PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., Aug. 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA), a global trade association for card manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers, announced today 18 new designees who have earned certification with advanced expertise in the global card manufacturing industry.
ICMA's Advanced Card Education (ACE) certifications are the only industry-wide and global certifications that recognize advanced knowledge in card manufacturing, personalization and fulfillment. Seven individuals recently passed the ACE-A (Advanced Technologies) exam and 11 individuals recently passed the ACE-M (Manufacturing) exam.
"ICMA continues to provide its members with a cutting-edge education for an evolving industry," said Jeffrey Barnhart, ICMA founder and executive director. "ICMA's ACE-A certification, which we launched in April, provides a special designation for advanced technologies, including smart cards and security, that will keep our members one step ahead."
ICMA also offers the ACE-P (Personalization) designation that will set industry insiders apart.
The association is pleased to recognize the following new distinguished designees:
ACE As
• Jim Colleran, CPI Card Group
• Laura Faria, PPG Industries
• Barry Mosteller, CPI Card Group
• Terry Schindler, Q-Card
• Dori Skelding, Visa
• Eric Virostek, Giesecke & Devrient
• Tim Weatherill, Klöckner Pentaplast
ACE Ms
• Diana Walter, CPI Card Group
• Barry Gilbert, H.W. Sands Corp
• Don Lance, ITW Brandy Identity
• Timothy Mullen, Gans Ink & Supply Company, Inc.
• Stephen Foster, CPI Card Group - Colchester
• Martin Elkins, CPI Card Group - Colchester
• Steve Boyle, CPI Card Group - Colchester
• Karl Boekhoudt, CPI Card Group - Colchester
• Jeremy Weaver, CPI Card Group - Colchester
• Paul Newland, CPI Card Group - Colchester
• Joe Campbell, CPI Card Group - Colchester
Newly-launched ACE-A offers advanced technologies expertise
Participants can build on the skills mastered and demonstrated in the ACE-M certification with ICMA's new ACE- A accreditation, which was recently launched in April.
The ACE-A designation evaluates a person on his or her skills and knowledge in advanced materials and card construction, card technologies, security technologies and environmental initiatives.
ICMA Standards and Technical Representative David Tushie of Magellen Consulting created the ACE-A review manual and the training seminar.
"While ACE-M focuses on the fundamentals of card manufacturing processes and technologies, ACE-A delves into the more technical aspects of advanced materials, smart card technologies and security," Tushie said. "Consequently, ACE-A is intended for more experienced card industry professionals."
"I think every ACE-M certified professional should consider ACE-A certification," Tushie said. "ACE-Ms have already demonstrated a desire to be recognized for their industry accomplishments. ACE-A is the next step on a continuing path of greater industry knowledge and depth. It is an advanced credential that shows commitment to the continuing education and mastery of developing technologies employed in the card manufacturing industry. It is evidence of a leading card manufacturing professional."
Overall, ACE increases customer confidence and business strength in an industry continuously evolving with new technologies, emerging products and explosive imagination.
As explained by Card Manufacturing Magazine Managing Editor Jennifer Kohlhepp, "You can build on the skills mastered and demonstrated in the ACE-M certification with ICMA's new ACE-A accreditation."
ICMA offers ACE training seminars at its various events, as well as on-site education for manufacturers who desire a more tailored approach for their employees.
"The class was awesome," said Barry Mosteller, of CPI Card Group, who took the ACE-A exam to verify his level of education, deepen his knowledge and pursue higher education. To those who may be hesitant to go through the ACE accreditation process, he added, "Take the class and you will learn a lot, have fun and lose most of the hesitation."
Testing is conducted at ICMA events, including the EXPO and CardTREX. There is an exam fee of $249 per person. Confirmed exam registrants will receive a comprehensive study guide and become eligible to sign up for an in-person training session. Applicants must have a minimum two years of experience working in the card industry to apply.
Upcoming ACE training, exam sessions
The next training and exam sessions will take place at CardTREX North America and CardTREX Europe.
ACE training will take place at CardTREX North America, which will include:
• ACE-M training on September 26 from noon to 6 p.m. The ACE-M exam will take place from 1-4 p.m. on September 28.
• ACE-P training on September 28 from noon to 6 p.m. The ACE-P exam will take place from 8-11 a.m. on September 29.
• ACE-A training on September 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ACE-A exam will take place from 8-11 a.m. on September 30.
ACE training will also take place at CardTREX Europe, which will include:
• ACE-M training will take place from 1-7 p.m. on 12 October.
• ACE-A training will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on 13 October.
• Both the ACE-M and ACE-A exams will start at 1 p.m. on 14 October.
ACE will also be offered at the Global Card Manufacturing and Personalization ICMA EXPO March 27-30 in Orlando, Florida.
The global card industry generated $26.5 billion in revenues last year, equating to the production of 35.1 billion cards worldwide.
About ICMA
Based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, ICMA is a non-profit association of card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and related industry participants. With 225 members globally, ICMA acts as a resource for industry issues, including the production, technology, application, security and environmental issues of cards.
For more information about ACE accreditation and registering for a training session or exam, visit www.icma.com.
To learn more about CardTREX and for registration details, visit: www.cardtrex.org.