Certification
Stand out from your competition with Account Executive (CPSAE) & Recruiter (CPSR) Professional Certification
Invest in Your Team
As the national trade association representing the IT and engineering staffing industry, the certifications obtained through TechServe Alliance demonstrate a commitment to employing industry best practices and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as well as subscribing to a Code of Ethics. The ability to differentiate both your firm and your team is particularly important in an environment where many clients and consultants maintain that there is little difference between firms.
Register Today for the Certification Program through the Online Learning Center.
Not a TechServe member or don’t have a Certification Program account? Please contact us at [email protected] to set up your account and answer any questions you may have.
Level I Certification requires demonstrated mastery of industry standards.
- Industry best practices
- Common terms and definitions
- Sytems and processes
- Understanding the IT & engineering niche
- Best use of time
- Federal laws governing employment practices
- 20 lessons exclusively focused on the specific work performed by either recruiters or account executives
Level II Certification requires a minimum of two years of experience plus advanced mastery based on case studies with more complex scenarios.
In addition to adherence to the TechServe Alliance Certification Code of Ethics and a commitment to pursue continuing education, applicants must demonstrate mastery of the content in the TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Materials by successfully passing a 100-question, online certification exam. (All applicants must pass the Level I exam prior to pursuing Level II certification.)
Successful completion results in the designation of Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE) or Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR), each a unique mark of distinction in our industry.
Online Learning Center
The Online Learning Certification Catalog provides easy access to resources for participating in TechServe’s CPSR/CPSAE Certification Program – the Industry’s only professional certification covering best practices in the IT & engineering staffing industry.
Members Can Register for the Certification Program through the Online Learning Center.
TechServe Alliance Certification Preparation
TechServe Alliance certified professionals demonstrate knowledge of industry best practices, legal requirements and the professional disciplines of their chosen track – sales or recruiting. Mastery is tested via a 100-question exam. It is recommended that you allot 30 to 60 days to fully prepare for the exam. Once you register1 for the certification program, TechServe Alliance provides two resources to help you prepare.
Certification Study Materials
Compiled by industry experts, the certification study materials contain everything you need to know to successfully pass the certification exam. The certification program syllabus provides an overview of the topics covered by the study materials and exam.
Once you register for the certification program, you will gain access to the TechServe Alliance Certification Testing Platform. After selecting your certification – either CPSAE for account executives or CPSR for recruiters – you will have access to the study materials.
Training Webinars
Led by industry experts, the exam training webinar series covers some of the most critical areas of knowledge required for certification. The series leads off with a program overview and concludes with two separate sessions that focus on legal issues pertinent to all certification candidates. Additionally, there are specific sessions targeted to recruiters and account executives.
The certification exam for Level I, which is administered online, consists of 100 multiple choice and true/false questions, all based on the content of the study materials. You will have six months to take the exam from date of registration. However, once you access the link to start the exam, you will have two hours to complete it. Certification requires that you answer 80 percent or more of the questions correctly.
You will be required to participate in 24 hours of continuing education over each three year period beginning on the date you are first awarded your certification. We recommend that you earn 8 hours each year and not wait until your certification is about to expire to complete the requirement. You will be required to track the continuing education hours you have earned and you may be required to submit proof of attendance or participation.
Continuing Education
Re-certification for CPSR & CPSAE (Level I & II)
The TechServe Alliance certification program was developed to showcase excellence and expertise of recruiters and account executives in the IT & Engineering staffing and solutions industry. To ensure that all certified individuals maintain this high level of excellence, all are required to continue to pursue knowledge in best practices and legal compliance throughout their careers. The certification program requires re-certification every three years. To be re-certified requires you to participate in continuing education experiences through various types of courses and training opportunities. You will not be required to retake the certification examination.
Once you are certified, you will be required to participate in 24 contact hours of continuing education over each three year period beginning on the date you are first awarded your certification. CPSAEs and CPSRs at both the LEVEL I and LEVEL II must each participate in 24 contact hours over each three year period.
