Professional Development

Background
Professional development became a statewide issue during the 1991 FSBDC Annual Meeting during a breakout session devoted to the topic.  Business Analysts and Center Directors issued a policy recommendation calling for a statewide, standardized program that would include the teaching of counseling methodology, government rules and regulations and how to apply topical knowledge to the small business.  In 1992 the FSBDC authorized the development of the program in response to this policy recommendation.  In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration also issued a national requirement for the development of such a training program that would result in each state’s SBDC program achieving national certification standards as determined by the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC.)  The FSBDC was one of the first states to respond to this SBA priority.

Between 1992 and 1993 an extensive needs assessment was conducted to determine the issues to be included in the program, materials and training methods were developed, and the program was implemented in the fall.  Significant revisions were made to the program in 2004-05 when training modules were consolidated and updated. 

Certification and Recertification Process
The ultimate goal of this program is to create a common body of knowledge and standards of performance among a diverse group of professionals.  Staff professionals, volunteer professionals, and graduate students must all achieve a common standard of performance and quality. 

Certification
Each eligible Business Analyst must earn a minimum of 100 Certification Credits to be recommended for the designation of Certified Business Analyst.  Credits are earned for completion of the FSBDC Professional Development Manual Modules, applicable educational achievements, previous experience, and other professional activities. 

The Regional Professional Development Coordinator will complete a Certification Credits Checklist to analyze the eligibility of each Business Analyst prior to training.  This will determine the Business Analyst’s course of study.

When the Regional Professional Development Coordinator determines that the required 100 credit have been achieved, he or she will again complete the Certification Credits checklist and present this analysis to the Regional Center Director for confirmation or for further review.   Should the Center Director confirm the Business Analyst for certification, he or she will send a letter of recommendation, along with the Business Analyst’s resume, Certification Credits Checklist, digital photo, and other pertinent information to the State Professional Development Coordinator for review.  If the application clearly meets program standards, certification will be awarded.

Recertification
Once you have achieved your certification, you must continue your training to maintain it.  Recertification requirements include:

CBAs must be recertified three years following the date they receive their initial certification.  Recertification must be accomplished on a continuing basis as long as the CBA is employed the the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.

Responsibilities
Each CBA will be responsible for documenting his/her progress.  The Regional Professional Development Coordinator will be responsible for providing guidance to the CBA concerning the applicability of various training activities and for submitting the recertification application.

Determination of Job-Applicable Training
Only job-applicable training will be credited toward recertification.  Outside and in-house training must be approved by the Regional Professional Development Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.  Should the CBA not agree with the Professional Development Coordinator’s decision, the CBA may then appeal to the Regional Center Director.  The Regional Center Director’s decision may be further appealed to the PD Coordinator.

Continuing Education Options

FSBDC Professional Development Conference:
1 recertification credit per hour
Recertification credits will be awarded for full attendance of the FSBDC Professional Development Conference.  Each CBA must attend a minimum of one Professional Development Conference during the 3 years.  All centers are encouraged to send all CBAs to this conference every year.

ASBDC National Conference:
1 recertification credit per hour
Recertification credits will be awarded for full attendance at the Association of Small Business Development Centers National Conference.

Outside Training:
1 recertification credit per hour
Outside training refers to job-applicable professional seminars lasting a minimum of 3 hours that are provided by other organization.  Documentation must include a program brochure and a certificate of completion or a letter from the seminar company or presenter documenting the CBAs completion of the program.

Program overviews by staff members who have recently attended outside training are strongly encouraged, since most SBDCs cannot afford to send more than one or two staff members to a particular outside training program.  A good example of this would be a train-the-trainer program, which could be summarized and presented to all SBDC staff responsible for designing and presenting workshops.

In-House Training:
1 recertification credit per hour
In-house training is defined as training activities developed within the regional SBDC.  Training must be pre-approved by the State Professional Development Coordinator.  A written agenda, handout, speaker’s bio or qualification, and a list of attendees must be provided in order to receive recertification credits.  The program must be presented by a qualified speaker, with preference given to outside speakers.

An in-house training program must address a technical or behavioral topic applicable to Business Analysts with the mission of improving counseling and presentation skills.  Attendance at advanced SBDC-sponsored group training programs will qualify for recertification.

Professional Development Manual Resource Guides:
7.5 recertification credits per Resource Guide
This option allows the CBA to complete any modules that he/she has not previously completed as part of the initial certification process.