What does the “CPO” designation after a professional organizer’s name mean?

CPO stands for certified professional organizer.

The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO) developed this certification as a voluntary, industry-led effort that benefits the members of the organizing profession, as well as the public. It recognizes professionals who have met specific minimum standards, and have proven through examination and client interaction that they possess the body of knowledge and experience required for certification. A person is not required to be certified to work as a professional organizer.

Minimum requirement to sit for the certification exam are:

1. Qualified candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. As a part of the application process, candidates must agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Certified Professional Organizers.
3. Candidates must be prepared to document a total of 1,500 hours of paid work experience in the last three (3) years. Paid work experience may include on-site organizing, coaching, consulting, training, virtual organizing, interactive workshops and speaking engagements, or any form of paid work experience which, through client interaction, transfers or teaches organizing skills.

Up to 250 substitute hours of the required 1,500 can be earned via college degrees, continuing education courses or professional development activities in the organizing field. Substitute hours may also be earned via organizing related writing and speaking engagements, or relevant paid work experience prior to becoming an organizer.  All hours must be accrued in the three years prior to the application date.

For more information, please visit their website at www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org/