Each hour spent engaged in an educational, conference, webinar or related learning experience is counted as one contact hour. We recommend that you earn 8 contact hours each year and not wait until your certification is about to expire to complete the requirement. You will be required to track the continuing education contact hours you have earned and you may be required to submit proof of attendance or participation.
Continuing education can be obtained through multiple sources. Credit can be earned by attending a TechServe Alliance webinar (1 hour), participating in a TechServe Alliance Chapter event with an industry speaker (1 hour), attending a recruiter or sales training program (up to 8 hours), reviewing archived content available on the TechServe Alliance Online Learning portal (1 hour per session), or by attending the TechServe Alliance Annual Conference (up to 16 hours). For day long and multiple day education experiences, you simply report the actual number of contact hours you experienced. A minimum of 6 hours of the 24-hour requirement must be obtained through attendance or participation in sessions covering employment law or other legal issues.
Educational sessions and conferences sponsored by other organizations covering relevant material may also be eligible for continuing education credit. To determine whether a particular event is eligible for credit, you can obtain advance approval by submitting an outline or agenda that reflects the educational content to [email protected].
To submit your continuing education credits, log into the certification website, tsa.mycrowdwisdom.com. On the main page, select the “My Learning” tab. The My Learning tab will show you your current enrollments, CEUs, and your transcripts from previous enrollments. You can submit new Continuing Education Credits by selecting “Self-Claim Credits” then selecting “Add CE Activity” and filling out the pop-up form.
Please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 703-838-2050 with any questions about continuing education or certification.
Certification FAQs
What is the mission of the TechServe Alliance Certification Program?
The TechServe Alliance Certification Program showcases the knowledge and understanding of industry best practices and employment laws and other legal concepts relevant to the work of account executives, recruiters and other members of your team.
The certification program has been created to:
- Expand the base of knowledge and elevate the level of professionalism and effectiveness of those who work within the professional staffing industry
- Enhance the knowledge of employment laws and other important legal concepts to mitigate risk
- Distinguish your business when you and your team earn the recognition associated with prestigious certifications awarded to professionals in the IT and engineering staffing industries
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement through the ongoing education requirements of the certification program
- Through advancing the professional development of your team, acknowledging their achievement through an industry-recognized designation, driving firm growth and profitability
What is the TechServe Alliance Program for recruiters and account executives?
Members of TechServe Alliance voiced their desire for the organization to establish and administer a certification program for those professionals who serve as management, account executives and recruiters in IT and engineering staffing communities. Based on this need for a certification program for members and the profession, TechServe Alliance leadership and staff spent considerable time and energy to make the TechServe Alliance Certification Program a reality. The program was launched in 2013. We released the 2nd edition of the study materials and exam for level one July 1, 2016.
TechServe has created two types of professional certification, each offering two distinct levels of achievement:
- Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR) Level One & Level Two
- Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE) Level One & Level Two
Individuals seeking any of the certifications are required to study the information assembled in the TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Materials. Upon completion of their course of study, each candidate for certification must then demonstrate their mastery of the content by successfully passing the corresponding online certification examination. As part of the certification process, a staffing professional must also agree to adhere to the TechServe Alliance Code of Ethics and other program rules.
What certifications are being offered?
Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE): Level One & Level Two
The CPSAE I certification is intended for account executives (sales) professionals in the professional staffing industry who have demonstrated knowledge and mastery of industry best practices in sales as well as an understanding of general industry concepts, employment law and other pertinent legal issues. The CPSAE II certification is intended for account executives (sales) professionals with two or more years of industry experience, have passed the Level I exam and have demonstrated an ability through the Level II exam (case studies) to apply the principles previously learned to typical scenarios encountered in the professional staffing industry.
Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR): Level One & Level Two
The CPSR I certification is intended for recruiters in the professional staffing industry who have demonstrated knowledge and mastery of industry best practices in recruiting as well as an understanding of general industry concepts, employment law and other pertinent legal issues.
