Additional Information
While certification is not required at this time, it is possible that trends
in related jobs may change that fact.
"We would hope," says Sam Trusner, who is the certification manager for
the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA), "that in the very near
future, athletic administrators will follow the situation as they did with
athletic trainers. Not having certified people in positions when they are
available makes institutions open for negligence lawsuits if an accident occurs."
Some sports have their own specialized associations. Equipment managers
in professional hockey, for example, have their own organization and must
join the AEMA.
Most applicants in the United States are expected to go job hunting armed
with a four-year college degree.
"This field is becoming so much more technical," says Trusner. "The knowledge
needed to perform the basic tasks of the job are changing every day. And the
need to have certified individuals is becoming more and more apparent."
The AEMA built its certification criteria to ensure that all members passing
the test would have at least an entry-level knowledge of the position. The
association says the job involves purchasing, fitting equipment and clothing,
maintenance, administration, professional relations and being accountable
for equipment.