FAQs

Q: What is a CPO^®?

A: CPO^® stands for Certified Professional Organizer^®, someone who has proven through education, accumulated client service hours and testing that they meet the minimum requirements set by the BCPO^® in the field of professional organizing.

Q: What is the BCPO^®?

A: The BCPO^® is the independent certifying body for the Certified Professional Organizer® examination. The BCPO^® is a self-governing organization formed in 2007 to recognize and raise industry standards, practices and ethics through independent certification of professional organizers.

Q: Who can take the examination?

A: Anyone who meets the minimum requirements, which include:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Adherence to the Code of Ethics for Certified Professional Organizers. Visit www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org for information of the Code of Ethics.
• Documentation of a total of 1,500 hours of paid work experience in the last three (3) years. Paid work experience may include on-site organizing, coaching, consulting, training, virtual organizing, workshops and speaking engagements, or any form of paid work experience which, through client interaction, transfers or teaches organizing skills.

Q: Do I have to be a professional organizer to take the examination?

A: No. Anyone who meets the minimum requirements may take the examination. Other professions, including home and real estate stagers, senior move managers, records managers and those who work in other related fields may also qualify to take the examination.

Q: When and where is the examination given? How do I sign up to take the examination? How much does it cost?

A: The CPO^® examination is given during designated times via computer at designated testing sites around the world. Visit www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org for a list of testing dates and sites, as well as an application. The fee is USD$550.00. A professional membership rate of USD$375.00 is available.

Q: Do I have to do anything to maintain the CPO^® designation?

A: Yes, CPO^®s must recertify every three (3) years. They do this through either:

• Asserting 1,000 hours of paid work in any area related to organizing, plus earning 45 organizing-related continuing education hours during the three-year period; or
• Asserting 1,000 hours of paid work in any area related to organizing, plus retaking and passing the examination.

Q: How many CPO^®s are there?

A: There are over 300 CPO^®s in the world, representing the United States, Canada, Australia, Netherlands and Hong Kong. Visit www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.org to find a CPO^® near you.

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