CPO Login
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BASICS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Work Experience as a Professional Organizer
- Education
- Organizing-Related Professional Activities
- Continuing Education
- Relevant Paid Work Experience Prior to Becoming an Organizer
GETTING CERTIFIED
AFTER THE EXAMINATION
RECERTIFICATION
BASICS
General Information
Q: What is BCPO?
A: The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers® (BCPO®) is a not-for-profit certifying body whose mission is to advance the credibility and ethical standards of the professional organizing industry through credentialing. BCPO®'s charter is to increase the professionalism of the organizing industry by:
- Identifying a body of knowledge in the organizing profession
- Establishing a level of education and experience required for certification
- Advancing the practice of professional organizing
- Increasing the value of organizing practitioners to their clients
- Recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics
- Maximizing the value received from the services and products provided by a CPO®
Q: Is BCPO® different from NAPO
A: Yes. BCPO® is the certifying body for experienced Professional Organizers. NAPO is a membership association open to any Professional Organizer or those considering a career in professional organizing.
Q: Is the BCPO® certification program the same as the ICD (formerly NSGCD) certification program?
A: No. The CPO® designation is governed by the BCPO® and is intended for any professional organizier, whether a generalist or speciaist. The ICD. certification program offers a range of credentials for more narrowly focused educational and professional areas.Q: Who governs BCPO®?
A: BCPO® is an independent division of NAPO, and is governed by its own ByLaws, Code of Ethics, audit, review, and disciplinary policies and procedures.
Q: Who/what is SMT?
A: Schroeder Measurement Technologies, Inc. (SMT) is an established full-service international testing company serving the needs of licensing boards and credentialing agencies with a wide range of test development and computer-based administration services at testing centers across North America. SMT's testing products and services are the finest available and are designed to serve SMT's clients by using the most appropriate psychometric and technological approaches available. SMT administers the BCPO® examination process and ongoing development of the program.
Q: Who/what is IQT?
A: IQT stands for Iso-Quality Testing, Inc., whose mission is to provide secure, user-friendly, high quality, reasonably-priced computerized examination delivery services to credentialing bodies and their candidates at secure and monitored locations around the world.
Certification Overview
Q: Do I need to be certified before I can work as a Professional Organizer?
A: No.
Q: What does it cost to sit for the certification examination?
A: There is a Standard Application Fee and a discounted fee for members of an IFPOA Member Association. IFPOA (International Federation of Professional Organizers Associations) Member Associations currently include AAPO, NAPO, NBPO, ICD and POC.
Q: Once I’m certified, will I always be certified?
A: No. Recertification is required every 3 years.
Q: What do I need to do to keep my certification active/current?
A: You will find the criteria for recertification along with additional FAQs here.
Q: I’m new to the field of professional organizing. How should I start preparing now to sit for certification in a few years?
A: Everything you need to know is on this website. Start by reading the Candidate Preparation information. Keep a record of your paid work hours, and review the recommended resource list.
Professional Organizer Overview
Q: I’m interested in becoming a Professional Organizer. How can I find out more about the industry?
A: While BCPO® Certification is intended for professional organizers with a certain level of experience, we know you have to start somewhere. Many beginning organizers have expanded their knowledge and skills through reading, teleclasses, conferences, networking, and involvement with professional organizer associations. Most community libraries have a variety of pertinent books and resources that cover organizing, as well as topics to help you learn how to develop your business.
Associations such as the National Association of Professional Organizers and other IFPOA member associations offer extensive educational opportunities in the areas of organizing skills and business development at their annual conferences, chapter events and tele-seminars. NAPO members can request to be added to NAPO's electronic mailing list to be notified of these educational opportunities.
Classes are offered at community colleges, evening adult schools and national seminars on topics such as getting organized, clearing clutter, and time management, as well as business management classes including accounting, proposal writing, and marketing. Customized training programs and workshops instructing new professional organizers are also offered by veteran professional organizers worldwide.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Work Experience as a Professional Organizer
Q: How do you define the last three years?
A: When you submit your application, you are attesting to the fact that you have met the eligibility requirements at that time. Therefore, the three years prior to that date represent the last three years. After the initial year of certification, your anniversary date will be the first of the month following your initial certification.
