JA to offer on-site certification at upcoming shows

New York--Jewelers of America will offer sales and management professional certification exams at four upcoming industry events across the country.

JA’s Professional Certification program establishes national standards through two-hour exams that evaluate the proficiency of jewelry professionals at two levels. No studying is required, as the certification attests to the existing expertise of the sales or management professional.

The exams offered on-site include: JA Certified Sales Professional – First Level; JA Certified Senior Sales Professional – Second Level; JA Certified Management Professional – First Level; and JA Certified Senior Management Professional – Second Level.

They will offer the following sessions at four upcoming events.

The Smart Jewelry Show
Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill.
Friday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Oklahoma Jewelers Association’s Spring Seminar
Embassy Suites Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Sunday, April 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

JCK Las Vegas
Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas
Thursday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 2 to 4 p.m.
Friday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

JA New York Summer
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, N.Y.
Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 2 to 4 p.m.

Anyone who registers early for those exams gets $10 off the exam fee of $35 for JA members and $55 for non-members. Registration can be found here.

Those unable to attend these exams can take them at any time at a location near them by registering for a proctored exam.

Open to all jewelry professionals, the certifications not only helps advance the careers of sales associates and managers, but also differentiates a retail store from its competitors and will elevate the consumers’ trust in the jewelry professional, JA said.

“In today’s competitive landscape, we are striving to make it easier for jewelers to get the valuable tools they need to gain consumer confidence and keep the jewelry industry vibrant and healthy,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said. “I strongly encourage retailers to get their staff certified. The benefits from Jewelers of America Professional Certification will far exceed the minimal amount of time and small monetary commitment put into the exam.”  

The JA Professional Certification program also offers certification for bench professionals at four levels of expertise. For more information about the programs, visit the JA website.

National Jeweler