AFE creates new credential

Applications are being accepted for the Association for Facilities Engineering's new credential, Certified Plant Supervisor. CPS was developed to demonstrate a facilities professional's preparedness and/or proficiency in the world of first-line supervision. It joins the association's highly regarded and popular Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) and Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) programs.

"We think this program is very valuable and will meet the needs of many of our colleagues who want to enhance their careers," said Lane T. Pierce, CPE/CPMM, vice president of certification.

Basic supervision requires that individuals understand and exhibit what to do in the face of change, use effective communication skills, know how to empower employees, and know how to enable them to develop the confidence to overcome the daily challenges they face. The CPS program guides facilities professionals through educational materials that address those topics.

Pierce said CPS is the predecessor to moving into plant and facilities management. "AFE is bringing its rich legacy of plant management experience into the realm of supervisory roles, in order to strengthen the ranks of supervisors, and prepare them for the road ahead."

CPS will be offered at four-day review sessions followed by an examination day. (May 17-21 in Cincinnati, September 13-17 in Baltimore and October 18-22 in Salt Lake City) Other arrangements can be made with prior approval.

Applications are at www.afe.org/certification. To be eligible to sit for the CPS exam you must be employed as a plant/facility professional and have at least two or more years of experience in a plant/facility supervisory capacity; or you must have three or more years of experience in plant/facility, or related and/or equivalent employment.

For more information write to certification@afe.org, or call (513) 489-2473.