Why is certification essential in Loss Prevention today?

In today’s society, brand, reputation and the knowledge of the employees are the keys to being profitable. With the ever-changing landscape of the retail environment, every day offers a new challenge and a new opportunity.  Proper education and skill development of loss prevention personnel is critical. One poorly handled situation may result in litigation or media coverage that can forever damage a company’s image or even put them out of business. Retailers worldwide recognize the importance and the need for a standardized education process for loss prevention associates, agents and managers. Most professions have certification programs. Therefore in response to this need, The Loss Prevention Foundation has been driving this very important initiative to revolutionize standards of quality, consistency and integrity in retail loss prevention.

This education and certification program is not intended to replace any corporate training or direction you may receive from your employer.  Nor is this certification program designed to address every aspect of loss prevention or advise with respect to or otherwise represent any local, state or federal laws or legal requirements.  This is intended to compliment company-specific programs and is designed to provide a general knowledge and common language base for the loss prevention professional and is not intended to make anyone an expert.

The Loss Prevention Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, is governed by the Loss Prevention Foundation’s board of directors who, with the help of the Foundation’s numerous committees (which includes over 200 loss prevention professionals from over 75 companies) drives the development and accreditation process for the certification courses and exams.

Initial development of this program is geared towards two specific audiences within loss prevention, the entry-level loss prevention manager and the loss prevention professional who wants to advance through the multi-unit level to corporate. The Foundation will also provide continuing education that will serve these individuals as they reach the director level and beyond. At present, the primary focus is on the larger segment of the LP population, which offers the greatest opportunity to develop the loss prevention leaders of tomorrow. The loss prevention certification curriculum is designed to facilitate industry-standard education, while reducing liability and driving employment and retention practices to qualify the criteria for career advancement.

Listed below are just a few of the many benefits for obtaining certification developed by leading industry loss prevention professionals

• Demonstrates to both current and prospective employers your desire to learn and further develop your industry knowledge
• Designates a level of knowledge and understanding of the core competencies that our industry leaders have identified and acknowledged as critical to excel as a loss prevention professional
• Validates the knowledge level of LP professionals and promotes industry professionalism by demonstrating your level of competency
• Serves as a valuable resume builder, endorsing your knowledge base and promoting your commitment as a retail professional as well as a qualified loss prevention professional
• Validates you with companies who have added certification as a preferred requirement in their job descriptions
• Qualifies for three master degree credits at the university level in selected schools
• Most importantly, certification is a means to enhance performance. It expands our knowledge and expertise, confirms our understanding, challenges our perspective, and reinforces industry goals and objectives

Loss Prevention Qualified (LPQ)

The LPQualified is a certification that was designed to be a benchmark education for entry-level loss prevention professionals, such as loss prevention managers, supervisors, store managers, college students, select hourly employees, or for those who are interested in entering the loss prevention profession. It is also an excellent refresher course for district LP managers.

The LPQualified was designed with input from loss prevention professionals from over fifty of today’s leading retail companies. In order to earn your certification you must not only complete LPQualified coursework, but you must also take the LPQualified exam.

LPQ certified professionals qualify for three credits towards the completion of a master’s degree in Safety, Security & Emergency Management at Eastern Kentucky University starting August 14, 2009.

The LPQualified coursework is composed of three modules with curriculum focused on the

• Retail Environment,
• Becoming a Successful Business Person, and
• Loss Prevention Basics and Tools.

Each module includes review exercises and practical applications. The coursework will be delivered online and will include detailed reading as well as video demonstrations of concepts covered in the reading. Please click here for a demonstration of the LPQualified coursework.

The LPQualified exam is available now. The exam is composed of multiple-choice questions and will be offered on a regular basis and select locations throughout the country. All exams will be offered in a computer-based format and will be proctored. You do not have to complete the LPQualified coursework before you take the exam.

Loss Prevention Certified (LPC)

The LPCertified is a certification that was designed as advanced education for loss prevention management and executives who hope to further their career in the loss prevention field. The LPCertified was designed with input from loss prevention professionals from over seventy-five of today’s leading retail companies. In order to earn your certification you must complete the LPCertified proctored exam.
The LPCertified coursework is composed of six modules with curriculum focused on

• Leadership Principles,
• Business Principles,
• LP Operations,
• Safety & Risk Management,
• Supply Chain Security, and
• Crisis Management.

The coursework will be delivered online and will include detailed reading as well as video demonstrations of concepts covered in the reading. Please click here for a demonstration of the LPCertified coursework.

The LPCertified exam will be available in Spring 2010. The exam will be composed of multiple-choice questions and will be offered on a regular basis and select locations throughout the country. All exams will be offered in a computer-based format and will be proctored. You do not have to complete the LPCertified coursework before you take the exam.