Is There a Benefit to Hiring an ASPA Certified Screen Printer (CSP) in your Screen Printing Shop?

Imagine this scenario, you are a musician who needs some parts for your musical instrument. You walk into a local music store. You ask the employee working there if they have the parts you need. The employee gives you a blank stare and has no idea what you are talking about.

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You walk out in disgust and decide to try another nearby music store. There you are greeted by an employee who knows exactly what you are looking for and gives you the help you need. The simple question is would you rather deal with a knowledgeable employee who knows what you are talking about or someone who is completely clueless?

This worker knowledge analogy is the same with screen printing. A person who has some knowledge of proper screen printing practices and procedures would be a much better choice as an employee than someone who knows nothing. Sure, you will have to train the employee on how you do things in your shop, but the fundamentals are already there. Even if you hire the person to do one specific job in your shop, such as cleaning up and reclaiming screens, having someone who can assist in another area when you are short-handed or have a large order that needs to get done is a definite benefit.

To become an ASPA Certified Screen Printer (CSP), a person must pass an exam that shows competency in the craft of screen printing. ASPA certification covers basic screen printing practices and procedures that every screen printer should know. Passing the American Screen Printing Association certification exam requires a thorough knowledge of screen printing techniques, procedures, and the important aspects of the screen printing process.

So, the short answer to the question is yes. There is a benefit to hiring an ASPA Certified Screen Printer in your shop. But besides hiring a Certified Screen Printer, there are several other benefits to having employees in your shop certified. Here are just a few advantages...

• It shows your expertise… Customers like to do business with people that they believe are competent. This is a great confidence booster to your customers.
• Certification proves your knowledge... Employees have knowledge in all areas of screen printing. Cross training and filling in when there is a need in your shop is made easier.
• Professional recognition… ASPA certification recognizes and raises the professional status of screen printers by providing a standard of professional competence. Being recognized that you are a professional at your occupation is a source of pride and personal accomplishment. Happy employees are better employees.

American Screen Printing Association (ASPA) is the only certification program in the industry for verifying screen printers' knowledge of standards, practices, and procedures. With qualified screen printers in demand, becoming ASPA Certified is a wise choice for you and your employees. 

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