For example, if you submit your application on October 3, 2011, your eligibility requirements must have been met between October 4, 2008 and October 3, 2011. In all subsequent years, your anniversary date will be November 1.
Q: I organize part-time and do not have 1,500 hours of paid work experience in the last three years. Is there any way I can qualify?
A: If you have 1,250 hours of work in the last three years, you can reach the required 1,500 by substituting other activities as published. The minimum of 1,250 hours of client-based experience is mandatory.
Q: I don't bill services by the hour, but sell programs as a package that includes a comprehensive assessment, written recommendations, system guidelines, training seminars, on-site system implementation, individual consultations, and follow-up sessions with the team and individuals. Much of this is developed off-site. Is any or all of my work eligible?
A: Time spent on on-site assessment, development of the systems whether on or off-site, training, on-site implementation and follow-up sessions, which all involve or are the result of collaborating with a client, are all eligible hours.
Q: I am a veteran organizer who worked with clients for 20 years, but have not had 1,500 (or even 1,250) hours of work with clients in the last three years. Do I qualify?
A: No. Certification is intended for active organizing practitioners who have met the published requirements.
Q: I work for a closet manufacturer, and install custom closet systems in people's homes. Is that organizing?
A: No. While you are providing a service that might lead to the client being more organized, you are installing the system, not organizing.
Q: I install closet systems and garage systems as part of my organizing business, which entails an in-house assessment, design concept, installation, and working with the client to organize their stuff into the new system. How many hours of this work would count?
A: Assessment, design, and working with the client to organize and replace items in the system developed for them would all be eligible hours, while time spent on installation would not.
Q: The primary focus of my organizing work is moving and relocations. Am I qualified to sit for the exam?
A: Elements of moving and relocation in collaboration with the client would be eligible hours; packing and transport with no client interaction would not. For example, working with a client to pack and store items efficiently, teaching a client to purge items wisely prior to the relocation, working with a client to develop an action plan for tasks related to the move and relocation - these and similar activities would all be eligible hours.
EDUCATION
Q: I have a BA and an MA. How many hours of credit can I claim for these degrees?
A: You can only claim substitute hours for one degree. A Bachelor's Degree gains you credit for 75 substitute hours and an Advanced Degree gains you credit for 100, but you cannot claim 175 hours if you have both. The degree credits are non-cumulative so you can only claim one degree, not both. If you have both degrees, you can claim a maximum of 100 hours.
ORGANIZING-RELATED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Paid Speaking Engagements
Q: Why does speaking appear in both the regular hours level and the substitute level?
A: To be eligible for regular work hour credit, speaking would require some client interaction, such as working with a client to develop a customized presentation for their particular business or organization, or having interactive exchange in the process such as exercises or Q&A. A lecture or keynote type of speech that is "one size fits all" would be comparable to the client reading a book. While information may be communicated, this does not meet the client collaboration requirement, but may be used as substitute hours.
Q: I recently spoke to a group that paid for my meal and transportation expenses. Does this count as a paid speaking engagement?
A: No. In this case, your expenses were covered but you were not paid for speaking, so it does not count as a paid speaking engagement. If you were paid a fee of any kind beyond expenses, it would count.
Mentor/Mentee/Apprenticeship
Q: I have been training on the job with an established organizer. Do these hours count, and in which category?
A: If you are being paid and are interacting with the client, these count as eligible work hours. If you are training without pay, you may claim up to 10 of these hours in the substitute category.
Q: I spend 5 hours a month mentoring new organizers. Where do these hours fit in?
A: Both you and your mentees may claim up to 10 of these hours in the substitute category.
Writing Books & Authoring Articles
Q: I am a Professional Organizer who specializes in writing books. My books generally take more than 1,500 hours to write. Do any of those hours qualify?
A: No. While writing a book qualifies you as an author, the hours spent writing do not meet the eligibility requirements with regard to collaborating with the client. However, you may claim a total of 20 substitute hours per published book, up to a total of 40 hours/2 books.
Q: I wrote a series of articles for my local newsletter and then collected and printed them into a book I give to my clients. Does the book qualify in the substitute category?
