What is a Certified Organizer?
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The Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) credential is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify industry professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to professional organizing and productivity consulting. CPOs have proven industry proficiency by documenting a specific number of paid transfer-of-skill client contact hours, passing the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO®) examination, and agreeing to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Certified Professional Organizers. BCPO follows accreditation guidelines set forth by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
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Eligibility
To become eligible, candidates must complete 1,500 hours of paid client work during three years prior to applying for the certification exam. These work hours may include, but are not limited to: on-site organizing, coaching, consulting, training, virtual organizing, interactive workshops, and speaking engagements, which, through client collaboration, transfers, teaches, or demonstrates organizing skills. Up to 250 substitute hours of the required 1,500 hours can be earned through various other accomplishments as outlined in the eligibility requirements.
Re-certification is required every three years.
To become eligible, candidates must complete 1,500 hours of paid client work during three years prior to applying for the certification exam. These work hours may include, but are not limited to: on-site organizing, coaching, consulting, training, virtual organizing, interactive workshops, and speaking engagements, which, through client collaboration, transfers, teaches, or demonstrates organizing skills. Up to 250 substitute hours of the required 1,500 hours can be earned through various other accomplishments as outlined in the eligibility requirements.
Re-certification is required every three years.
How to Hire a Professional Organizer
If attempts to get organized on your own have not led to the desired results, it's time to consider working with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant. Finding and hiring an Organizing or Productivity Professional is no different than choosing an accountant, personal trainer, doctor, or other service provider. You will want to work with someone who takes the time to get to know you, understands your needs, and has the expertise to advise you and help you achieve your goals.
What services do you need?
Before starting your search, you need to determine what type of services you need. Organizing and productivity professionals offer a wide range of services, so being specific as to what you would like to accomplish to become better organized and productive will help in find the best service provider to help you. We offer a variety of services including:
Questions you should ask...
Copied below are a list of questions you should ask when interviewing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant. O
What services do you need?
Before starting your search, you need to determine what type of services you need. Organizing and productivity professionals offer a wide range of services, so being specific as to what you would like to accomplish to become better organized and productive will help in find the best service provider to help you. We offer a variety of services including:
- Creating custom closet systems
- Preparing for moves
- Organizing and documenting collections and memorabilia
- Helping with home or professional office organization and productivity
- Supporting their clients in technology management
- Some members can clients with chronic disorganization, which can results from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Questions you should ask...
Copied below are a list of questions you should ask when interviewing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant. O
- What kinds of organizing projects do you do?
- Who is your typical/usual client?
- What services do you specialize in?
- Do you have any training or hold any certifications in organizing or related areas (chronic disorganization, coaching, feng shui, interior design, etc.)?
- Can you describe your organizing process/approach (consulting, coaching, hands-on, team organizing, seminars/workshops, etc.) and describe a typical working session?
- How long have you been in the organizing business?
- Will I work directly with you, or will you assign an employee and/or subcontractor?
- What is your fee structure?
- Do you work with a written contract?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Can you provide references?
- I have tried to get organized before. How will this be different?
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What should you expect to pay?
As with most professions, fees vary widely based on experience, geographic location, and the type of services requested. Many Organizing and Productivity Professionals charge by the hour, while others offer packages or charge by the project. Establish a budget for your project based on your conversations, and decide what feels most comfortable to you.
How do you decide which Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is right for you? Your relationship with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant will be a personal one. An experienced professional will ask a lot of questions about you, what you are looking for, and the issues you believe have thwarted your attempts to get organized in the past. They want to understand your objectives and determine whether they will be a good fit for you. It is in your best interest to be as candid and clear as possible about your needs and what you want to achieve.
Avoid choosing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant strictly by price. Instead, focus on finding someone with the personality and skill set that match your needs. That person is most likely to deliver the greatest value by achieving the results you desire in the shortest amount of time.
Keep in mind that your choice of a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is not irreversible. If you begin working with someone and decide along the way that you are not comfortable with his or her particular style, be sure to let the person know how you feel. You are rarely under obligation to continue the relationship. More than likely, he or she will be happy to recommend a colleague.
Ultimately, the "right choice" for you will be the person who has the expertise, skill set, and personality that best suit you and your goals.
As with most professions, fees vary widely based on experience, geographic location, and the type of services requested. Many Organizing and Productivity Professionals charge by the hour, while others offer packages or charge by the project. Establish a budget for your project based on your conversations, and decide what feels most comfortable to you.
How do you decide which Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is right for you? Your relationship with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant will be a personal one. An experienced professional will ask a lot of questions about you, what you are looking for, and the issues you believe have thwarted your attempts to get organized in the past. They want to understand your objectives and determine whether they will be a good fit for you. It is in your best interest to be as candid and clear as possible about your needs and what you want to achieve.
Avoid choosing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant strictly by price. Instead, focus on finding someone with the personality and skill set that match your needs. That person is most likely to deliver the greatest value by achieving the results you desire in the shortest amount of time.
Keep in mind that your choice of a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is not irreversible. If you begin working with someone and decide along the way that you are not comfortable with his or her particular style, be sure to let the person know how you feel. You are rarely under obligation to continue the relationship. More than likely, he or she will be happy to recommend a colleague.
Ultimately, the "right choice" for you will be the person who has the expertise, skill set, and personality that best suit you and your goals.
