Forms Talk

CFSP Study Group Starts Soon

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
CFSP Coordinator

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) study group will start on Wednesday, August 5. Join the study group as we learn about forms in general and prepare for the CFSP exam.

Study groups always have members from different industry groups and with varying experience levels. Each participant brings unique perspective on the industry and makes the experience more valuable for everyone.

The 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge used to develop the exam. The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis
• Design and Development
• Technology Principles
• Forms Management

The study group's studyhub provides recorded lectures and suggested readings, practice quizzes and the support of the other members of the group and experts in the field. This group facilitates the resources, access to experts and information. As in all cases of learning, it is up to you how much time, effort and resources you put into it. The study group is all about individual preparation and individual achievement.

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

Check out http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php for additional information. The application form is available. Registration fees are only $179 for BFMA members and $249 for non-members. The study group begins on Wednesday, August 5 and ends on November 4. Each session is 90 minutes and is scheduled from 11:30 - 1:00 Central Time. The fall CFSP exam period is November 28 through December 12.

For additional information, contact me.

CFSP Study Group Forming Again

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
CFSP Coordinator

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) study group will start on Wednesday, August 5. Join the study group as we learn about forms in general and prepare for the CFSP exam.

Study groups always have members from different industry groups and with varying experience levels. Each participant brings a unique perspective on the industry and makes the experience more valuable for everyone.

The 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge used to develop the exam. The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis
• Design and Development
• Technology Principles
• Forms Management

The study group's studyhub provides recorded lectures and suggested readings, practice quizzes and the support of the other members of the group and experts in the field. This group facilitates the resources, access to experts and information. As in all cases of learning, it is up to you how much time, effort and resources you put into it. The study group is all about individual preparation and individual achievement.

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

Check out http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php for additional information. The application form will be available soon. Registration fees are only $179 for BFMA members and $249 for non-members. The study group begins on Wednesday, August 5 and ends on November 4. Each session is 90 minutes and is scheduled from 11:30 - 1:00 Central Time. The fall CFSP exam period is November 28 through December 12.

For additional information, contact me.

CFSP Application Deadline Nears

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
VP, Programs

April 15, 2009 is the last date to register for the spring 2009 session of for the Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) examination. To sit for the exam, it is recommended that you have at least five years of experience in form systems or related experience.  The exam includes 250 questions and you have four hours to complete the exam.

Click here and here for more information about the exam.

BFMA Welcomes Two New CFSPs

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
VP, Programs

As of December 2008, two BFMA members can now proudly add the CFSP designation behind their names. The newest Certified Form Systems Professionals (CFSP) are Gwendolyn Chaffin, CFSP, and Oliver Wischmeyer, CFSP Both were members of the Fall 2008 CFSP Study Group, sponsored by BFMA. Confirmation of the certification was made by the Professional Testing Corporation, the organization that administers the CFSP examination for BFMA.

Gwen Chaffin, CFSP, is a forms specialist for SunTrust Bank in Atlanta. She has 20+ years of professional experience as a forms analyst/designer and forms procurement officer. Currently, she works in the Supply Chain Fulfillment department as part of a four-member team that manages the company’s database of approximately 4,300 forms and envelopes. In addition, Gwen freelances forms and graphic designs and copywriting. Gwen has received training from many sources, including the annual BFMA Symposium, form analysis and design courses from Essociates Group, Inc., and Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) courses from the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM)—now known as the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). She has a BS degree from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Gwen has a great attitude about education and CFSP. She says, “Achieving CFSP certification will take me to the next level in a profession I love and enjoy because it’s not work; it’s creative fun!”

