
Dorothy Cutting
460 Hunt Hill
Freeville, New York 13068
Phone 607-539-6300
Fax 607-539-6340
e-mail: aema@frontiernet.net

The current standards for certification are:
1. 21 years of age
2. a member of the AEMA in good standing
3. one of the following education/experience requirements;

• high school/GED degree and 5 years paid non student employment in athletic equipment management
• 4 year college degree and 2 years paid non student employment in athletic equipment management
• 4 year college degree and 1,800 hours as a student equipment manager. Student managers in their last year of their degree may take the exam with certification being awarded upon graduation.

4. pass the certification exam

Each certified member must earn 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEU) withina 3 year period to maintain certification. There are several ways to earn CEUs. A complete listing of opportunities to earn CEUs is given to each certified member upon certification. Continuing education demands that the certified AEMA member become involved in a continuous improvement program.

Certification presents a two fold challenge for the AEMA. One, it establishes an education program and testing system that assures certified equipment managers meet a minimum level of proficiency in our profession. Two, it establishes a continuing education system that promotes professional improvement.

Certification is not a form of unionization. It is a structured system toimprove the profession. We are confident that recognition will be earnedthrough a higher degree of job efficiency.

Letter to the Candidates

Certification Study Guide

THERE IS NO FINISH LINE!!!

CERTIFICATION CHAIRMAN
Kelly Jones
Equipment Manager
Gettysburg College
Athletic-Lincoln Ave.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 337-6438
e-mail: kjones@gettysburg.edu