Key Accounts Certificate Program: Cohort Group

Virtual Cohort Course: January 23 - February 27, 2025

REGISTER FOR THE 2025 KEY ACCOUNTS COHORT GROUP

Fast-track your way to certification by joining a cohort group that will work through the on-demand Key Accounts Certificate Program curriculum together over a five-week timeframe (Jan. 23 - Feb. 27). Benefits include three live webinars (Feb. 6, 13, and 20) to reinforce and workshop concepts, provide peer networking opportunities and new tips and tools to apply immediately. 

What's involved?

• Complete 20 online modules in five weeks—the core curriculum of APPA’s Key Accounts Certificate Program (average module length is 20 min.)
• Attend three live, instructor-led webinars: Take a deeper dive into key concepts, participate in skill-building exercises, receive additional tips and tools to help apply what you’ve learned, ask questions, share experiences, and develop a learning community with your peers.

What’s the benefit of attending the virtual cohort offering?

• No additional cost—same price as the in-person and the self-paced, on-demand KACP options but with added content, practical applications, takeaways, and access to online content for a year
• Real-time interaction with the instructor and networking time with industry peers
• Create a learning community to share questions, experiences, and best practices
• Motivation and support to complete the program quickly and earn your certification faster

What technology platforms will I need to access?

• The 20 on-demand curriculum modules are provided on the Teachable platform (no downloads necessary)
• The three, live webinars will be held on the Zoom Meeting platform
• Access information and next steps will be provided after you register

What course materials will I receive?

All materials are available virtually for you to access, print and download including:

1. You will receive access on Jan. 23 to the Teachable web-based platform, where you can access the 20 video course modules and accompanying instructor presentations
2. Course workbook and digital APPA Key Accounts Field Manual
   • Complimentary Key Account Bundle (printed publication, workbook and exams) available to certificate registrants at check out
3. Bonus materials and videos
4. Recordings and handouts from the three, live webinars

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Key Accounts Certificate Program Details

• Visit the Key Accounts Certificate Program home page
• View the Key Accounts Certificate Program brochure [PDF]

Program Overview

Discover how to support and grow businesses in your commu­nity to enhance your reputation and revenue. Your commercial and industrial key accounts need special attention—the Key Accounts Certificate Program is designed to show you how to nurture strategic relationships and build trust and loyalty. Whether you plan to start a utility key accounts program or want to take your current pro­gram to the next level, this curriculum provides the skills, knowledge, and tools for success. Learn from real-world examples and receive tools and templates to apply on the job.

Program Requirements

To earn this certificate, participants must complete the following requirements within one year:

1. Complete the required curriculum

• Implementing a Customer-Focused Key Accounts Program
• Developing Your Key Accounts Representative
• The Effective Key Accounts Toolbox

2. Pass an online exam

• Consists of 100 multiple choice questions, based on the curriculum. You must score at least a 70% to pass.

3. Submit a customer action plan 

• Demonstrate how your utility plans to address the needs of a selected account. You’ll receive plan guidelines, templates, and sample grading sheets that outline what is expected in each section.

Recommended for

Public power key account managers and representatives. Other utility staff involved in key accounts, or those looking for professional development credentials, will also benefit.

Completion Options

Visit the Key Accounts Certificate Program home page for different completion options (in-person, online and hybrid).

Timeline

Attendees must complete the program requirements within one year of either signing up for the virtual option or within one year of taking the in-person courses.

Program Level

Basic: No prerequisites; no advance preparation

 About the Instructor

Erick Rheam, President, Team Rheam Productions, Inc.

Erick is an accomplished speaker, educator, consultant, and author on key accounts and human dynamics. He authored the APPA’s Advanced Key Accounts Field Manual: A Guide for Next Level Service and co-authored APPA's Key Accounts Field Manual: A Guide for Public Power Professionals.  

He has been worked for and with public power utilities for 20 years, prior to forming his own company in 2020. He worked as a key accounts manager and customer relations division manager for public power utilities in Indiana and Colorado, managing industrial pretreatment, key accounts, mid-market, conservation, and marketing programs. Then he moved into an executive consulting role at Automated Energy, where he provided key accounts consulting services and education for public power utilities across the country. 

Erick has been actively involved with the American Public Power Association since he entered the utility industry, serving in various leadership positions on the Association’s key accounts committee. He is a recognized expert in the field of utility key accounts—teaching courses, regularly speaking at industry events and providing customized consulting to utilities across the United States. 

Erick is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and served five years in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer and Special Investigator.