The CPSR II certification is intended for recruiters with two or more years of industry experience, have passed the Level I exam and have demonstrated an ability through the Level II exam (case studies) to apply the principles previously learned to typical scenarios encountered in the professional staffing industry.
What changes took place on July 1, 2016, when the 2nd editions of the CPSR and the CPSAE were released?
The 2nd editions of the Level 1 CPSR and CPSAE study materials and exams raised the required minimum score to pass from 70% to 80%, introduced new questions to the exam, and included all new sections on social media and the Affordable Care Act.
Are the original materials and exam still available?
No, on July 1st the original editions of the study materials and exams were discontinued. People that purchased the exam prior to July 1st, but did not take the exam automatically received the new materials and exam. Your 6 month time period to take the exam did not reset.
Why should I encourage my account executives, recruiters and other members of my team to become certified through TechServe Alliance?
” Anyone making IT Staffing their career should seek to become TechServe certified. It sets them apart from the others, and demonstrates their knowledge, understanding and commitment to their industry. Certification will also enhance their career, respect and compensation. ”
-Ronald F. Zander, Vice President of Project One, Inc
As the national trade association representing the IT and engineering staffing industry, the certifications obtained through TechServe Alliance demonstrate a commitment to employing industry best practices and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as well as subscribing to a Code of Ethics. The ability to differentiate both your firm and your team is particularly important in an environment where many clients and consultants maintain that there is little difference between firms.
What makes the TechServe Alliance Certification Program different from other certification programs?
There are two distinguishing elements of the TechServe Alliance Certification Program. First, the TechServe Alliance certifications were developed exclusively for individuals employed in the professional staffing industry. Second, the TechServe Alliance Certification Program goes far beyond other certification programs which solely test knowledge of employment law. TechServe Alliance certification requires an individual to also demonstrate knowledge and mastery of industry best practices.
Do I need to obtain Level I certification before pursuing Level II?
Yes, participants are required to obtain Level I certification prior to pursuing Level II. While Level I certification demonstrates knowledge of industry best practices as well as knowledge of employment law and other legal issues, Level II demonstrates through case studies the ability to apply that knowledge to specific factual situations typically encountered by account executives and recruiters in the professional staffing industry.
Are there prerequisites for Level I Certification?
No, all account executives and recruiters are eligible to pursue a Level I certification. Individuals affiliated with TechServe Alliance member companies are eligible for discounted registration fees for all certifications.
Are there prerequisites for the Level II certifications?
No, all account executives and recruiters are eligible to pursue a Level I certification. Individuals affiliated with TechServe Alliance member companies are eligible for discounted registration fees for all certifications.
What is the format of the exam?
Level I and Level II exams for both the Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE) and Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR) will be administered online.
The Level I exam consists of multiple choice and true/false questions, testing knowledge of industry best practices in either sales or recruiting as well as knowledge of general industry concepts, employment law and other relevant legal issues.
The Level II exams also consists of multiple choice/true false questions, but the exams tests mastery of the content through demonstrated ability of the individual to apply the principles previously learned to typical scenarios encountered in the professional staffing industry.
How long is the exam?
Each examination will consist of 100 questions.
What resources are available to help me prepare for the exams?
All individuals who register for an exam will be able to access the applicable TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Materials which contain the information necessary to prepare for the exam. We also offer in-depth Certification Training Webinars. The webinars are not required.
What does the TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Material cover?
The body of knowledge contained in the TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Materials addresses industry best practices and an overview of legal concepts that are relevant to account executives, recruiters as well as other members of the team in discharging their professional responsibilities. The certification examinations will test mastery of this content.
In CPSAE I and CPSR I , a candidate seeking certification will find a series of lessons that outline the code of ethics, common terms and definitions, general industry practices, and best practices in the form of 21 lessons for either account executives or recruiters. The guide also contains an overview of the employment laws and other legal concepts important to the work performed by staffing professionals.