A: A book, even if self-published, must be published with an ISBN to be eligible.
Professional Association Membership
Q: Is membership in a professional organizing association (like NAPO) a requirement for becoming certified?
A: No. Any professional who meets the eligibility requirements may sit for this examination.
Trainer/Teacher
Q: I used to work personally with clients, but I have reduced my own client interaction, and hire and train employees who are sent to do the work. I spend the majority of my time speaking, training and writing books. Am I eligible for certification?
A: Probably not. Time spent training other organizers and in speaking engagements as described above would be eligible for substitute hours; however, your eligibility would depend on satisfying all of the other requirements.
Serving on an Organizing Entity's Board of Directors
Q: What does serving on a board have to do with organizing skills?
A: Directing the activities of an organization whose purpose is specifically targeted to the organizing profession involves the development and promotion of industry best practices.
Q: I am a NAPO Ambassador. Does this count as serving on a board?
A: No.
Volunteer Work as an Organizer
Q: Why does volunteer work qualify? I thought the requirements were for paid organizing hours.
A: If an organizer worked for a client who could not afford to pay, or if the organizer chose to lend his/her skills to community service or a charitable institution, the hours spent in client interaction would count towards this substitute category.
Q: Can I earn credit for volunteering on something like a professional association (IFPOA) committee?
A: No, only volunteer work directly related to organizing is eligible for substitute hours.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Q: How do I know which classes and courses are eligible for BCPO CEUs?
A: To determine whether a class/course is eligible, use this checklist: Is this class...
- at least 60 minutes long?
- a live class/course (whether in person, by phone, or online) OR an online learning module or recorded teleclass/webinar that provides proof of attendance/completion?
- a class/course that provides skills and knowledge that allow you to better serve your clients? If the class meets all three of these requirements, it is likely to be eligible.
Classes on topics related to starting, building, growing or administering your own business (such as marketing, finding clients, choosing an organizing specialty, different business models, branding) are not eligible.
Q: Where can I find classes that will allow me to earn eligible CEUs?
A: While organizing industry associations such as NAPO, POC, ICD, and AAPO can be good options for CEU-eligible classes, we strongly encourage you to look for other sources, such as community colleges, university extensions, other Professional Organizers, related professionals, online learning websites, and professional societies for related industries.
Q: Are all of the sessions I take at the NAPO or POC conference eligible for BCPO CEUs?
A: No. Any class, course, or conference session, no matter who presents it, must meet BCPO's criteria for CEUs in order to be eligible. Just because a class or conference session is given by NAPO, POC, or another organizing industry association does not necessarily mean that it is eligible.
Q: Are there examples of what conference sessions would or would not qualify, and why?
A: Using the 2011 NAPO Annual Conference, here are some examples, based on the session descriptions.
PLEASE NOTE: The eligibility determinations listed below are based solely on the session descriptions provided in the conference brochure. As with any class or conference session, it’s always possible that the material the presenter covers will differ from the session overview.
Attendees must use their own best judgment as to whether a session they attend meets the BCPO® CEU eligibility requirement that a class must provide skills and knowledge that further the professional’s ability to better serve their clients.
