About Certified Professionals

A high-quality certification validates an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in a defined profession. Certified individuals reduce risk and enhance consumer protection and public safety and welfare. In addition, these certifications allow employers and other stakeholders to identify individuals with the competencies needed to perform a role or task.

Individuals may benefit from:

  • Increased recognition by peers and respect of colleagues in the profession,
  • Improved opportunities for employability and advancement,
  • Greater confidence in their professional competence,
  • Increased professional trust from employers or the public,
  • Increased autonomy in the workplace, and
  • Better compensation and career longevity.

Employers may benefit from:

  • Qualified individuals for employment or advancement,
  • Recertification requirements for continued or enhanced competence,
  • Commitment to public safety and welfare and/or consumer protection,
  • Reduced risk of errors, accidents and/or legal liability,
  • Reduced employee turnover and increased job satisfaction, and
  • Justification for potential compensation differential.

Pathways to Certification

The Exam & Experience Option:

  • Demonstrate you meet established minimum requirements for education and experience
  • Pass a comprehensive remotely protored exam
  • Training courses would be available to assist with the initial certification but are not required
  • Base fee of $375 for TNI Members
  • Additional fees may apply (details to come)

The Digital Badge Option:

  • Demonstrate you have taken the prescribed training courses
  • Pass an online exam for each digital badge
  • Earn one or more digital badges for specific competencies, called specialties, without applying for a full credential
  • A required number of digital badges must be earned before applying to be a Certified Professional
  • Base fee of $95 per digital badge for TNI Members
  • Application fee of $125 (TNI Members) for the Certified Professional credential

Certified Professional Fundamentals