"National certification will offer Vitamin World assurance that candidates have the essential skills needed to drive our customer-focused business."
–Manager, Vitamin World
For the first time, national industry certification is available for the retail and related service industries. NRF Foundation® has rolled out National Professional Certification in Customer Service® for entry-level through first-line supervisor positions. The certification is based on national Customer Service Skill Standards, identified by retail and service employers across the country. Skill standards in sales have also been identified and approved, and the Professional Certification in Sales®is currently under development.
"All industries would perform better if held to a standard."
-Participant, Skill Standards Development Session
The national certification is representative of the knowledge and skills used in entry-level to first-line supervisory positions in retail and service industries and is appropriate for high school and older students, including adults, and incumbent, transitioning and potential employees. Many industries, including retail, wholesale, personal services, real estate, hospitality, banking, insurance and call centers, are participating in certification and/or recognize the value for their employees.
"The assessment and my overall experience were very good. I really had to evaluate some of the questions, and I thought I had customer service down!"
–Assistant Store Manager, National Specialty Store Chain
Individuals earn the Professional Certification by passing the Customer Service Assessment and applying for certification. The 70-question assessment is made up of real-life customer service situations, asking test takers to identify the best courses of action. The test is delivered by computer, is highly interactive and takes just over one hour to complete. The test is web-enabled; however, it must be proctored. Successful candidates receive a certificate and a lapel pin and their name is entered into the national certification database (currently in development).
For demonstrated customer service knowledge and skills, look for the pin!
Industry Certification Contact: certinfo@nrf.com and phone 202-626-8182
|
