Getting Certified?!? Let's share...

[robertgarcia]

I am currently pursuing CIAC certification. If anyone else out there is doing the same, please contact me. I would like to share study guides and info on the process and experience.

[NAZ2002]

Hello, yes I am in the process of obtaining certification from CIAC as well. I am currently in the first Module-People Management. I am schedule to take the test at the end of June. What Module are you currently studing? Have you purchased any of the practice tests? I am looking foward to sharing ideas and comments with you on how to successfully obtain the certification.

Thanks!
Shannon Nazario
Operations Supervisor
Customer Service
Avon Products, Inc.
513-551-2558 Phone
513-551-2562 Fax
shannon.nazario@avon.com

[robertgarcia]

Hi, Shannon - thanks for your reply. So far, I have only taken one exam - the CRM module. In one week, June 8, I take my second exam - LBM (Leadership and Business Management). After that, I will take People Management and finally Operations Management. I have the two Study Guides for the CRM and LBM modules, but I do not have any practice tests. I thought the Study Guides would be more thorough - they're pretty huge. Let me know if you'd be interested in swapping? I found the study guides from ICMI to be very helpful, especially because they were involved in developing the CIAC curriculum (and the test I took was harder than I expected). Anyway, the $200 guide (per exam) really added on to the already expensive process but I still find them useful and hope to swap, share, etc. Let's try to stay in touch and see if we can't help each other, either by sharing materials or at least discussing the experience.

Cheers,
Robert

[NAZ2002]

Hello Robert-
Thanks for the reply. Wow, you are working from Module 4 to 1, I am working in reverse order. I am interested to hear how the tests were for Module 3 (CRM) and Module 4 (LBM). I heard those are the most difficult. You should be fine with Module 1 and 2, I heard these were much easier. Unfortunately, I cannot swap books because we swap with other departments with
the facility in Springdale, Ohio. However, I could e-mail you the
outline and highlights if you would like.

Let's keep in touch.

Take care,
Shannon

[robertgarcia]

Hi, Shannon!

Is Avon getting everyone certified? Wow, lucky you! Actually, yes, I am taking the modules in reverse order; I had to take the last 2 'first' to get the Beta rate at half price. The CRM test was fine, a little trickier than I expected but because my first two are still in Beta, they won't release scores until after they're in general release. I'm assuming you don't need my study guides if you're already swapping internally? I wouldn't mind those highlights/outline you mention - but only if you have it electronically - no need to write it all in email. If I don't find a swap by the time I get to those other 2 modules, I will definitely have to purchase the guides outright anyway. Question, how are the practice tests? I haven't tried them yet. How many did you get per module and how long is each one? How much did they cost? Well, wish me luck - I tackle the LBM this Saturday; it's not as interesting as the CRM - this one is very dry and vague - the CRM was fun and easy to study for, but the LBM ... my mind keeps wandering and I end up reading the same page 4 times without picking anything up...I have to cram the next two days in now!!! :-)

[NAZ2002]

Hi Robert-
Actually there are only 8 management personnel taking the tests in our location. However, there are others in 4 different locations throughout the US at Avon taking the tests as well. I actually have all of the study guides for the 4 Modules. I have not purchased a practice test yet. However, we are in the process of ordering them for the first module. I will be happy to discuss with you the format and the usefulness of the practice tests. I will let you know the cost and length of the tests as soon as I order them.

How did you prepare for the CRM and LBM tests? Good luck with the LBM test. Sounds like I will have to do a lot of reviewing for that one. It sounds very dry.

Thanks!
Shannon