What Is a Certified Professional Organizer
What is the difference between a CPO® and a CPO-CD®?
Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO®) is governed by the Board of Certified Professional Organizers
From the NAPO website:
This credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify industry professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to professional organizing and productivity consulting.
BCPO® Certification is a voluntary, industry-led effort benefiting the members of the organizing profession, as well as the general public. The Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO®) credential recognizes professionals who have met specific standards and proven, through examination and client interaction, that they possess the body of knowledge and experience required for certification. This certification program recognizes and raises industry standards, practices and ethics, and lets clients know that CPOs are committed and serious about the work being done.
Candidates must be prepared to document a total of 1,500 hours of paid work experience in the last three (3) years. This paid work experience may include but is not limited to on-site organizing, coaching, consulting, training, virtual organizing, interactive workshops and speaking engagements, which, through client collaboration, transfers, teaches or demonstrates organizing skills.
Certified Professional Organizers in Chronic Disorganization® (CPO-CD®) is governed by The Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
From the Challenging Disorganization website:
To become a CPO-CD® an organizer has to have been in business or organizing for at least 3 years, and have provided services to clients with Chronic Disorganization. To become a CPO-CD® an organizer must have gone through a 2 year structured program, guided by a mentor organizer. You must have client load to support monthly client challenges coaching calls.
Certified Professional Organizers in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®) is a Professional Organizer who has been educated in depth on the issues of Chronic Disorganization. The CPO-CD® student spends 17-20 months of intense time studying and applying this learning in practical application with current clients. The purpose of the ICD CPO-CD® program is to develop a professional organizer’s skills and knowledge by utilizing a mentor-style relationship. This program provides the intermediate and advanced professional organizer an environment and forum to discuss client challenges and problems. Participation in the CPO-CD® develops professional integrity and improves an organizer’s communication skills. The CPO-CD® program is specifically geared to improve the quality of service, techniques and knowledge professional organizers provide their clients challenged by Chronic Disorganization.
Happy Organizing!