💪Strengthen Your Team. Grow Your Career. Discover the Qualified Association Specialist Certificate

Success in association management requires more than expertise in one department. It requires an understanding of how governance, membership, finance, events, communications, advocacy, technology and other functions work together to advance an organization’s mission.

The Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) certificate program helps association professionals build that broader perspective. This 13-module, on-demand program strengthens the knowledge, skills and abilities professionals need to contribute more confidently and effectively—while giving employers a practical way to develop talent, strengthen their organizations and support employee retention.

_{🎓 Invest in Your Professional Growth}

Whether you are new to association management or ready to expand beyond your current role, QAS can help you understand the bigger picture.

Experienced association professionals guide learners through essential topics, including:

• Association structures, governance and volunteer management
• Ethics, legal issues and risk management
• Financial management, audits and budgeting
• Administration and human resources
• Communications, marketing and social media
• Membership recruitment, engagement and retention
• Meetings, conferences and trade shows
• Non-dues revenue
• Advocacy and government relations
• Technology and data management

This cross-functional knowledge can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues, make better-informed decisions and recognize how your work contributes to the organization’s overall success. It can also help you prepare for expanded responsibilities, demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and build a stronger foundation for future career opportunities.

QAS is particularly valuable for new association professionals, employees seeking broader organizational knowledge, individuals preparing for leadership roles, aspiring CAEs, volunteer leaders and suppliers who want to better understand their association clients.

_{🤝 Develop—and Retain—Stronger Team Members}

For employers, QAS offers an affordable and consistent way to develop employees across roles and experience levels. The program can supplement onboarding, provide structured cross-training and help employees understand functions beyond their immediate responsibilities.

That broader understanding benefits the entire organization. Team members are better equipped to collaborate across departments, connect daily responsibilities to strategic priorities and step in when colleagues need support. A shared foundation in association management can also reduce organizational silos, strengthen succession planning and create a common language across the team.

Professional development is also an investment in retention. Providing employees with meaningful opportunities to learn and advance demonstrates that their growth matters. It helps team members envision a future with the organization while building the capabilities the association will need for its own future.

Employers can use QAS to:

• Strengthen onboarding for new employees
• Develop emerging professionals and future leaders
• Cross-train staff members across functional areas
• Prepare employees for expanded responsibilities
• Support succession and workforce planning
• Recognize and reward high-potential team members
• Demonstrate a tangible commitment to employee growth

_{💻 Learn on Your Schedule}

QAS is fully online and available on demand, making it easier to fit professional development around work and personal responsibilities. Participants have six months from the date of purchase to complete the program at their own pace.

Module assessments reinforce important concepts and confirm understanding. Participants must earn a score of at least 80% on each assessment to receive the QAS certificate and a digital badge that can be shared on professional profiles. The certificate does not expire, and no renewal education is required.

Completion of the program also provides 13 hours of CAE-approved continuing education credit that may be applied toward earning or renewing the Certified Association Executive credential.

_{📣 MSAE Members Receive Special Partner Pricing}

MSAE is pleased to partner with the Florida Society of Association Executives to make QAS available to Michigan’s association community at a special rate. MSAE members can enroll for $295—a savings of $100 off the $395 nonmember price - by using this special code🔗! (Must be logged in to view code.)Organizations interested in developing several employees can contact FSAE directly to Buy 3-Get 1 Free or inquire about other bulk buy options!

Whether you are ready to broaden your own capabilities or looking for a practical way to invest in your team, QAS can help build stronger professionals—and stronger associations.