Hi Jeff The below paragraph is to my mind very good thinking. I agree that the RPT designation is a basic skill designation and from the perspective and qualifiers you sketch below would be more then willing to put my John Henry to any vote for allowing Little Red School House, Steinway Training Schools, or schools like Bennett Street as good enough to bypass the test. Then, all these other classifications we've been tossing around, in and out of discussions... etc can suddenly find meaning... and quite a bit. As highly qualified specialists. And to boot the PTG could quite easily enhance its membership numbers by way of the inclusions under RPT you mention. This might also provide a means of resolving the associate issue once and for all to virtually everyones satisfaction. Yes indeed... I like this paragraph below. Essentially... the RPT would become what it really is... a journeyman designation. Masters designations in each specialized area (and I think the three you mention are a great starting point) could be made quite stiff to pass... and touted with certainty as dependable bonified certifications. Cheers RicB See, this gets into where I think the RPT designation could use some... "adjustments". If RPT was actually our "base skill level", which it really is except for the overhype of the exam setting, we could include multiple paths we could recognize as alternate means of endorsement. A diploma from recognized tech schools such as North Bennett Street or other similar programs or completion of all four sessions of the Little Red Schoolhouse or Steinway Training Schools could exempt the exam requirement. I actually think the current exam environment is overkill for the level of skill we have to display, but that's me. It seems to me there could be a somewhat less intense means of recognizing and endorsing basic skills. Then, if we wanted to have a higher craftsman level, or better yet, a diverse set of "specializations", we could have a CAUT Endorsement or a Rebuilder Endorsement or a Concert Technician Endorsement. There would be no reason someone who was so inclined couldn't pursue more than one.
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