"THE CREDENTIAL"
January 2013

The origin of credentialing dates back to the early 16th century and has evolved from the noun credentia meaning trust or credence.  More recently, credentialing is the generic term referring to "the formal recognition of or technical competence" (USHEW) .  The Dictionary.com adjective definition for credentialing is providing the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc. 

The most well known and established method of credentialing is the act of licensure. Licensure is the process by which an agency of government grants permission to an individual to engage in a given occupation upon findings that the applicant has attained the minimal degree of competency necessary to ensure that the public health, safety and welfare will be reasonably protected . (USHEW)

In addition to the most coveted credential (licensure) for the built environment professional, securing membership in your respective association or society is also considered a credential of accomplishment. The following examples of Mission Statements from the American Institute of Architects, American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Society of Professional Engineers compliment licensure and represent the credential of professional affiliation.

American Institute of Architects: For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. 

American Society of Landscape Architects: The Society's mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. 

National Society of Professional Engineers: NSPE in partnership with the State Societies is the organization of licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) and Engineer Interns (EIs). Through education, licensure advocacy, leadership training, multi-disciplinary networking and outreach, NSPE enhances the image of its members and their ability to ethically and professionally practice engineering.

Professional credentials are subject to ever changing continuing education requirements for license renewal and professional affiliation membership. Successful credentials management requires vigilant attention to details, including different renewal cycles, various renewal fees, differing record keeping and documents retention length, and all these time consuming exercises utilize distinct reporting processes. Keeping up with these tasks can be daunting. AECredentialing has a proven effective solution to the increased complexity of credentials management. Locate more information at www.aecredentialing.com

Housekeeping Note:  If your address, phone number  or email
address has changed please notify your credentials agencies. 

Contact Details: 

LS Credentialing Services, WBE Certified, P.O. Box 91, Olathe, KS 66051

Info@AECredentialing.com

Join us in our efforts to go "green".  Think before you print.