INTRODUCTION
The goal of the IMPLAN Certified Economist Program (ICEP) is to train individual customers in Input-Output theory and analysis specifically tailored to IMPLAN Cloud. The purpose of the program is to elevate the quality and credibility of studies done using IMPLAN by certifying individuals who demonstrate a wide and deep understanding of I-O analysis and IMPLAN, who strive to be unbiased in their modeling and reporting, and who have shown a willingness to properly document the methods and data.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The IMPLAN Certified Economist Program offers numerous benefits to participants:
- The certification and badge can be added to CVs, resumes, and online platforms like LinkedIn.
- Members will also be listed on the IMPLAN website with links to their individual or company websites. Businesses and organizations that reach out to IMPLAN to request an analysis will be directed to this list of certified IMPLAN analysts, thereby increasing certified economist members’ exposure to potential clients.
- IMPLAN Certified Economist studies will carry more weight and may receive more exposure.
- Participation in the program helps promote best practices and increases the quality of IMPLAN studies in circulation, thereby increasing the credibility of I-O analysis.
- Members are invited to biannual ICEP roundtable meetings with IMPLAN economists to discuss software updates, relevant studies, ask questions of IMPLAN staff, and share their work.
- Members are invited to present their work at the annual IMPLAN conference.
REQUIREMENTS
There are five requirements to obtain initial IMPLAN Certified Economist status. The first three steps do not need to be completed in a specific order.
1. HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO IMPLAN
An active subscription is required to apply for the certification. IMPLAN Certified Economists not only have experience utilizing the platform, they continue to stay engaged and leverage the latest features in their analyses. The subscription to the current IMPLAN Cloud-based platform will also be needed to complete the certification exam.
2. ATTEND A TRAINING
Attending a complete IMPLAN cloud-based training workshop in the past three years via a virtual or live class, or by watching the Training on Demand videos. The Introduction to IMPLAN workshop is an interactive training course designed for new IMPLAN users or for those in need of an introduction to the fundamentals of economic impact analysis. Learn more about the IMPLAN Training Workshop and sign up for a virtual or live training.
3. PUBLISH A REPORT
The final requirement needed prior to applying is to publish at least one public report or journal article as a contributing author in the last two years using the IMPLAN cloud-based application and data. The applicant’s name is not required to be listed on the report. If the report is not public, applicants can provide under NDA an analysis to IMPLAN for confidential review.
4. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
After completing the first three requirements in no particular order, prospective IMPLAN Certified Economists must submit a brief application to IMPLAN and pay a fee of $500. The application asks applicants about their experience using IMPLAN and their recent research.
5. PASS THE EXAM
The final requirement is to take an exam measuring the applicant’s knowledge of I-O economics and IMPLAN analysis, with a passing score of 80% or greater. The exam consists of 17 true/false and multiple-choice questions and three questions that require running an analysis. Applicants designate when they would like to start the exam, after which they have one week to complete. This must be completed within 90 days of payment. Applicants that do not achieve a passing score on the exam must achieve a passing score on a make-up exam within the 90 days.
EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL
The initial IMPLAN Certified Economist status lasts for two years. To renew the certification, members must pass a renewal exam and pay a fee of $100. To prepare for the renewal exam, members should stay up to date on the latest features and best practices by reviewing materials found on the Support Site, attending webinars, and joining the members-only calls. Each passing renewal certification lasts two years and carries the same benefits. To start the renewal process, email support@implan.com.
DISCLAIMER
While certification can promote and maintain professional standards and can serve as an effective quality improvement mechanism, it cannot guarantee an analyst’s competency in every possible type of study or the quality of a specific study. IMPLAN reserves the right to revoke certification at any time for any reason. The IMPLAN Certified Economist Program certifies individuals, not organizations or specific papers/reports, however organizations that have certified employees can market as such. The IMPLAN Certified Economist Program is only available to users of the current IMPLAN Cloud-based platform. IMPLAN receives no compensation for any studies performed by the analyst.
Complete the IMPLAN Certified Economist application and learn more about the members of the program.
Written 07/31/2024