The idea was pronounced by Bob Bunting, chair of the American Institute of CPAs: There ought to be a creed for those holding the institute's Certified Information Technology Professional designation.
"I went on the CITP Web site and was looking for a creed," Bunting told an audience at Tech 2005, the AICPA's annual technology conference, held this week in Las Vegas.
Someone commented later that there is a CITP code of conduct. But I'm not sure that's exactly what Bunting had in mind. If it were, it still should be posted on the Web site, placed where it can be easily found and understood.
I think what Bunting means is that CITPs need a better definition of what the credential means, or at least a definition that is clearer to those who would use their services. Bunting also points out that one of the attributes that CPAs have, beyond the body of knowledge, is a strong reputation. CITPs also need a strong reputation that rests on their own performance.
I also believe that there needs to be a clearer statement about the nature of the body of knowledge that defines the CITP. It's very clear that almost no one has passed the test--most gain their designation via meeting an experience requirement.
Supporters are trying to reach the targets they have been given in order for the AICPA to continue to support the credential's existence.
Bunting outlined his own credentials as someone who is knowledgeable and supportive of technology: "I have been a consultant on technology, I have been a power user of technology, I have been CEO of a firm that spends millions of dollars a year on technology."
If somebody at a high level is going to make things happen with this program, Bunting sounds like the person for the job -- the perfect person for this critical point in the designation's development.
