I would like to see a detailed update posted on the PWSCP website that will explain to all just exactly what is going on with the PWS certification and recertification program, and how it benefits us. The website hasn't changed or been updated in years. I have heard nothing about recertification, even though I am among the first groups to receive PWS certification when the program started (no, I don't know my number without checking my records). Also, and this is of some importance, I sent in a check for my annual certification renewal payment sometime back in spring of 2006, and the check has not been cashed or returned, and I have received no response from anyone.
It is becoming clear to me that the one possible advantage (it looks "good" on a resume) of having the PWS certification has been vastly outweighed by the annual expense of remaining in the program and the complete lack of transparency and communication within the program.
I apologize if this sounds like one long complaint, but the lack of communication and unresponsiveness to requests has been going on for quite some time, and all SWS members and especially certified PWS and PWS in training, deserve an update and clarification on what is going on with this program and what they can expect in the future.
Posts: 4 | Location: Tennessee, USA | Registered: 21 August 2003
I had a similar experience in 2005 with regard to sending in payment and having the check go uncashed for many months. After repeated attempts to contact someone at the business office I finally received an email indicating that the delays stemmed from changes atthe firm responsible for managing the business operations of the PWSCP (someone please correct me if I am oversimplifying or mistating the issue). In contrast, in 2004 I was never sent an invoice or payment notification and eventually had my certification "revoked" until I made payment. I did not know that my certification had expired and was never sent notification that I would lose the cert. unless payment was made. I found out by checking the SWS website to see if I was listed in the database.
I concur with the general point of your post: Management of the PWSCP has been ridiculously lax and often times frustrating.
Posts: 29 | Location: NC | Registered: 11 March 2003
Originally posted by Barbara Rosensteel: I would like to see a detailed update posted on the PWSCP website that will explain to all just exactly what is going on with the PWS certification and recertification program, and how it benefits us. The website hasn't changed or been updated in years. I have heard nothing about recertification, even though I am among the first groups to receive PWS certification when the program started (no, I don't know my number without checking my records). Also, and this is of some importance, I sent in a check for my annual certification renewal payment sometime back in spring of 2006, and the check has not been cashed or returned, and I have received no response from anyone.
It is becoming clear to me that the one possible advantage (it looks "good" on a resume) of having the PWS certification has been vastly outweighed by the annual expense of remaining in the program and the complete lack of transparency and communication within the program.
I apologize if this sounds like one long complaint, but the lack of communication and unresponsiveness to requests has been going on for quite some time, and all SWS members and especially certified PWS and PWS in training, deserve an update and clarification on what is going on with this program and what they can expect in the future.
Yes, you do deserve a response.
Although I am not on the certification board (I am on the SWS board), I would like to enlighten you on a few issues of which I am privy.
The management company of the certication program recognized the same problems that you faced and replaced the previous management company earlier this year for the exact reasons you mentioned. I have been in contact with the new management company and I am very confident that they will shortly sort out the existing problems and address renewals of current PWS and WPIT members and expedite the applications of new PWS and WPIT applicants.
Please give the new certification management time to sort through all the problems that they were dealt and I am quite confident that you will soon see major progress here.
I am glad to hear that the management of the program is getting an overhaul of some sorts. I have had similar problems with my certification as those mentioned previously. I had tried to resolve those issues for about 1.5 years, and finally gave up. Perhaps those issues will finally be resolved.
Recently I received a phone call from someone trying to get more information about these issues, so I am hopeful!