The CPSAE II and CPSR II certifications require a candidate to demonstrate advanced command of the material. Through a series of case studies testing application of knowledge to common business and legal situations, members of your team who earn either their CPSAE II or CPSR II will further differentiate your firm in the marketplace.
To prepare for the examinations, applicants will need to study the TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Materials.
How much time should I dedicate to complete the study materials for the certification exam?
It is suggested that you allow a minimum of 30-60 days to review the content contained in the applicable certification program study materials.
How long is my TechServe Alliance Professional Services designation (CPSR or CPSAE) valid?
Three years.
Is continuing education required after I achieve certification?
Yes, once you are certified, you will be required to participate in 24 contact hours of continuing education over each three year period beginning on the date you are first awarded your certification. CPSAEs and CPSRs at both the LEVEL I and LEVEL II must each participate in 24 contact hours over each three year period.
Each hour spent engaged in an educational, conference, webinar or related learning experience is counted as one contact hour. We recommend that you earn 8 contact hours each year and not wait until your certification is about to expire to complete the requirement. You will be required to track the continuing education contact hours you have earned and you may be required to submit proof of attendance or participation. Click here to learn more.
What are the requirements for passing the exam?
As of July 1, 2016, individuals taking a TechServe Alliance Certification Exam must answer 80 percent or more of the questions correctly.
What is the policy on retaking the exam?
If you fail the exam, you may retake the exam one additional time within a six-month period. There will be an additional fee of $125 to retake the exam.
When, where and how can I take the exam?
After you register and pay for the certification program, you will be given a web link to retrieve the study materials as well as a link to the exam. You will have six months to take the exam from the date of registration. However, once you access the link to start the exam, you will have 2 hours to complete it.
When do I receive my exam results?
You will receive your score immediately after you submit your answers for grading. Your sponsoring employer will also receive the results. The system will display your pass/fail status and your score.
If I don’t pass, can I find out which areas I need to study more?
Yes. All exam participants, regardless of whether you pass or fail an exam, are given a printed score report that identifies performance within each test section.
Can I get a detailed report of my exam answers?
No. To maintain the integrity of the exam, the answers to the test questions are not provided.
What is the cost of each certification?
For employees of TechServe Alliance member firms, the certification fee is $395. For individuals not affiliated with a TechServe Alliance member company, the certification fee is $695. These fees include both the applicable certification program study materials and exam administration fee. There is also a package with optional exam training webinars, which you can read more about here.
How do I register for the certification?
You can register for the TechServe Alliance Certification Program by logging in with your TechServe Alliance website account and going to our Online Learning Portal at tsa.mycrowdwisdom.com. Once you are logged in, please navigate to the “Catalog” tab, select your exam package, and check out. The package will be added to your account after check out.
Not a TechServe member or don’t have an account? Please contact [email protected] to set up your account.
What if I have additional questions regarding certification?
For additional information, please contact [email protected] or call us at (703) 838-2050.
Program Rules & Fees
TechServe Alliance has established the following rules in conjunction with its certification program.
Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR) Level One & Level Two
The CPSR I and II certifications were designed for recruiters and other team members in the IT and engineering staffing industry. Attainment of the certification demonstrates knowledge and mastery of the following areas: general industry practices, recruiting best practices and knowledge of relevant employment laws and other legal concepts.
Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE) Level One & Level Two
The CPSAE I and II certifications were designed for account executive (sales) and other team members in the IT and engineering staffing industry. Attainment of the certification demonstrates knowledge and mastery of the following areas: general industry practices, account executive (sales) best practices and knowledge of relevant employment laws and other legal concepts.
CPSAE Level I and CPSR Level I certifications are open to all professionals in the IT and engineering staffing industry.
To sit for either the CPSAE II or CPSR II examination, an individual must have two or more years of experience and have passed the Level I exam in their respective discipline. Upon passing the Level II examination, an individual earns the CPSAE II or CPSR II certifications.
The fees below include the applicable certification program study materials and exam administration fee.
