PRINCETON, NJ - More corporate fleet professionals recently achieved the designation of Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM), the fleet management industry's highest level of certification. Currently less than 500 fleet managers have joined the exclusive ranks of CAFM certification holders, according to NAFA Fleet Management Association.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a series of comprehensive examinations to demonstrate expertise in the eight disciplines of automotive fleet management: Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, Vehicle Fuel Management, Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, and Risk Management. Designed to identify and recognize exceptional fleet management professionals, the CAFM designation is being required by more and more employers prior to, or shortly after, employment.

Recent CAFM graduates include the following corporate fleet professionals:

Robert Polka, director-Fleet Services, Iberdrola USA. Polka, CAFM, has nearly 30 years of fleet experience from mechanic to directorial positions. He has been a member of NAFA Fleet Management Association since 1996. In addition to his CAFM, Polka holds ASE Master Technician, CTP, and CDME certifications. Polka's desire to earn the CAFM certification was because of its recognition in the fleet industry.

Jock Young, North American fleet manager, Recall. Young, CAFM, has more than 10 years of fleet experience and is responsible for all fleet matters including procurement, specifications, leases, fuel maintenance, vendor management, and remarketing. He joined NAFA Fleet Management Association in 2009. "[The CAFM program] provides potentially numerous benefits for an individual wanting to build a career and advance in the fleet management field," said Young.

Marc Knight, senior consultant, AssetWorks, Inc. Knight, CAFM, has nearly 20 years of fleet experience and works closely with his clients to aid them in the implementation of their fleet software applications and help them utilize the information to improve operations. He is responsible for developing new business intelligence based functionality in software applications and in the design of new system features and functions. Knight has been a member of NAFA Fleet Management Association since the '90s. "(The CAFM program) provides an opportunity for any fleet professional to become formally educated on fleet industry practices," said Knight.

NAFA's CAFM program is endorsed by the National Conference of State Fleet Administrators (NCSFA), the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association (RMFMA), and The Florida Association of Governmental Fleet Administrators (FLAGFA). In addition, the CAFM program is offered for college credit at Ferris State University (Big Rapids, Michigan) and Ranken Technical College (St. Louis, Missouri).

More information on the CAFM program is available at www.nafa.org/certification.

Click below to see other recent CAFM graduates:

• Corporate.

• Public sector.