The Association for Strategic Planning (ASP, www.strategyplus.org ) announces the availability of the first professional strategic planning certification. Based on a rigorous Body of Knowledge in strategic planning, the certification provides a professional designation for highly skilled and knowledgeable strategic planning professionals and executives.

"It took 24 senior strategic planning consultants and business practitioners 22 months to create the certification program. We conducted detailed interviews with over twenty firms and universities to ensure a best practice Body of Knowledge. We also reviewed more than ten other excellent associations (PMI, SHRM, ASTD, etc.) that offer certifications so we didn't reinvent the wheel," said ASP President Tim Trotter. "We were fortunate to have the effort sponsored by some of our members: Delta Community Credit Union, Sundt Corporation, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Haines Centre for Strategic Management, and the Balanced Scorecard Institute."

In ASP's certification program, strategic planning professionals can achieve designation as either a Strategic Planning Professional (Level I) or a Strategic Management Professional (Level II). There is also a Strategic Planning Apprentice Program for students of, and new transfers into, the strategic planning field. The certification Body of Knowledge will be taught by qualified ASP Registered Educational Providers throughout the world. The ASP certification exam will be administered by a third party exam administrator, Professional Testing Corporation. Interested strategic planning professionals can purchase and download a copy of the Body of Knowledge Self-Evaluation Workbook to get started.

The Association for Strategic Planning (ASP) is the preeminent professional association for those engaged in strategic thinking, planning, and action. ASP currently has members in 40 states and several foreign countries, as well as active chapters operating in 14 metropolitan areas. Several others are currently in formation. The chapters serve the local area with networking and educational programs geared to the subject of strategic planning. For more information about ASP or its certification program, please contact Executive Director Janice Laureen at 877-816-2080.