Sample Questions for Journalists

Q: Why would someone consider becoming a Certified Professional Organizer^®?

A: Individuals take the examination for many reasons. Becoming certified shows a commitment to the profession, and validation that you are indeed a professional. The certification also lends credence to the organizing industry, which is still relatively unknown in many communities.

Other reasons for becoming a CPO^® include:

• Demonstrating that one is on the cutting edge of the organizing field;
• Attaining credibility;
• Gaining recognition from clients, peers, employers, employees, coworkers, the industry, the media, publishers, and companies looking for spokespeople;
• Differentiating themselves from the competition;
• Achieving personal satisfaction.

Q: Is certification required for Professional Organizers?

A: No. The certification is geared toward practitioners with 3 or more years of experience with clients and who have established themselves as professionals. Many organizers who take the examination have been in business for many more than 3 years. 

Q: Is a CPO^® better than a professional organizer who isn’t certified?

A: Not necessarily. The CPO^® is one way that professionals can distinguish themselves in their industries. Experience, education and specialization are others.

Q: What are the benefits of hiring a CPO^®?

A: Someone hiring a CPO^® knows that he or she has met specific minimum standards, proven through examination and client interaction that they possess a body of knowledge and experience that has been independently verified, and that their knowledge and experience is up to date.

Q: Who takes the examination?

A: Professional organizers, home and real estate stagers, designers and redesigners, senior move managers, records managers and others who work in related fields may all qualify to take the examination based on the services they provide to their clients.

Q: How many CPO^®s are there?

A: There are over 275 CPO^®s in the world, representing the United States, Canada, Australia, Netherlands and Hong Kong. Visit www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org to find a CPO^® near you.

Q: Who oversees the CPO^® designation and testing process?

A: The CPO^® designation and examination are overseen by the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO^®), a self-governing organization formed in 2007. An international testing company administers the examination.

Q: When and where is the examination given? How do I sign up to take the examination? How much does it cost?

A: The CPO^® examination is given during designated times via computer at testing sites around the world. Visit www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org for a list of testing dates and sites, as well as an application. The fee is USD$525.00. A professional membership rate of USD$350.00 is available.

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