Industry-Recognized Credential
Retail Council of Canada defines professional certification as an industry-recognized credential granted to a candidate upon successful demonstration of competence. More specifically, participants must demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills as defined in the National Occupational Standards for the occupation chosen.

Voluntary
RCC's certification model is voluntary. Employees do not need to be certified in order to work in the retail industry. The intent of certification is to recognize competence rather than regulate or control practices.

Challenge Model
The Certification Program is a "challenge model." Individuals may enroll and be tested once they meet the minimum requirements or prerequisites. There is no requirement for a candidate to complete an education, training, or professional development program, nor is there a requirement to become a member of Retail Council of Canada in order to qualify. However, RCC has developed training materials that will help participants to achieve certification.

On the Job
Certification is aimed at those already working in the profession. Although those individuals new to retail may enroll in a certification course, they will likely be unable to complete the process without having worked in a practical job setting. For this reason, the Certification Program also contains relevant work experience as a minimum requirement.

Transferable
Certification will be transferable between the retail and tourism industries. Credit will be given if a required retail certification component is completed through a corresponding tourism certification program.

Industry-Driven
The program has been developed and validated by the retail industry for the retail industry.

Standards-Based
To be successful, sales associates and first level managers need to possess a great deal of grounding knowledge in retail and a wide range of skills. The knowledge and skills needed have been defined by the industry in the National Occupational Standards. These standards are the building blocks for the development of the workbooks and all assessment instruments.

Unique in Canada
Retail certification is a unique Canadian initiative. There are no other national certification programs for the retail industry within Canada. We know that the Certification Program will be a success, as similar programs are in use in Australia and Great Britain. We have had the benefit of evaluating their programs and have been able to use this information to develop a program that will meet the needs of the industry.

Affordable
The National Retail Certification Program has been designed to be accessible and affordable. The costs will be kept to a level that will encourage participation. Full certification and training packages, which include a personal Web site, a workbook, job coach manual, exam, and performance evaluation start at $300 for Retail Sales Associates and $400 for Retail First Level Managers.

Benefits for Participants
The National Retail Certification Program benefits employees by:

• Giving them the opportunity to receive an industry-recognized credential;
• Offering a certificate that they can proudly display;
• Increasing their employability;
• Allowing them the opportunity to obtain recognition for their achievements;
• Giving them a greater satisfaction gained through a professional approach to their work;
• Making them aware that there is a link between national certification and a career in retailing;
• Providing a building block for those who wish to advance in their retail careers; and,
• Giving them skills that are transferable across the country.

Benefits for Employers
The National Retail Certification Program benefits employers by:

• Reducing turnover, thus helping to retain a more talented staff;
• Creating a positive and professional work environment;
• Creating consistency among all employees;
• Helping to identify those employees that want to succeed and advance;
• Making their companies more attractive to those seeking career employment;
• Allowing for nationally transferable skills; and,
• Allowing for cost-effective recognition and reward.