We recently had a Q & A session with BCPO® President, Audrey Lavine, CPO® of Life Support Systems.
Q — How is the CPO® designation being accepted by those outside of the organizing industry?
A — Here is what Jim Shotwell, LISW, Director, Enhancement Center, Rio Rancho, NM had to say in an interview.
"Therapists are often asked to do things beyond our scope of practice. Finding someone with the appropriate expertise to work collaboratively with is important. The best way to feel comfortable is to know that person has an additional level of certification that shows they have been trained in the ethical issues of their industry. This lends confidence in the person’s professional abilities."
Q — What is the best way to study for the exam?
A — Peer support in the form of study groups or book clubs is very popular. During the spring NAPO conference members of the BCPO® board did a presentation on how to study. By the end of the session the audience had divided into enthusiastic study groups. This “How to Study” presentation will be repeated during the Professional Organizers in Canada conference being held in Toronto in November.
Q — Are there specific tips for studying?
A — First of all, don’t panic. Also, don’t over think the answers. We are looking for the most common industry practice. Read the content outline and then read it again.
Q — Can you share some feedback from someone who has taken the exam?
A —Here is what CPO® Holly Uverity from Office Organizers had to say:
"There were no issues or problems with the CBT (Computer Based Testing) exam. The proctor knew exactly what to do; she was completely prepared and very professional. She got me the supplies I needed, asked me about room temperature, etc. and came in periodically to check on me."
"Maneuvering through the test was a breeze. It was easily understood which questions I had answered, which I had skipped and which I bookmarked to go back to. I did take the practice test on the website so I didn’t take it at the test site but I think it's great that it was offered there. Having the option to show the time or hide the time was great too."
News and Announcements
The lazy days of summer are here (or depending on where you live, you might be experiencing the rainy days of summer). It’s a time when most of us want to kick back and relax with a steamy romance off the best seller list.
To your "must read list" why not add some organizing related reading material to jump start your goal of studying for the next BCPO® exam?
Spring tax preparation is now behind us and our accounting files are up to date so it should be easy to document accumulated client hours. To qualify to sit for the exam 1,500 hours of paid work experience must be documented in the past three years. For specific details check the BCPO® website.
Now that the Computer Based Testing is available at many convenient locations, taking the BCPO® examination is more accessible than ever before. Mark your calendars now to take the exam during the next test window in November 2008.
If you have already completed the registration process and wish to extend your "valid through" date, please contact Melanie Garrison at SMT.
After the June exam, BCPO® now boasts over 275 CPOs, including one from Australia. We are continuing to expand our international horizons now that South Africa and Sydney Australia have requested adding testing sites. Fielding test site requests and answering questions about certification and the exam process are just part of the added value that BCPO® provides.
BCPO® has launched an intensive media outreach program designed to inform the public about the value of certification. Make your plans to study and sit the exam as the momentum continues to build.Let us know how we can help you prepare for the November testing opportunity. Send us your questions.
Karen Sencich — Editor
- Check the suggested booklist available on the BCPO® website. Purchasing books is one option but you can also trade books with fellow organizers. Some organizing association chapters offer a lending library which will save money.·
- Many books are available in audio format so you can learn while driving, gardening or hiking.·
- Start a study group. There is nothing like the buddy system to help you focus and keep you motivated. The study process will help you in your day to day organizing practice.
- Seek out every opportunity to network with other organizers and learn from their experience. Mark your calendars for the upcoming conferences for all organizing associations.
- September 25 – 27, 2008 National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) Conference in St. Louis, MO
- October 16 – 18, 2008 Australasian Association of Professional Organisers (AAPO) Conference in Sydney, Australia
- November 6 – 9, 2008 Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) Conference in Toronto, Canada
- April 29 – May 2, 2009 National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) Conference in Orlando, FL
The Board of Certification for Professional
Organizers
(800) 556-0484 • info@certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org