Pre-Conference Sessions: Wednesday, April 6, 2011
| Course Number, Name, and Presenter | CEU? | Based on the description, this session: |
|---|---|---|
| (PC1) PO-201 - Residential Needs Assessment, Mindy Godding, CPO® | Probably | offers information, skills and knowledge to allow for better client service. |
| (PC2) Your Organizing Business Vision – the Neglected Critical Element, Krista Green | Probably Not | focuses on business growth and development, not skills and knowledge to allow for better client service. |
| (PC3) Compass: Your Roadmap to Business Reinvention, Karen Greenstreet | Probably Not | focuses on business growth and development, not skills and knowledge to allow for better client service. |
| (PC4) The Missing Link – Getting from “To Do” to “Done!”, Linette George, CPO® | Probably Not | focuses on business growth and development, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (PC5) Advanced Social Media Marketing: Beyond a Facebook Fan Page, Rich Brooks | Probably Not | focuses on marketing and business growth, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
Thursday, April 7, 2011
| Course Number, Name, and Presenter | CEU? | Based on the description, this session: |
|---|---|---|
| First-Timers’ Orientation, Paris Love and Diane Sullivan | Probably Not | is designed to give 1st-time conference attendees a conference overview; not an educational setting. |
| Ask the Organizer Panel, Golden Circle Only, Lisa Montanaro, JD, CPO®, moderator | Possibly | may be eligible. If the panel focuses primarily on topics related to business i.e. marketing, business growth, etc., it may not be eligible. |
| Ask the Organizer Panel, Monica Ricci, CPO®, moderator | Possibly | is likely eligible. If it focuses primarily on business topics (marketing, business growth, etc.), it may not be eligible. |
| (GS1) The Future of the Industry – Where Professional Organizing is Headed, Julie Morgenstern | Probably Not | focuses on the current state and future direction of the professional organizing industry, not on skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (1-1) E-Commerce Demystified: Seven Steps to Selling Online, Karyn Greenstreet | Probably Not | focuses on marketing and sales, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (1-2) Intuition, Shifting Energy and the Woo-Woo Factor – The Unspoken Organizing Talent, Susan Lannis | Possibly | may offer skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (1-3) Sparkle When You Speak™, Sheryl Roush | Possibly | may offer to those whose business models include regular educational public speaking, skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (1-4) Closet Design for Organizers, Kay Wade, CGP | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (1-5) The Emotional Facet of the Client Relationship, Louise Kurzeka | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
Friday, April 8, 2011
| Course Number, Name, and Presenter | CEU? | Based on the description, this session: |
|---|---|---|
| (2-1) Bridging the Digital Divide: How to Organize and Be Productive in the Information Age, Geralin Thomas, CPO-CD®, moderator | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (2-2) Being Organized Isn’t Enough: Conducting a Comprehensive Productivity Assessment of the Office Client, Casey Moore, CPO® | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (2-3) Navigating the Slippery slope of Ethical Dilemmas, Lisa Montanaro, JD, CPO® | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (2-4) Photo Organizing – Tapping Into This New Niche, Catherine G. Nelson | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (2-5) When It’s About More Than “Stuff” – Addressing Couple Conflict During Residential Organizing Projects, Teresa Luetjen-Keeler, MA, CRC, CRTS | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (GS2) The Truth About Sales: Sincere Selling Leads to Outrageous Results, Collette Carlson |
Probably Not | focuses on marketing and sales, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (3-1) The Truth About Negotiation: 7 Strategies for Success, Colette Carlson | Probably Not | focuses on marketing and sales, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (3-2) Attracting and Converting Customers With your Website – A Guide for a Focused, Web Marketing Strategy and Online Presence, Rich Brooks | Probably Not | focuses on marketing, not on skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (3-3) Lean Office – You Too Can Lean, Theresa E. Domoe | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (3-4) Working with the Media, Jodie Watson | Probably Not | focuses on publicity and P.R., not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (3-5) Managing Clients’ Expectations, Standolyn Robertson, CPO® | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
Saturday, April Saturday, April 9, 2011
| Course Number, Name, and Presenter | CEU? | Based on the description, this session: |
|---|---|---|
| (4-1) Welcome to the Wide, Wide World of Aging Services, Mary Kay Buysse and Jennifer Pickett | Probably Not | focuses on terminology and marketing techniques within the senior organizing niche, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (4-2) Welcome to Our World: Organizing Students and Loving It!, Donna Goldberg, moderator | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (4-3) Space Planning for Professional Organizers, Janet Schiezl | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (4-4) Creating Organizing Sustainability and Lasting Change With Our Clients, Denslow Brown, CPO-CD ® , CPO®, MCC | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (4-5) Whole Brain Tools to Build Your Business and Your Life, Lee Silber | Probably Not | is focused on running and growing an organizing business, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (5-1) Special Population: Working With People Who Have Memory Loss, Margit Novack, MCP |
Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (5-2) Hiring and Training Successful Employees, Erin Elizabeth Wells, CPO® | Probably Not | is focused on business administration, not skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (5-3) Get your Clients’ Financial and Legal Clutter Together - Today, Hallie Hawkins, JD, CCRR and Shay Prosser, CDFA, CCRR | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (5-4) Classic Time Management Systems and How They Can Work for You and Your Clients – Part I, Emily A. Wilska, CPO® | Probably | offers skills and knowledge for better client service. |
| (5-5) Mobile and Web Productivity Tools, Allen Clary | Possibly | offers to those whose business models include productivity services, skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (6-1) New Takes on Productivity: 3 More Time Management Systems and How They Can Work for You – Part II, Emily A. Wilska, CPO® | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (6-2) Best Practices for Organizing the Creative Mind, Scott K. Belsky | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (6-3) Peace of Mind in the Face of Disaster – Preparing Clients for Any Emergency, Margaret R. Luken, CPO® | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (6-4) Organizing Beyond Your Own Personality Style, Jennifer R. Sedlock | Probably | offers skills and knowledge that allow for better client service. |
| (6-5) How to Be Your Own Best Bookkeeper, Debbie Gilster, CPO® | Possibly | is CEU-eligible only for organizers who offer bookkeeping services to their clients. |
| (GS3) Undercover Organizer: An Inside Look at How Successful Organizers Operate, Lee Silber | Possibly | may be eligible. If the session is focused primarily on topics related to running an organizing business (marketing, business growth, etc.), it will not be eligible. |
Q: What sort of proof of attendance/completion do I need for an online learning module or recorded teleclass?
A: For these classes, you need a certificate or other documentation proving not only that you registered for the class, but that you attended and completed it. For a webinar, this might be documentation showing the date you took the webinar and the time you spent taking it. For a teleclass, this might be a certificate proving that you listened to the entire class.
Q: Can I listen to recorded conference sessions or other cd’s and count them as CEUs?
A: No. The only recorded sessions that are eligible for CEUs are those that include a way of proving you have listened to and interacted with the entire session, such as recorded teleclasses from the ICD. Recorded conference sessions do not offer a way of proving you have listened to the entire session, and also do not offer proof of attendance/completion.
Relevant Paid Work Experience Prior to Becoming an Organizer
Q: What do you mean by prior relevant paid work experience?
A: Experience must meet the same criteria for teaching, transferring or demonstrating organizing skills as described in the Eligibility Requirements.
Military Service
Q: If I'm audited, what proof do you need for my military service?
A: Upon audit, a candidate must be prepared to produce a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or equivalent document for the country served.
GETTING CERTIFIED
Registering for the Examination
Q: How do I register to take the examination?
A: Complete the online registration form. When you have completed the registration process, you will receive a User ID and Password that will allow you to schedule your examination online through ISO Quality Testing, Inc.
Q: When is the examination given?
A: CBT examinations for Certified Professional Organizers will be administered from February 1–28, June 1–30 and October 1-31 of each year. If you would like to receive an e-mail newsletter of program and testing updates, use the "What's New" link at the top right of this page to subscribe to the announcements.
Q: Where is the examination given?
A: You can take the examination at hundreds of locations throughout the world. Testing Centers are provided through the ISO-Quality Testing, Inc. network.
Q: What if there's not a testing center near me?
A: Contact ISOqualitytesting@isoqualitytesting.com.
Q: Do I need to include documentation of my work hours with my application?
A: No. It is highly recommended that all applicants prepare such documentation prior to submission of the application, but DO NOT SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
Q: Can I reschedule or cancel an examination that I have already scheduled?
A: Yes, but you must notify ISO-Quality Testing, Inc. within five full business days to avoid a late cancellation fee.
Preparing for the Examination
Q: What topics does the exam cover?
A: The major topics covered on the CPO® examination are:
- Foundations of Professional Organizing
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Preliminary Assessment
- Action Plan Development
- Action Plan Implementation and Project Management
- Evaluation, Follow-up, and Maintenance
Q: What’s the format of the exam?
A: The examination consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible response options. You will be allowed exactly two hours to complete the examination. The CPO® exam is given in English via computer at secure facilities around the world.
Q: Do I need to read all of the material listed on the Suggested Reference Sources list in order to take the exam?
A: You are not required to read all of the books listed on the Suggested Reference Sources list. The list is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor does it represent the only references to be used as study material. The references in the list, combined with information gained through practical experience, are used to develop the examination questions.