Oliver Wischmeyer, CFSP, is director of eForms for MetLife in Somerset, New Jersey. He has worked for MetLife for 29 years, 19 in sales and sales management, and the last 10 years in forms management. From working in the business side, he has a good understanding of the business relationship with forms and how essential they are to a smooth running operation. Oliver oversees a unit of 6 people who design MetLife’s forms, administer the forms repository and the eForms website. MetLife has over 11,000 forms online and last year served 2.9 million downloads of forms from eForms and other MetLife websites and portals. In the last two years they have begun deploying intelligent forms. Through CFSP, Oliver says, “I am looking to expand my horizons and understand forms best practices across a variety of industries and government to help drive MetLife to best-in-class intelligent forms, forms management and design

Many thanks to the “live” moderators of the Fall 2008 study group. They are:
   Pamm Colbert, CFSP
   Leslie Peterson, CFSP
   Kevin Shaw, CFSP
   Lori Linde, CFSP
   Franci Norris
   Teri Watanabe, CFSP
   Carl Brannon, CFSP, CFC
   Heather Smuin, CFSP

Thanks also to the following individuals who recorded lectures that are used by the study group.
   Ben B. Graham
   Ray Killam, CFSP, CFC
   Cheri Cason, CFSP, CFC
   Scott Beckman
   Mike Stuhley
   Paul Showalter
   Allan Howick

A new study group for CFSP began on February 5. It isn’t too late to join. Click here for more information.

It's Not Too Late for CFSP: Registration Still Open for Study Group

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
VP, Programs

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) study group began on February 5. It is not too late to join us as we learn about forms in general and prepare for the CFSP exam.

The 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge used to develop the exam. The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis

• Design and Development

• Technology Principles

• Forms Management

The study group's studyhub provides recorded lectures and suggested readings, practice quizzes and the support of the other members of the group and experts in the field. This group facilitates the resources, access to experts and information. As in all cases of learning, it is up to you how much time, effort and resources you put into it.

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

Four of the newest CFSPs will join us to share their knowledge and strategies for becoming certified. Each person has her or his own study method, test taking routine, etc. and you can learn from their experiences.

Check out http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php for additional information and the application. Registration fees are only $179 for BFMA members and $249 for non-members. The study group began on February 5 and ends May 21. Each session is 75 minutes and is scheduled from 10:00 - 11:15 Pacific Time. (Note: this is a time change from what is shown on the CFSP web pages.) The next CFSP exam period is May 30 - June 13.

For additional information, contact me.

CFSP Study Group Begins in February

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
VP, Programs

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) study group will start on Thursday, February 5. Join the study group as we learn about forms in general and prepare for the CFSP exam.

Study groups always have members from different industry groups and with varying experience levels. This wide variety of participants each brings their own perspective on the industry and make the experience more valuable for everyone.

The 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge used to develop the exam. The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis
• Design and Development
• Technology Principles
• Forms Management

The study group's studyhub provides recorded lectures and suggested readings, practice quizzes and the support of the other members of the group and experts in the field. This group facilitates the resources, access to experts and information. As in all cases of learning, it is up to you how much time, effort and resources you put into it.

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

Check out http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php for additional information and the application. Registration fees are only $179 for BFMA members and $249 for non-members. The study group runs from February 5 to May 21, with time off during Symposium. Each session is 90 minutes and is scheduled from 9:30 - 11:00 Pacific Time. The next CFSP exam period is May 30 through June 13.

For additional information, contact me.

CFSP Study Group Begins - It's Not Too Late

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
VP, Programs

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) study group began on July 31 with four members.  It is not too late to join us as we learn about forms in general and prepare for the CFSP exam.

The study group members already participating represent banking, insurance, vertically integrated wood products and graphic arts/printing.  This wide variety of participants will each bring their own perspective on the industry and make the experience more valuable for everyone.

The 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge used to develop the exam.  The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis
• Design and Development
• Technology Principles
• Forms Management

The study group's studyhub provides recorded lectures and suggested readings, practice quizzes and the support of the other members of the group and experts in the field.  This group facilitates the resources, access to experts and information.  As in all cases of learning, it is up to you how much time, effort and resources you put into it.

