PERRY YOUNGBLOOD IS NOW A CERTIFIED EDUCATIONAL PLANNER

​The National Institute of Certified Educational Planners issued the following:

​June 28, 2016 Local Professional Earns Prestigious Credential

​Perry Youngblood of Youngblood College Consulting in Southern Pines is part of a growing group of educational consultants and school counselors in the nation to earn the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP).

“We are proud to have Perry receive this certification,” said Judy Bass, Chair of the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP). “We believe this certification sets the standard for professional college counselors not only in knowledge and experience, but in ongoing professional development. There is no higher mark of distinction in the profession,” she noted. Perry is one of only four consultants in North Carolina to hold the Certified Educational Consultant designation.

Perry Youngblood has helped students and their families for the last 14 years to find colleges that are a good fit for the students and affordable for the families. He has visited and evaluated over 140 colleges and continues these visits in multiple states each year. Perry also provides expert test preparation for the SAT, ACT, SSAT, GRE and other tests.

The profession of college counseling is growing in importance and recognition, as the need for a post-secondary education increases in today’s society.

Certification is granted to those consultants and counselors who meet stringent application requirements including specialized training, significant professional experience, and involvement in professional activities and organizations. Perry had to pass a board certified examination, covering both institutional and professional knowledge; provide a list of professional references; and sign a pledge to adhere to stringent ethical practices.

CEP’s are recertified every five years on the basis of college visits, continuing education hours and other professional endeavors. All applicants are reviewed by their peers.

“The group of certified educational consultants and counselors is a remarkable one,” noted Bass. “Never before in the profession of educational consulting have persons been asked to demonstrate such a high level of professional knowledge and experience,” she concluded.

The CEP Program began in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), an association representing full-time experienced professionals in private practice in the field of college guidance and school/educational program placements. “The CEP designation assures families that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to their students,” said Mark Sklarow, Executive Director of IECA.
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Perry Youngblood’s office is at 780 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines. Phone (910) 528-5595. www.perryyoungblood.com. Information on the CEP program is available through the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, 617 W. Montecito Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, www.aicep.org.