You may have resources that are not on this list which adequately cover the content of the exam. You are encouraged to supplement your education and experience by reviewing other resources and finding information in areas in which you may consider yourself less skilled or experienced.
Q: Is there a book I can read or a class I can take that will help me prepare to take the exam?
A: There are books and courses which may be specifically designed to prepare candidates for the CPO® exam. BCPO® cannot endorse any particular book or course, nor are they required as part of your preparation.
Your preparation could include a self-study reading program, participation in academic and noncredit courses, workshops, teleclasses, study groups, or professional meetings.
Taking the Examination
Q: How is the examination administered?
A: The examination is administered via Computer-Based Testing (CBT), an examination delivery system that replaces the "bubble sheets" of a paper and pencil exam. Candidates answer multiple choice questions via computer and in most cases receive the preliminary pass/fail results immediately.
Q: Will the exam be administered via paper and pencil?
A: No.
Q: Can I take the examination from home?
A: No. The CPO® examination must be taken in a secure testing environment. The presence of an authorized proctor is necessary to launch the examination and monitor the examination process.
Q: Do I have to be very experienced with computers?
A: The examination is in a format that is very easy to use. You will have an opportunity at the test center to complete a five minute tutorial prior to starting your actual examination.
Q: What do I need to bring to the test site?
A: Once you have successfully scheduled your examination online, an Examination Admission letter is automatically generated. You must bring this letter with you to the testing center, along with your government issued photo ID.
The admission letter provides a special code needed to access your examination, along with detailed information regarding your testing experience. This includes the center location, weather policies, what to bring and when to arrive.
It is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket in the event the testing site is chilly.
Q: Are there things I’m not allowed to bring with me to the test site?
A: You are not allowed to bring food, beverages, electronic devices such as cell phones and PDAs, calculators, papers or books. You are encouraged to leave any unnecessary personal items at home or locked in your automobile. Only candidates and proctors are allowed in the testing area.
Q: What if something goes wrong with the computer while I’m taking the exam?
A: Immediately contact the proctor who will work with ISO-Quality Testing, Inc. personnel to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. You will still have a full two hours to complete the examination. In the event of a power outage, the completed portion of your examination will be saved and you will not need to begin again.
Q: During the actual examination, can I skip questions and return to them later?
A: Yes. Questions can be bookmarked, and returned to at a later point in the exam. Be sure to answer all questions, as only answered questions are scored.
Q: Can I review or change previous answers?
A: Yes. You can bookmark, review and change your answers.
Q: Can I use scratch paper?
A: Yes. Scratch paper is provided at the test center. The scratch paper will be destroyed after you have completed your examination.
Q: How much time is allowed for the examination?
A: Two hours is allowed for the examination. The timer begins once you complete the tutorial.
Q: Are individuals with disabilities accommodated in the testing center?
A: Yes. All testing centers are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or equivalent regulations when administered in other countries.
AFTER THE EXAMINATION
Q: When will I find out whether I’ve passed the exam?
A: In most cases, you will receive your preliminary pass/fail result from the proctor at the testing center once you have completed your exam. Even with a pass result, the CPO® designation is not official until you receive your CPO® notification and certificate.
Q: Will I get a score for my exam?
A: You will receive a preliminary pass/fail result. As a matter of BCPO® policy and good testing practice, candidates are not issued numeric scores in order to (a) be in compliance with testing industry guidelines, and (b) to protect candidates from those who could misinterpret the meaning of the numeric scores (employers, for example).
The BCPO® examinations are referred to as "high stakes examinations" and are constructed using a criteria-referenced test design. A criteria-referenced test is not intended to compare candidates' performance against that of other candidates, but rather compares a candidate's performance against an absolute set of criteria. For example, an employer may erroneously assume a candidate with a score of 850 is more competent than a candidate with a score of 750. All properly constructed certification or licensing exams are not able to make such a distinction. It can only accurately be stated that both candidates possess the minimum competencies necessary to hold the credential.
Because the number of questions required to pass the examination may be different for each version, the scores are converted to a reporting scale to ensure a common standard. This common standard will change with each version.
