PGA of Canada Rolls Out Class “A” Certifications

PGA of Canada Class “A” members are encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity to increase employability in the golf course and showcase his or her strengths to potential clients.

The 18 Class “A” certifications recognize skills and expertise, as well as want for continued professional development, of Class “A” members.

“Class “A” certifications were developed to create opportunities and employability in our industry by recognizing individual skills and expertise of the Class “A” member,” says the PGA of Canada’s Manager of Education, Morgan Court. “The certifications are a means of supporting members in showcasing their skills and expertise to potential and current employers and customers.”

The certifications include golf shop operations; golf management; instruction; coaching; rules; playing; equipment technology; club maker and club repair; turf management; architecture and design; retail management; finance and accounting; food and beverage; event management; communications; human resources; marketing; and sales.

Certifications have been identified and the requirements are minimums. All certificate, diploma or degree programs must be pre-approved by the PGA of Canada.

Any Class “A” Member who does not meet the outlined certification standard but feels he or she have equivalent experience or knowledge required may apply for a Prior Education and Experience Assessment (PEEA). PEEA’s are available for 11 of 18 of the Certifications.

With the introduction of the PACE program and the Class “A” certifications, all Class “A” PGA of Canada members in good standing as of January 1, 2010 and all CFMs completing PACE training program were given the Golf Shop Operations certification.

“This is what PACE is all about—supporting members in professional development, enhancing career opportunities, and celebrating continued development of the golf professional in Canada,” Court adds.

Alan Carter, Director of Golf at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club and president of the PGA of Alberta, says he sees the benefit of the certifications in today’s golf landscape, but also in the future.

“Although still in its infancy, going forward and achieving certified status in any of the PGA of Canada’s certification categories assures me that the individual has a complete and thorough understanding of that particular aspect of our business.” Carter says. “In the future it may become a viable resource for potential employers to better assess the qualifications of a candidate for a specific position. Our business is diverse and the thought of creating golf professionals with areas of expertise is a unique and refreshing way to look at our membership and the future of our industry.”

For more information on the PGA of Canada Class “A” certifications, visit HERE.