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

Check out http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php for additional information and the application.   Registration fees are only $179 for BFMA members and $249 for non-members.   The study group began on July 31 and ends on October 23.  Each session is 90 minutes and is scheduled from 9:30 - 11:00 Pacific Time.  The next CFSP exam period is November 1 - 15.

For additional information, contact me.

CFSP Study Group Begins

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
VP, Programs

Mark you scheduler now! The next Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) study group will begin July 31.  Participating in the study group is a great way to learn about forms in general as well as prepare for the exam.

This 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge used to develop the exam. Because of the nature of the work done by forms professionals, the scope of CFSP knowledge is very broad. The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis
• Design and Development
• Technology Principles
• Forms Management

The study group participants are expected to read, research, discuss, write study questions, take study quizzes, share knowledge, contribute to the body of knowledge reference document and ask lots of questions.  This is  not a college curriculum; it is a study group.  What you will learn you must learn on your own.  To help you, there are organized and structured study sessions, a study hub with recorded lectures and suggested readings, practice quizzes and the support of the other members of the group and experts in the field.

Teri Watanabe, CFSP, became accredited in 2007 and says, "If anyone thinks that studying for certification is difficult, time-consuming, and draining…well, you’re right. It is. But the hard work does pay off — financially, professionally, and in the recognition both inside and outside our industry — and there are plenty of forms people here to help."

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

Check out http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php for additional information and the application.  This portion of the BFMA website is currently being updated for the 2008 information, so please bear with us.  Registration fees are $179 for BFMA members and $249 for non-members.   The study group begins on July 31 and ends on October 23.  Each session is 90 minutes and is scheduled from 9:30 - 11:00 Pacific time.  The next CFSP exam period is November 1 - 15.

For additional information, contact me.

CFSP Exam Scheduled

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
Program Council, Director of Education

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) examination is scheduled twice a year, and the next exam period is May 3 - 17.  This means that you can attend the Symposium in Las Vegas and take the exam while you are there!  What a concept!  Imagine, filling your head with the latest knowledge and then taking the exam.  Taking the exam in Las Vegas is the same cost as taking it at home.

The exam period after that will be November 1 - 15.  The next CFSP study group will begin July 31 in preparation for the exam.  This 13-week study group covers all facets of the body of knowledge that is used to develop the exam.    

Reference books sold in the BFMA online bookstore will be available for review at the Symposium registration desk.  This is a great opportunity to beef up your professional library in preparation for the exam.

For additional information, contact me. 

People and Processes Behind the CFSP Program

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
Program Council, Director of Education

The Certified Form Systems Professional (CFSP) certification program is sponsored by BFMA International through the Form Systems Certification Board (FSCB).  The FSCB is charged with maintaining the integrity of the CFSP certification program.

To meet this challenge, the FSCB screens CFSP exam content, sets exam pass and fail standards, establishes recertification criteria, and approves CFSP candidates for recertification. The objectives of the FSCB are to govern, define criteria, set and maintain standards, advertise, promote, and administer the CFSP program.

The FSCB members include:

Joyce Endres, CFSP, FSCB Chair

Bill Hill, CFSP, CFC

Tami Bevan, CFSP, CFC

Lea Anne Fuchs, CFSP

Ben Wiggs, CFSP

Linda Kenney, CFSP

Karen Albright (ex-officio non-voting member)

Andy Palatka, CAE (ex-officio non-voting member)

The FSCB works closely with the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), a third-party, independent certification program testing service that administers the CFSP exam.  To learn more about PTC, go to ptcny@ptcny.com.

FSCB must be very careful during discussions about the CFSP study group and exam process.  Why? FSCB members have seen every question/answer that makes up the CFSP exam!   While the FSCB supports the idea of the study group and encourages participation, FSCB can have very little to do with the study groups because of a potential conflict of interest.

Watch this space next month for information about CFSP study groups!

Alphabet soup? No! It is CFSP!

