Explore the PSA-i Certification Syllabus
Professional Search Academy (PSA) delivers a structured approach to professional recruiting, staffing and search. Built around practical recruiting execution and the proprietary methodologies developed and applied by a top-billing recruiting professional, PSA-i brings together the professional knowledge, tools and processes that support effective client engagement, candidate assessment, business development and measurable performance.
Program Introduction
An orientation to PSA-i, its professional recruiting framework, learning structure and certification journey. Students are introduced to the purpose of the program and how to approach the lessons and assessments.
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PSA-i Certification Syllabus
18 core training sections and a final certification assessment. Select a section to explore the curriculum.
Establish a clear understanding of the professional search, recruiting and staffing industry and the purpose of a structured recruiting process. This section introduces how recruiters create value for hiring managers and candidates, distinguish their services, and develop the professional focus needed to execute assignments with consistency. The emphasis is on clarity of purpose, expectations and outcomes before activity begins.
Build fluency in the language of professional search and staffing. Learn the terminology used to describe recruiting services, employment arrangements, assignments, candidate and client relationships, and placement activity. A shared professional vocabulary supports accurate communication, clearer expectations and more confident discussions with clients, candidates and colleagues.
Explore the responsibilities of a professional recruiter throughout the search and placement lifecycle. Understand the recruiter’s role as an intermediary and facilitator between hiring managers and candidates, from identifying needs and presenting opportunities to managing communication and supporting hiring decisions. Particular attention is given to professionalism, listening, accountability and the value of disciplined execution.
Examine the ethical responsibilities that guide professional search and recruitment. Topics include confidentiality, integrity, fair dealing, professional judgment, respect for clients and candidates, and the difference between minimum legal obligations and higher professional standards. Build an ethical decision-making framework to support trust and long-term relationships.
Understand how professional recruiting services are defined, positioned and presented to prospective clients. Examine the scope of an assignment, service expectations, pricing and fee discussions, and the importance of clear agreements. This section connects a well-defined recruiting offer with a credible professional presentation and mutual understanding of what will be delivered.
Learn to identify and prioritize the clients, assignments and candidate markets that are most appropriate for a professional recruiting practice. Develop a focused approach to evaluating opportunities rather than treating every lead or requisition equally. The objective is to direct time and recruiting resources toward well-understood, actionable opportunities.
Examine how Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) support consistent recruiting execution. Learn why accurate records of candidates, hiring managers, interactions, requirements and follow-up commitments matter. Explore using structured information to manage relationships, market opportunities, maintain a searchable talent pipeline and keep recruitment activity organized.
Learn to translate a hiring manager’s requirements into clear, assessable candidate criteria. Consider technical and non-technical skills, work experience, education, credentials, culture and other role-specific factors. Develop a disciplined approach to screening, comparing and ranking candidates using evidence rather than opinion, with the goal of presenting the best available match for each assignment.
Explore strategies for identifying potential candidates through research, online search resources, professional networks and traditional recruiting approaches. Learn how to translate an assignment into a targeted sourcing plan, recognize relevant candidate profiles and organize search activity. This section emphasizes the complementary role of internet tools and direct search techniques.
Develop a professional approach to attracting, engaging and assessing potential candidates. Topics include initial contact, explaining an opportunity, pre-screening, identifying motivations and fit, evaluating available information, and building a relevant candidate pool. Learn how structured recruiting conversations contribute to stronger candidate presentations and a more dependable placement process.
Examine how to conduct purposeful, structured interviews that produce useful evidence for a hiring decision. Learn to prepare questions aligned with defined job requirements, listen carefully, probe for relevant examples and document responses consistently. The focus is on distinguishing verified candidate information from assumptions and strengthening the quality of candidate evaluation.
Understand the place of professional reference verification in candidate assessment and risk management. Explore how to prepare for verification conversations, obtain appropriate permissions, ask relevant questions and document information professionally. Learn to use reference findings as one part of a broader evidence-based candidate evaluation process, while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
Examine how to identify business opportunities, initiate professional client conversations and develop lasting hiring-manager relationships. Topics include research, prospect qualification, identifying talent acquisition needs, positioning recruiting services and building repeat business. The objective is to connect disciplined business development activity with a recruiting offer that creates measurable client value.
Learn how to manage ongoing client relationships after the initial assignment is secured. Focus on understanding evolving requirements, maintaining clear communication, managing expectations, tracking commitments and providing consistent service. Strong account management supports better collaboration, repeat assignments and a more sustainable professional recruiting practice.
Put key concepts into practice through recorded recruiting and client-conversation simulations. Review examples of initial contacts, follow-up calls and client meetings to identify effective questioning, listening, presentation and follow-through. The exercises encourage learners to assess communication quality, extract useful information and apply a repeatable professional approach in realistic situations.
Explore the habits, professional discipline and performance framework that support consistently effective recruiting. Consider how a defined process, skill development, effective use of time and accountability can improve execution. This section brings the program’s practical techniques together into an approach focused on quality activity, continuous improvement and sustainable performance.
Learn to plan recruiting and business development activity using meaningful key performance indicators. Examine how activity measures, conversion ratios, review points and performance goals can reveal strengths and bottlenecks. Apply a practical planning mindset to evaluate progress, make informed adjustments and manage recruiting execution more consistently.
An introduction to selected proprietary PSA techniques designed to improve the quality of recruiting and client interactions. The broader PSA methodology highlights structured call evaluation, candidate and opportunity scoring, and its 98–2 Premium Presentation approach. This section connects those distinctive tools to disciplined decision-making and stronger professional presentations; specific methods are taught within the program.
Consolidate the learning from the PSA-i program through a program review and final certification assessment. The examination tests understanding of the professional principles, processes and techniques addressed throughout the training. Complete the required quizzes, examination and any applicable course requirements according to the assessment rules presented in your enrolled program.
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