Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Electronic Transactions Association is conducting a survey to determine the feasibility of a certification or other type of credentialing program for merchant level salespeople (MLSs). The survey will continue through Aug. 23, 2008.
"This study is to determine if there is a need for industry certification, if employers see any benefits for their staff, and if industry practitioners think that this could make them more marketable or enhance their professional development," said Rori Ferensic, ETA's Director, Education and Professional Development. "We want to know what the industry wants and needs … in terms of additional professional development activities."
Responses to the ETA's online survey, which are being submitted anonymously, will determine what, if any, kind of educational program is developed and implemented and whether the market – the feet on the street – will support it.
In addition, Sales Channel Development, the ETA University's first-ever online course, is now open for enrollment. And ETAU will officially begin launching its online program in September.
The following four additional online courses geared for new MLSs will be offered soon:
The format is interactive and includes assessments to ensure attendees meet the intended learning objectives. Students will be able to complete courses at their own pace over a 90-day period. Those who successfully complete the final assessment will receive a certificate of completion.
"The content of the courses is based on the knowledge of what I call my subject matter experts, those people who have many years of industry experience knowing what newcomers to the industry, as well as veterans, might need in terms of education and professional development," Ferensic said.
Seven ETAU courses will also be offered in a traditional instructor-led format at the ETA Annual Meeting & Expo in April 2009; they can also be available at corporate locations for large group training.
"We want to be able to provide our members and their employees the tools and content they need to help them do their job better on a daily basis," Ferensic noted.
The fee for each course is $195 for ETA members and $275 for nonmembers.
For more information about the survey or ETAU, visit www.electran.org. Questions? Contact Roci Love at roci@smttest.com about the survey and e-mail Ferensic at rori.ferensic@electran.org about ETAU.
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