ICMA ANNOUNCES GEMALTO, PERFECT PLASTIC PRINTING AND PRODUCTION SERVICES ASSOCIATES ARE FIRST MEMBERS TO ACHIEVE ACE ACCREDITATION
- Application Test Deadline for Next Exam is February 25-
PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ, Nov. 28, 2007— The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) announces the first members to successfully achieve Advanced Card Education (ACE-M) accreditation. In light of the ever adapting and advancing nature of technology, the complexity of card manufacturing has increased, as have the standards, production, quality, security and environmental issues involving cards. A need developed for a standardized industry-wide accreditation program to recognize knowledge, experience and dedication of leading professionals in the industry. To fulfill this need, ICMA introduced the ACE program.
The first designation, ACE-M, covers basic card manufacturing; future designations planned include ACE-A (advanced technologies) and ACE-P (personalization). The following have successfully passed the first designation, ACE-M:
Julie Hermanson, Quality Manager
Production Services Associates
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Matthew O’Connell, Engineer
Gemalto
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Mike Sabatini, Operations Manager
Perfect Plastic Printing
The ACE designation is only awarded to people who demonstrate a broad and detailed knowledge of card manufacturing processes by successfully completing a rigorous exam. ACE accreditation validates expertise and distinguishes employees as motivated experts in the card manufacturing industry. Applicants must be working for an ICMA member company and have a minimum of three years industry experience.
“Card manufacturing is a very hands-on self taught process which encompasses knowledge that is obtained from many disciplines including chemical, eletro mechanical, software, physics and many more,” said Al Vrancart ICMA Industry Co-Founder and Industry Advisor.
"In other industries, accreditation has been an indicator of dedication to integrity, hard work, creativity, and an assurance that the individual has passed at least a minimum screening of competence,” said Dr. Brad Paulson, ICMA standards representative and leading author of the program’s study guide. “With the ACE program, employers can report that accredited employees were individually tested and possess an advanced, comprehensive knowledge of their trade. ACE gives employers a means to determine and maintain the most qualified team of employees possible."
Testing has been conducted at the ICMA EXPO in San Diego and CARTES in Paris. Further testing dates have been planned for the ICMA 2008 EXPO on April 6 and the CTST exhibition on May 15, both to be held in Orlando . For more information on the ICMA ACE accreditation, or to learn how to become an ICMA member, call (609) 799-4900; e-mail info@icma.com or visit the ICMA website at http://www.icma.com.
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