Certifications - FAQs
Q: Do I have to get certified, or can I just take the course?
A: Certification is an option on the academy not a requirement of the programs. Lingerie owners may use the materials to train any number of staff throughout the subscription year. This means regardless of staff turnover, you can train new employees on your schedule without paying more for the training.
The Certification process is designed to confirm and independently evaluate a fitter’s knowledge and application of learning. Having your staff complete the requirements to earn their certifications as Professional Bra Fitters can be used to distinguish your boutique and it’s fitting services from other stores and vendors.
Q: How many individual certifications come with my subscription?
A: Each Tier in each program come with 3 individual certification/year each.
For example:
The Tier 1 program comes with 3 individual certifications/year.
In comparison, the Tier 4 program has Tier 1 comes with 3 certifications/year, Tier 2 comes with 3 certifications/year & Tier 3 comes with 3 certifications/year.
There are prerequisites requirements for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Certifications.
Q: If I’m an experienced fitter can I start with Tier 3 Certification?
A: The Tiers have been designed to build a fitter’s technical knowledge and fitting experience step by step, hence the name Tiers. Certifications must be earned in order, Tier 1 Certificate is the prerequisite to earn a Tier 2 Certificate. Tier 2 Certificate is the prerequisite to earn the Tier 3 Certificate.
The only Tier that technically doesn’t have a pre-requisite is Tier 4 however we always recommend that owners, managers and inventory buyers take the courses to better understand and communicate with frontline fitters.
Q: If I have a staff member who is in the middle of completing their certification and my annual subscription is expiring can they complete their certification?
A: All certifications must be completed prior to the end of the subscription year, or the subscription must be renewed for a student to continue to complete their certification. Once a subscription has expired and not renewed, students “in progress” will not be able to complete their certification.
Q: Do certifications have an expiry date?
A: Certification certificates have a date of issue however there is no expiry date. However, we always encourage participants to re-affirm their knowledge by visiting the academy courses to “sharpen the saw.”
Q: Why can’t I just buy 1 course or one certification?
A: The primary goal of the Academy is develop professional bra & lingerie fitters; this is accomplished through continuous learning and growth by people who are passionate about their career choice. The programs are designed to encourage fitters to learn, practice and apply their learning and then come back to the courses to dig deeper and learn more.
Q: Why doesn’t Tier 4 have a certification program like the other Tiers?
A: Tier 4 has been designed as the place lingerie shop owners, managers and buyer can use the videos to further their knowledge, receive coaching and collaborate with other lingerie shop principals.
Tier 4 has been designed to be more fluid in its offerings and how it will evolve. Lingerie shop principals who are working in Tier 4 are there to learn, grow and develop as businesspeople, not necessarily to receive a certificate.
If you haven't found the information you were seeking, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@esteemlingeriegroup.ca We're here to assist you!"