- Member Rate: $395 For employees of TechServe Alliance member firms
- Non-member Rate: $695 For individuals not affiliated with a TechServe Alliance member firm
Exam Training Webinars
Led by industry experts, the exam training webinar series covers some of the most critical areas of knowledge required for certification. The series leads off with a program overview and concludes with two separate sessions that focus on legal issues pertinent to all certification candidates. Additionally, there are specific sessions targeted to recruiters and account executives.
- Member Rate: $100 For employees of TechServe Alliance member firms
- Non-member Rate: $200 For individuals not affiliated with a TechServe Alliance member firm
(Note: Exam Training Webinars are not sold separately.)
The CPSAE Level I and CPSR Level I and Exam Training Webinars packages are $495 for employees of TechServe Alliance member firms and $895 for individuals not affiliated with a TechServe Alliance member firm.
Examinations for the respective certification will be based upon the TechServe Alliance Certification Program Study Materials that will be made available to candidates for certification at the time of registration. Applicants can study the online study materials independently and take the appropriate examination. Candidates for certification must answer 80 percent of the examination questions correctly to achieve certification.
Examinations will be administered online and must be taken within six months of registration. If an applicant fails the examination, they can retake the exam one additional time within a six-month period for an additional fee of $125.
The CPSAE and CPSR certifications are valid for a period of three years from the date of issuance. To maintain their respective certification, each staffing professional must satisfy continuing education requirements and abide by the CPSAE or CPSR Code of Ethics.
Each individual who has earned their CPSAE or CPSR must participate in 24-credit hours of continuing education in each three year period following the initial award of a certification. The certification continuing education page provides information about which in-person and online educational events are eligible credit toward the continuing education requirement. Individuals holding more than one certification are only required to earn 24-credit hours in each three years. All individuals holding a certification are responsible for tracking and reporting their continuing education hours annually using the TechServe Alliance Certification Program online portal.
Earning a TechServe Alliance certification is a significant achievement. Those who have attained their certification are encouraged to use the designation they have earned on their business cards, in marketing materials, company websites, as well as referencing the CPSAE or CPSR designation following their name in professional communications.
Code of Ethics
TechServe Alliance Certification Program establishes standards based on best practices for account executives and recruiters. In addition to testing the knowledge of these best practices as well as the ability to apply that knowledge to typical scenarios they would encounter in the performance of their duties, all account executives and recruiters must subscribe to the CPSAE or CPSR Code of Ethics to maintain their certification.
Code of Ethics: Certified Professional Services Recruiter (CPSR)
- CPSR adheres to the tenet of equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, religion, color, sex, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.
- CPSR abides by all applicable federal, state, and local laws in the performance of their duties. CPSR does not defame clients, consultants, or competitors.
- CPSR preserves the confidentiality of all confidential information of their firm’s clients.
- CPSR does not intentionally misrepresent a consultant’s skills or experience.
- CPSR does not intentionally misrepresent a consultant’s pay rate, contract terms, assignment duration, or other facts relevant to the business relationship.
- CPSR does not unfairly prevent a consultant from pursuing other opportunities.
- CPSR refrains from soliciting employees of their firm’s active clients.
- CPSR does not knowingly induce consultants to breach or improperly interfere with a contractual relationship.
Code of Ethics: Certified Professional Services Account Executive (CPSAE)
- CPSAE adheres to the tenet of equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, religion, color, sex, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.
- CPSAE abides by all applicable federal, state, and local laws in the performance of their duties.
- CPSAE does not defame clients, consultants, or competitors.
- CPSAE preserves the confidentiality of all confidential information of their firm’s clients.
- CPSAE does not intentionally misrepresent a consultant’s skills or experience.
- CPSAE does not intentionally misrepresent a consultant’s pay rate, contract terms, assignment duration, or other facts relevant to the business relationship.
- CPSAE complies with clients’ established business practices related to gifts and gratuities to a client’s employees.
