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We have been evaluating service providers since 2004. We certify each service provider using our proven evaluation process and methodology. Numerous service providers that we have interviewed throughout the years have commented that our research on their respective industries is among the best that they have seen anywhere. In fact, we conduct at least ten hours of research on each provider that ultimately receives our certification designation. Our rigorous proprietary research process includes the following steps:

STEP 1: Candidate Identification

We identify prospective candidates for certification by researching public and private data sources. We proactively contact those services providers that we believe would be potential candidates for certification to arrange a candidate interview.

STEP 2: Candidate Interview

We evaluate each candidate for certification through an in-depth, individual interview. The interview is based upon a predetermined set of industry-specific criteria that have been developed for each industry and includes quantitative and qualitative information. Candidates must pass the interview stage before being invited to be considered further.

STEP 3: Corporate Status Check (if applicable)

We research and review the corporate status of the certification candidate with the appropriate state regulatory body. The candidate must be in good standing with the appropriate state regulatory body.

STEP 4: License Status Check (if applicable)

We research and review the licensing status of the certification candidate with the appropriate state regulatory body. The candidate must have a current license and must not have any active disciplinary actions or grievances. Any candidates that have historical disciplinary actions or grievances must provide a written explanation of such actions or grievances.

STEP 5: Customer Reference Interviews (if applicable)

We interview multiple customers of a certification candidate to determine the quality of the services provided by the candidate as well as the responsiveness of the candidate to its customers’ needs. The candidate must receive high ratings for customer feedback. Please note that in certain industries there are state and/or federal privacy regulations in place that severely limit and/or prohibit candidates from providing customer names to us for the purpose of customer reference interviews.  In those industries, we review customer testimonials where allowed by law.

STEP 6: Benchmark

We evaluate the certification candidate against industry-specific benchmark data. The candidate must meet or exceed a majority of the benchmark data in order to be considered further.

STEP 7: Certification

Once the candidate has completed and passed the aforementioned steps, the candidate earns our certification designation.

For each company that we evaluate for potential certification, we produce a summary of our research that includes corporate and licensing findings, customer reference summaries (if applicable) and industry-specific performance benchmark data.