Application Period Opens for AAPA Professional Development Programs

Are you interested in advancing your career and looking for an industry recognized certification or annual credential to pursue? Look no further than AAPA’s Port Professional Associate (PPA^®) and Port Professional Executive (PPX^®) Credential Programs and Port Professional Manager (PPM^®) Certification. The application portal is officially open and will remain open for application submissions through January 13, 2023. Submit your materials via the online application portals for the 2023 PPA Credential and Delta PPM Cohort. If you are interested in becoming a PPX, send an email to Shannon McLeod. For more information about AAPA’s professional development programs, reach out to Julie Barelas. AAPA recently expanded its professional development offerings with the addition of these two credential programs that will provide learning opportunities for individuals at different phases of their careers. The programs are counterparts to AAPA’s premier PPM certification program, which was established in 1995.

PPA provides graduates and young professionals with less than 5 years of experience with an annual credential to help them learn the fundamentals of the industry, enhance maritime knowledge and skills, receive mentorship from experienced port leaders all while building the potential for advancement/promotion.

The PPM program is a comprehensive port and supply chain education curriculum that has certified over 100 professionals. These graduates are now contributing their enhanced knowledge and leadership skills to port and transportation communities across the Americas. The program currently has more than 40 candidates actively working towards their PPM certifications. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements that include being a manager with more than five years of experience and a full-time professional in the port or supply chain industry.

PPX provides former PPMs or leaders with 10+ years of port management experience with a yearly credential to encourage them to become mentors or participate in teachable moments for the younger generation. PPX participants will gain their credential by earning 36 hours per year from transferring their knowledge.