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“Recognition of industry-specific knowledge and expertise is the goal for which we all strive. PCPI certification is the validation I hold over, above and beyond my industry peers. Co-workers, vendors, customers, competitors -- all look to me when they need answers because they consider me the expert. PCPI certification has fulfilled a key role in my career growth.”
Werner Hildebrand, Marketing, Literature Fulfillment Services, Inc.
Professional Print Production Certification:
Getting Started:
Self-Study Course
- Release date: available now!
- Course materials: Printed study guide, learning resources and pass/fail test
- Prerequisite: The Professional Print Production Certification is a prerequisite for the Advanced Print Production Certification. The Advanced program is coming soon.
- Certification good for five years
- Register for Professional Print Production Certification Course Here!
This is the most important and fundamental course in our certification series. If you only were to get one certification, this would be it. Designed for an individual who has worked in the print production or communications field for two or fewer years. This program is also highly recommended for seasoned print buyers seeking recognition of competency through completion of this core certification in print buying.
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.
Learning Outcomes:
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Participants will describe in writing how to conduct a press inspection
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Participants will explain in writing why one person might perceive color differently than another person
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Participants will describe in writing the key factors used to evaluate whether or not their company should buy paper direct
Table of Contents:
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
Upon Successful Completion of Certification:
- Upon receipt of a “pass” test result notification, you will also receive a certificate suitable for framing and display attesting that you have successfully fulfilled the requirements awarding you a Professional Print Production Certification from PCPI. A score of 80% or higher results in certification.
- In addition upon passing, we will send you our customizable letter and press release templates announcing that you have been awarded this certification. The personalized letter and press release to promote your certification may be shared with your employer, peers, business associates, clients, friends and family.
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