In 2006, Bernard Hellen, registered graphic designer and president of Traffic Marketing + Design Inc., approached Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Canada to explore how FSC could provide graphic designers with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond to clients' requests.

The result is a pioneering certification course called the FSC Xpert Program recently launched in a beta phase by FSC Canada.

The skills acquired in attaining FSC Xpert status will allow graphic arts professionals to lead customers through the process of sourcing environmentally appropriate and socially responsible FSC-certified paper and printing services.

Not surprisingly, the response to this groundbreaking effort has been very positive, with 154 professionals registered and over 70 officially designated as FSC Xperts since the program was announced in October 2007. A recent workshop in Edmonton on the FSC Xpert initiative was sold out with 150 attendees and more than 50 additional people on a waiting list to attend the next event.

Why Seek FSC Xpert Status?
"The only people who don't have to be FSC certified in the chain of custody is the designer and print buyer," quips Sabine Lenz, founder of PaperSpecs. A staunch supporter of FSC and chain-of-custody certification Lenz immediately signed on for the program, passed her exam and is now among the first to be a certified FSC Xpert.

The objective of the FSC Xpert program is to create a network of professionals that will support FSC-certified printers and paper merchants by developing and applying the knowledge and skills to effectively source and manage projects using FSC-certified paper products.

Major paper users want the best possible design and print services procurement advice - they want to know that the paper that they are buying is not contributing to forest destruction. They want to know where their paper is originating. With FSC, they do.

When clients choose the services of a graphic designer with an FSC Xpert qualification, they will be getting some of the most informed advice on the market.

Candidates who successfully complete the FSC Xpert Program will acquire a good understanding of FSC, its origins, its purpose and the role that FSC forest management certification plays in protecting the ability of our planet to provide the environmental services that are critical to our survival.

FSC Xperts will be familiar with and be qualified to convey to their clients an understanding of FSC benefits, requirements, resources and processes.

Successful candidates will join an international network of environmentally responsible and socially committed companies and individuals worldwide that care about forests and communities, and will hold a highly competitive advantage in this environmental and sustainable development wave.

Who is Eligible
The FSC Xpert program is administered by the Forest Stewardship Council's Canada office and candidates can be geographically located anywhere in North America. While this program will eventually be expanded to include professionals in the wood products industry, it is currently intended for professionals specifying paper or printing, such as graphic designers, production managers, sales representatives and marketing or communications professionals.

The FSC Xpert program and designation applies to individuals only. A company cannot register to become an FSC Xpert, or advertise itself as an FSC Xpert.

Candidates cannot identify themselves as FSC Xperts until they have:

• passed the FSC Xpert exam,
• submitted the FSC Xpert Acknowledgement Form,
• received their unique identification number, and
• been added to the official list of FSC Xperts.

Steps to Becoming an FSC Xpert
The first step is to register (cost is $75.00 CDN) and then visit the FSC Xpert eLearning site. Here you'll find the education materials, available in a Webinar and a downloadable format.

Once you have gone through the material and feel ready, you'll complete the online FSC Xpert exam. A score of 75 percent is required to pass, and you will be notified immediately with your results.

If you do not pass the exam the first time, you can re-write it up to three times within a year of having registered for the FSC Xpert Program.

If you have not passed the exam within this time period, you must re-register for the program and pay the $75.00 (CDN) fee again.

Responsibilities of an FSC Xpert
An FSC Xpert is expected to promote the principles of FSC certification to colleagues, friends and clients; purchase FSC-certified products, and encourage others to purchase them as well; participate as an environmental and social leader in business and the local community.

FSC Xperts are not allowed to use the FSC logo to identify a product as FSC-certified. Only Chain-of-Custody certified companies have the authority to use the FSC logo as an on-product label.

There are strict requirements for how and when the FSC Xpert initials and FSC Xpert symbol can be used. All FSC Xperts must adhere to these requirements and must sign a legally binding Acknowledgement Form to this effect.

Sign Me Up
From October 2007 to January 2008, the FSC Xpert Program was in a start-up mode, during which time participants provided feedback on the format, content and concept of the program.

This beta stage resulted in a number of excellent recommendations, which are currently being incorporated by FSC Canada into a new and interactive eLearning site to be launched shortly.

Individuals interested in becoming an FSC Xpert may register online at www.fsccanada.org once the new site goes live. We'll keep you posted in PaperTalks when this happens.

In the meantime, check out which of your colleagues have already become early adopters. A full listing of FSC Xperts can be found by visiting www.fsccanada.org/fscxlist.

2/20/08