By: Margaret Tassin, CFSP, CDC
Program Council, Director of Education

If you have been around BFMA very long, you have likely seen the initials "CFSP" following the names of some of our members. What is "CFSP"? These initials indicate a Certified Form Systems Professional, an accreditation sponsored by BFMA. This certification program is one of the jewels in the array of benefits BFMA offers to forms professionals.

In this era of specialization, proof of education and expertise is becoming more important to management. By achieving certification you provide documented evidence to a current or potential employer that you have been examined by an independent professional organization and found to have knowledge essential to fulfill the responsibilities of a form systems professional. In addition, you indicate to your peers that you have taken the time and effort - beyond job experience - to learn the body of knowledge, thus exhibiting a significant commitment to the form systems profession.

Because of the nature of the work done by forms professionals, the scope of CFSP knowledge is very broad. The CFSP examination of 250 multiple-choice questions covers four areas:

• Process/Workflow Analysis
• Design and Development
• Technology Principles
• Forms Management

It is recommended but not required that you have five years of experience in form systems or a related field before sitting for the examination. Experience plus sufficient study can help you achieve certification.

The CFSP examination is offered during a two-week period twice each year. In 2008, the testing periods are the first two weeks in May and the first two weeks in November. The exam is electronic, and it is given at a testing center near you. This four-hour exam tests your endurance as well as your knowledge!

There is plenty of additional information at http://www.bfma.org/cfsp/aboutcfsp.php.

Teri Watanabe Speaks About CFSP

By: Teri Watanabe, CFSP

Membership Council, Region I Coordinator

Hello. I’d like to share with you how my name, Teri Watanabe, came to be followed by those four infamous letters “CFSP.” During my recent job search, I hadn’t intended to become a “forms person”; I was looking in the instructional design/corporate training realm. (Then again, at 10 years old, I had thought I was going to be a lawyer — that was before working for lawyers cured me of that desire.) But, through mutual contacts at BFMA headquarters, a local software integration firm came looking for me. I was offered the opportunity to work with a fledgling line of business and shape its future, learn new software, and expand my professional horizons with continued training and development. Everything just so happened to revolve around forms. Look out, forms…here I come!

When I learned that there was such a thing as certification within the forms industry, my manager encouraged me with both training and time. And while my manager wanted to write “Obtain CFSP certification” into my first annual performance goal, I managed to delay it until my second year with the company. I was new to forms, new to the company, and really wanted a way to prepare me for this unexpected career path. I saw CFSP certification as the way to do this.

As a newbie to the forms industry, my background in editing, technical writing, document design, and corporate training served me well in preparing for the exam. I read (and hopefully absorbed) most of the BFMA library resources, as well as soaked up as much Symposium knowledge as I could. However, my contacts within BFMA were the real instructors. Networking with BFMA members and the CFSP Virtual Study Group gave me my true education and (most important of all) emotional support. I would not have attempted the exam without them. The study group was challenging at the beginning; we worked very hard to craft a format and methodology that would best serve rapid acquisition of forms knowledge. Even with all of BFMA’s current resource material, we discovered how big the forms knowledge pool really is. It’s huge! I will ever owe my study buddies eternal thanks for helping me achieve my goal.

The test itself was a computer-based exam with an easy-to-use interface. Four hours is a long time for anything, let alone an examination. I took plenty of breaks (mental and otherwise) to try to stay fresh for the next battery of questions I attempted each hour. Then came the long weeks of waiting for the results.

I remember the day the envelope came (or at least when I opened it). I had just returned from an anniversary trip to Japan with my husband of 12 years. There it was in black and white. I was certified! Those distinguished letters “CFSP” have now graced my business cards, project resumes, and presentations in my daily work in the forms industry. I’m proud to be a “forms person” and even prouder to be a part of the community of forms people within BFMA.

If anyone thinks that studying for certification is difficult, time-consuming, and draining…well, you’re right. It is. But the hard work does pay off — financially, professionally, and in the recognition both inside and outside our industry — and there are plenty of forms people here to help.