This article reports the results of the investigation into institutional support provided to adults by 12 novice consultants on assessment and recognition of their non-formal and informal learning in four institutions of higher education (HEIs) in Lithuania. Using the general systems perspective and perception theory, novice consultants'…

Prevailing narrative in the afterschool literature is premised on the idea that becoming a profession is required to build and sustain the field. Little reflects the concerns of practitioners that current strategies to professionalize do not reflect the complex and diverse nature of the work. This article uses critical theory to explore the…

Credentialing for psychology in North America will constitute an increasingly important concern in the development of the mental health professions, regardless of specific discipline. This article highlights some major milestones in credentialing in psychology in North America and some of the credentialing issues that health care professionals may…

The author argues that it is time for the traditional role of staff developer to be strengthened through an enhanced form of personal professional development, professionalization, and promotion of a new professional image. He presents a model program featuring accreditation as opposed to certification. (Author/CH)

This paper defines professional certification as a voluntary process regulated by a profession to measure competencies possessed by its practitioners. A hierarchy of motives for certification is illustrated, and its importance for the fields of adult education and human resource development (HRD) is emphasized. The evolution of the concept of…

Defines and discusses professionalism, and discusses the certification, credentialing, and preparation of early childhood teachers in light of recent research on these topics and the educational reform movement. Argues that the integration of new knowledge emerging from studies of educational practice and child development can help raise levels of…