PrintED
PrintED, administered by the graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF®) is a national accreditation and certification program, based on industry standards, for graphic communications courses of study at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Employers in the graphic communications industry require a highly skilled workforce. PrintED certification helps to meet this need by recognizing individuals who have mastered the knowledge and skill set needed to succeed.
Certification
Certification has become an important career credential for students and employers, and an important indication that one is capable of getting the job done. From an employer's perspective, certification serves as a means of validating technical expertise, improving profitability and retaining talent. To the candidate, certification offers immediate value by enhancing job advancement, increasing job security, and improving compensation. For students who are pursuing further education, certification can result in the granting of college credits.
Benefits of PrintED Certification
Validates that an individual has attained a specific level of knowledge and skill set in graphic communications, a mark of distinction that sets one apart.
Provides external validation of having achieved a recognized level of expertise in the field, improving marketability.
Demonstrates a commitment to the profession and to professional growth, favtors that can affect one's career advancement.
Gives the "edge" needed to compete in a global workforce.
Examination Eligibility
In order to participate in the online examinations, students must meet the following requirements:
Be enrolled in a PrintED accredited program
Have completed a curriculum that incorporates PrintED competencies
Have mastered at least eighty percent of the required hands-on tasks in any one accreditation area
Achievement Levels
Certificate Of Completion- Students who achieve a minimum passing score on the examination(s) will be awarded a Certificate Of Completion.
Certification- Students who achieve a high passing score on the examination(s) will be awarded a Certification.
Certification With Distinction- Students who achieve exceptional scores on the examination(s) will be awarded a Certification With Distinction.
Examination Administration
Online examinations in Introduction to Graphic Communications, Digital File Preparation, and Press Operations are conducted at PrintED accredited schools in a proctored session. Each individual school determines the examination dates and times at the time of registration.
Examination Delivery
GAERF has partnered with the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) to deliver the online examinations at a cost of $30 per each examination. NOCTI provides a state-of-the-art secure online assessment service that is easy, efficient, and convenient.
Questions, Comments, and Further Reading
If you have questions about the examinations, contact NOCTI at (800) 334-6283. For additional information, contact Eileen Cassidy, GAERF Director, at (866) 381-9839 or ecassidy@npes.org. For more information, please visit the following links:
NOCTI
GAERF
PrintED