Unlike the case of passing candidates, it is important for failing candidates to be provided with a diagnostic of relative strength and weakness information, so the candidate can assess the level of effort and areas needing more or less attention to prepare for a retake of the exam.
Q: If I pass, why can't I start referring to myself as a Certified Professional Organizer® right away?
A: It is BCPO® policy to audit a set percentage of candidate examination applications. These audits will take place approximately three weeks after the examination. If you have not been randomly selected for audit, you will receive your CPO® notification and certificate. At that time you may refer to yourself as a Certified Professional Organizer®. If you have been selected for audit, you must follow the procedures outlined in the audit process. (link)
Q: If I don’t pass the exam, can I re-take it?
A: Yes. The process to re-take the examination is the same as the initial application. There is no limit to the number of times candidates may take the examination, provided that all the eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application for re-examination have been met.
Q: How soon can I re-take the examination?
A: To apply for re-examination, candidates must complete all required application forms, pay the appropriate examination fees, and schedule another examination appointment within this or any examination window.
Q: Will I have to pay to re-take the examination?
A: Yes. You will have to pay the current application fee at the time of your new application.
The Application Audit Process
Q: How is it decided who gets audited?
A: The selection is a purely random, computer-generated process.
Q: Who does the audit?
A: Facilitated by impartial staff from SMT, the Audit Committee is made up of qualified subject matter experts with a full understanding of the organizing profession. In the event that there is a conflict of interest between the candidate being audited and a member of the committee, that committee member will be replaced with an alternate.
Q: What information do I need to provide if I’m audited?
A: You will receive comprehensive instructions via your email address on record and by USPS surface mail.
Q: How do I document my work hours if I'm audited?
A: Think about what you would provide for an IRS audit. You may use copies of invoices or contracts, or generate reports from accounting or time-keeping software. If you keep your client appointments in a calendar or track them in a spreadsheet, you could provide a log of hours worked. It would be to your advantage to provide documentation for hours worked or substitute hours earned IN EXCESS of the minimum requirements. For example, if you can provide documentation for 1800 hours and 300 hours are deemed ineligible in an audit, you will still have met the eligibility requirements.
See these spreadsheets for examples of the level of detail required.
All information provided for an audit will be kept in strict confidence.
Q: Will the auditors call my clients? What about client confidentiality?
A: You will need to provide three references who may be contacted by the auditors. It will be made clear in the interview that the audit is routine and random. All information collected for the audit process remains strictly confidential and is not used for any other purpose.
The CPO® Credential
Q: Are there any guidelines for using the CPO® credential?
A: Yes, there are guidelines detailed on the website.
Q: If I pass the exam, can I start referring to myself as a Certified Professional Organizer® right away?
A: Once you receive your official CPO® notification and certificate, you may refer to yourself as a Certified Professional Organizer®.
Q: Can I use the CPO® logo on my website and business cards?
A: Only those who have received the letter and certificate stating that they have successfully passed the CPO® examination(s) and certification requirements are authorized to use the BCPO® and CPO® logos.
Use of the logo indicates your acceptance of the terms in the agreement executed upon applying to sit for the corresponding examination and these guidelines, and that you have met the criteria to be a CPO®, and have maintained your certification obligations.
If you do not maintain your certification, or your CPO® Application Agreement (included on the examination registration form) has expired or is terminated, you must immediately discontinue use of the logo. All Rights of Use of the BCPO® and CPO® logos are available here.
Q: What should I do if I think someone is using the CPO® credential improperly?
A: If you have observed a misuse of the BCPO® or CPO® logo, please submit all relevant details to profpractices@certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org .
Q: What should I do if I believe that a CPO® has violated the BCPO® Code of Ethics?
A: Review the Ethics Complaint Procedure carefully and act accordingly.
Scott
Roewer, CPO®
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What's New
Keep abreast of all BCPO news regarding events and testing information.
BCPO® Podcasts:
Teleclasses recordings are available shortly after completion. LISTEN HERE!
8/29/11 Teleclass Everything You Wanted to Know About Certification But Didn't Know Who to Ask!
9/7/11 Teleclass The Low Down on CEU Eligibility
9/8/11 Teleclass Everything You Need to Know About Recertification