Program announced at Epicomm Annual Conference in Savannah, Ga. 

Alexandria, Va. - In their first joint collaboration, industry associations Idealliance and Epicomm are introducing a Mail Professional Training Program (MailPro^™), a professional training certification program designed to equip those involved in the extended printing and mailing supply chain with the building blocks to prepare and process mail through the U.S. Postal Service network. The previously announced merger of the associations will be completed on July 1.

Developed by the leading certifier of skills in the graphics communications supply chain, MailPro comprises two distinct courses offering comprehensive training on both the fundamentals and advanced principles of mail preparation and distribution. Courses have been designed for all partners in the mail supply chain—production, customer service representatives, sales and marketing, design, information technology, and business managers. Training materials were reviewed by U.S. Postal Service staff for conformance to USPS regulations, policies, and practices.

The two-course program comprises 23 lessons—11+ hours of interactive video tutorials, study questions, and certification exams—as well as access to a team of expert instructors with more than 400 years of combined experience in developing real-life mailing solutions and working effectively with the USPS. Students enrolling by August 31, 2016, will enjoy an introductory offer of an approximate 30% discount on enrollment fees. 

“This exciting new program is the result of the dedicated work of the mail practitioners from Idealliance Working Groups and members of Epicomm. Experts from all facets of mail have crystalized their knowledge and experience into an 11-hour training series,” says Thomas Glassman, Director of Data Services and Postal Affairs, Wilen Direct, and Chair of the Idealliance Postal Education Working Group. The program was launched today at the Epicomm Annual Conference in Savannah, Ga.

“These courses will provide an unparalleled educational opportunity for those working in the complex and evolving mailing services area that is so vital to our industry,” comments Ken Garner, Epicomm President and Chief Executive Officer. “There has never been a more critical time to have our best and brightest share their wealth of knowledge with new employees and those seeking industry advancement.”

The first course, MailPro Fundamentals Certification, covers primary principles of mail supply, including best practices in mail classification, how the USPS processes mail and how its system works, addressing standards, barcodes, introduction to Mail.dat^® and Mail.XML^™ specifications, automation and non-automation mailings,  postage payment options, USPS reply and return services, and USPS special services and support mechanisms and tools.

The second course, MailPro Advanced Certification, covers more sophisticated areas of mail supply, including advanced addressing concepts and key best practices, USPS network operations, best practices of identifications (MIDS, CRIDS, and STIDS), software systems supporting mail design and processing, how to take advantage of USPS promotions, Full-Service Mail and verification, Mailers Scorecard, understanding Mail.dat files, Caps Accounts and Mail Anywhere programs, and mailing best practices and assessments.

Upon successful completion of the MailPro course exams, a participant will be recognized as a Certified MailPro, a designation that serves as a symbol of a higher level of knowledge and qualification among their peers. Certified MailPros receive a certificate of completion, program logos for use on company promotions, and listing in Idealliance’s Official Directory of Certified Experts. MailPro course enrollees also become a part of the MailPro Network with continuous learning on evolving mail preparation rules and processes through informative webinars led by course instructors and mailing experts who will address real-life questions and applications, and offer updates on new technologies and mailing best practices.

MailPro features 24/7 access for self-paced study, tablet support for mobile learning, in-lesson questions and answers to help prepare for exams, easy navigation backward and forward, lesson bookmarks that remember where you left off, and tables of contents for easy topic search. It is also eligible for Continuing Education Unit credits (CEUs). Each MailPro certification is valid for two years; to maintain certification, students must successfully complete recertification training every two years.  The training certification will be periodically updated and expanded as new mail preparation rules and technologies are changed.

The MailPro Fundamentals Course is $165 for a single member enrollment, $215 for a non-member. Those registering before Sept. 1, 2016, will enjoy an approximate 30% discount ($125 for members, $165 for non-members). Registration for both MailPro Fundamentals & Advanced (a two-course bundle) is $225 for members; $295, non-members. Prior to Sept. 1, single enrollment for both courses is $175, members; $225, non-members.  Multiple enrollment discounts are available. Go to http://www.idealliance.org/MailPro for more information and a program brochure.

MailPro joins a long list of Idealliance’s industry-leading programs that are certifying excellence in graphic communications’ people, process and systems. For information on Idealliance Certification Programs, go towww.idealliance.org/certifications or contact Idealliance’s Steve Bonoff at (952) 896-1908 ([email protected]).