Working Towards the Competency Gold Standard

 Education, Competency & Credentialing

The PIAI believes that one of its roles is to encourage and set the operating conditions for professionals to meet the “Gold Standard” of education and thus performance of professional knowledge and skills. As such it is the goal of the PIAI to work with each of its member organizations to ensure within a 5-year time frame that they work towards their members holding an independently assessed professional credential. Independently assessed from the organization providing the educational programs of courses of study.

The PIAI will provide guidance, support and infrastructure to support organization members achieving this. Progress of this key initiative will be assessed as the organization evolves and the PIAI Board of Directors will adjust policy and time-lines as needed when working with each organization.  

Competency is mission-critical; therefore, it is important to our industry, the professional, and the pet owner that all professionals are not only educated in the theory of their profession but have all the necessary hands-on teaching and communication skills.

***It is recommended that independent credentialing must include, at all levels, both knowledge and skill assessment.

We consider this the “Gold Standard” and will work diligently with member organizations to move the industry in this direction ***