Designed with busy professionals in mind, our programs include printed materials and self-study resources to best prepare for one or more of the offered pass/fail certification tests.

Benefits

• Study at your own pace
• Develop custom, individualized study plans
• Access learning materials at your convenience
• Minimize travel and lodging expenses
• Reduce time out of the office

  Professional Print Production Certification Overview

This certification is aimed primarily at novice to mid-level print buyers, although seasoned buyers will also greatly benefit from the education, as most print buyers have never received formal training.* PCPI has developed this highly focused certification to help you make the best, most cost-effective decisions when buying printing services. You'll learn how to match your print buying needs with the right solution provider to ensure that the finished product meets all your expectations. We'll show you how to plan and communicate effectively with your printer to avoid rework, missed deadlines, unexpected costs and disappointing results, and how to achieve high-quality results the first time around. We’ll also teach you the fundamentals of print technology, but in a way that’s meaningful and effective for print buyers and marketing communications professionals.

* The Professional Print Production Certification is a prerequisite for the Advanced Print Production Certification. The Advanced program is coming soon. 

Just a sample of what you’ll learn: 

 

The Business of Effectively Buying Printing

·                  Qualifications/Functions of the Print Buyer

·                  Evaluating a Supplier’s Capabilities

·                  Interviewing Print & Graphic Suppliers

·                  What to Look For In a Plant Tour

·                  Communicating Specifications & Expectations to Your Printer

·                  Bidding Print Projects

·                  Creating Request for Information and Request for Proposals

·                  How Printers Estimate Your Jobs

·                  Pricing Tips

·                  Calculating Production Quantities

·                  Communication Tools

·                  Getting an Accurate Invoice

·                  Managing Your Suppliers

·                  Developing Print Standards

·                  Post Production Reviews

·                  Business Review Meetings

·                  Partnering with Your Printer

·                  Negotiating with Your Printer

·                  Getting the Most From Your Printers

·                  Accepting Gifts from Suppliers

·                  Opportunities for Cost Savings

·                  How to Evaluate Design & Creative Work

·                  Advancing Your Career

 

Everything You Need to Know About Print Technologies to Buy Printing Effectively

 

Color & Ink Technology

·                  Color Overview

·                  RGB vs. CMYK

·                  How to Communicate Color

·                  Color Q&As & Tips

·                  Ink Overview

·                  Ink Options

·                  Ink Resources

·                  Ink Q&As & Tips

·                  Coating Options

 

Paper Technology

·                  Main Considerations

·                  Paper Classifications

·                  Paper Properties

·                  Paper Types

·                  Why Paper Grain is Important

·                  Selecting Paper: Environmentally Sound Choices

·                  Should You Buy Paper Direct?

·                  Paper Q&As & Tips

 

Prepress

·                  Rasters, Vectors, and RIPs

·                  PDF

·                  JDF

·                  Computer-to-Plate Technology

 

Press

·                  Major Printing Methods

·                  Printing Terminology

·                  Sheetfed vs. Web Printing

·                  Press Tips

·                  Keeping Up with Technology

·                  Printing Problems to Avoid

 

Postpress

·                  Folding Options

·                  Binding Options

·                  Special Printing & Finishing Processes

 

Proofing

·                  Function of Proofs

·                  Printing Proofs

·                  Selecting the Right Proof

·                  Proofing Checklist

·                  How to Do a Press Inspection

·                  Proofing Q&As and Tips

 

 

Course Fees: 

$325 for PCPI members

$550 for non-members

For complete details:  How to Buy Digital and Variable Data Printing Overview

What You'll Learn

• Become knowledgeable about the basic technologies of digital and variable data printing.
• Learn how to buy these services more effectively.
• Learn best practices for creating and designing effective campaigns.
• Discover how to best collaborate with your service providers on these special projects.
• Drive digital and VDP campaigns that are profitable for both your company and your suppliers.

Benefits of Certification

• Learn the real differences between buying digital and buying offset.
• Learn how to avoid common mistakes when producing digital and variable data projects.
• Discover how to find the right digital printer.
• Receive checklist for equipment and services.
• Understand how to set quality and service expectations.
• Learn how to effectively manage data.
• Uncover hybrid solutions.
• Learn to prepare files for digital and multi-channel.
• Receive helpful resources such as lists of terminology and additional resource materials.

Coming Soon!  PCPI is pleased to announce that we are currently developing content for the following upcoming certification programs:

• Advanced Professional Print Production Certification
  Designed for an individual who has worked in the print production or communications field for two years or more. Print Production certification is a pre-requisite to Advanced level certification. The Advanced program is scheduled for release in mid-2008. 
• Specialized Certifications
  • Paper
  • Color Management