It takes years of experience and on-the-job training to master the skills needed for print buying success. Yet most print buyers acknowledge there are few places to obtain the information and education required for their careers.

This situation recently changed when Print Buyers International, LLC (PBI) introduced its new Print Media Professional (PMP) Certification at Print Buyers Boot Camp in Boston during their September Print Buyers Conference.

The new credential, available only from PBI, provides objective, independent verification of print buyers' skills and confirms their value as print buying pros.

PBI founder and president Margie Dana said, "The purpose of PMP Certification is to ensure that the people who purchase printing are qualified to interact with printers with professionalism and confidence in their skills. PMP Certification will raise the standards for both print buyers and the people who serve them."

The new PMP credential was developed by a team of print industry and print buying experts, including: Dana; Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Professor Emeritus Frank Romano, author of 45 books and the world's leading print industry authority; and RIT Senior Training Specialist Steve Suffoletto, an internationally respected trainer and consultant. RIT is the nation's foremost print education institution.

PBI has received dozens of e-mails about the certification since the conference. Unfortunately, the program is not offered online as the interaction between attendees and the three instructors is such an important part of the print buyer’s educational experience.

Cost and details on upcoming certification opportunities will be available at www.printbuyersconference.com/
bootcamp/pmpcertification.html.