Professional Credentialing
This page provides more information for those interested in joining the PC Programme or looking for more information on how Professionally Credentialed individuals can support AWS implementation. If you would like to speak to someone about joining the PC Programme, please contact us.
What is the Professional Credentialing Programme?
AWS aims to ensure the availability of highly skilled professionals to support sites seeking to implement and achieve certification to the AWS Standard. As a result, it is important to develop an international cadre of water stewardship professionals across industry sectors who will ensure credibility in the dissemination and adoption of water stewardship knowledge and expertise. The primary approach to ensure this credibility is through the development of a global water stewardship Professional Credentialing Program.
The AWS Professional Credentialing Programme (PC Programme) provides a mechanism through which trained individuals can continue to develop and enhance their AWS skills and experience and make claims related to their level of credential through marketing and communications. The credentials are structured in a tiered manner to reflect progressively increasing levels of awareness and practical knowledge. The Program and relevant credentials are based on the three levels of AWS Standard System Training.
What are the benefits of being part of the AWS PC Programme?
For individuals, being credentialed means you have taken the AWS Standard System Training to learn about water stewardship and the AWS Standard, you have committed to the Code of Conduct, and you are keeping your awareness and knowledge of water stewardship efforts up to date. Through use of the AWS Professional Credential branding to signal your involvement in the program, you can clearly demonstrate your contribution to the growth and evolution of water stewardship practices and awareness, making you a more valuable and sought-after professional. In addition, PC individuals can work for accredited service providers, thereby offering you increased employment and career opportunities.
For AWS implementers, the PC Programme makes it easier to identify trained individuals with the skillsets you might be looking for to support your AWS activities.
PC Programme Overview
Once you have completed the training course and passed the relevant open-book exam with a score above 80%, you are able to join the AWS Professional Credentialing Program at the level to which you have been trained. Upon opting in, you will be invited to:
- Sign the AWS Professional Credentialing Code of Conduct for a three-year commitment
- Pay an annual fee
- Commit to Continuing Contribution Units which include:
- webinars
- volunteering
- writing about the AWS System online or in print
- Create your account on the AWS PC Programme Portal
This will allow you to be registered on the AWS international website, access newly available information and learning on AWS Standard implementation and market your services to the level you are credentialed using AWS PC Program branding.
Based on the level of training completed, individuals within the PC Programme can make the following claims:
AWS Foundation Professional
- General knowledge of water stewardship
- Introductory knowledge of the AWS System
- Can advocate for water stewardship
Find out more about the AWS Foundation Professional
Those that have completed one day of AWS Standard System Training and passed the relevant exam will be able to make the claim of AWS Foundation Professional. These individuals have acquired a general knowledge of water stewardship concepts and principles, key concepts regarding freshwater challenges and systems, and AWS-specific definitions and terminology. They will also have introductory knowledge of the AWS Standard and Standard System. Individuals with this level of credential are enabled to advocate for water stewardship.
AWS Advanced Professional
- Working knowledge of AWS Criteria and Indicators
- Able to implement AWS in their organisation
- Can provide assistance to others implementing AWS
Find out more about the AWS Advanced Professional
Those that have completed two days of AWS Standard System Training and passed the relevant exam will be able to make the claim of AWS Advanced Professional. In addition to the concepts outlined in Foundation Training, these individuals have acquired a working knowledge of the criteria and indicators within the AWS Standard. Individuals with this level of credential are able to implement the Standard at their organisation or provide assistance to those implementing the Standard as a service provider.
AWS Specialist Professional – Consultant, Trainer and/or Auditor
- Detailed knowledge of the AWS Standard
- Practical experience in a range of contexts
- In depth understanding of AWS Accreditation and Certification Requirements
Find out more about the AWS Specialist Professional
Those that have completed three days of AWS Standard System Training and passed the relevant exam will be able to make the claim of AWS Specialist Professional – Consultant, Auditor or Trainer. In addition to the concepts outlined in Foundation and Advanced Training, these individuals will have further experience with practical application of the AWS Standard in different contexts. They will also have detailed knowledge of the AWS System, including the Accreditation and Certification Requirements. Individuals with this level of credential are enabled to lead a team of implementers, auditors or trainers (there are additional requirements for auditors and trainers, who must be connected to an Accredited Organisation, find out more here).
If you have any questions about Professional Credentialing, please contact us.
How do I get an AWS Professional Credential or Progress to the next level of credential?
To get your AWS Professional Credential, you need to take the AWS Standard System Training (either Foundation, Advanced or Specialist) and pass the relevant exam.
To progress to the next level of credential, you need to take the next level of AWS Standard System Training and pass the relevant exam. For example, if you currently hold a Foundation Credential, you need to take the Advanced Training and pass the exam. If you currently hold an Advanced Credential, you need to take the Specialist Training and pass the exam.
You can find upcoming training courses near you via:
https://a4ws.org/training/aws-standard-system-training/
Further Information
If you would like to know more about how the PC Programme works, please consult the PC Programme Handbook which is available to download here. If you can’t find the answer to your question in the Handbook, or would like to discuss the Programme, please contact the PC Programme Administrator.
Join the AWS PC Programme Today
Grow your water stewardship skills and expertise. Learn more about the AWS Standard System. Join a global network of water stewardship professionals.
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