CAREER CENTER

AZED Pro Certification

Certification Program

The Economic Development Academy of Arizona (The Academy) offers the Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro) certification to professionals and service providers in Arizona. Those who complete six core courses and one elective within three (3) years of beginning the program will become certified.

Graduation from The Academy occurs during the Spring Conference and Fall Forum.

AAED is introducing the Economic Development Cohort Program starting January 1, 2024. The cohort program is a new way to earn your AZED Pro certification. More information on the cohort program and information on how to apply can be found on the cohort page.

You do not need to be an AAED member to participate in The Academy program or the cohort program.

2025 Course Schedule

  • March 26, 2025 in Tempe – Economic Development and Arizona (Green)
  • April 22, 2025 in Tucson – Creating Culturally Safe Spaces for Indigenous Populations (Grey)
  • May 28, 2025 in Tempe – Workforce Development (Orange)
  • June 25, 2025 in Tempe – Arizona Taxation, Finance & Incentives (Gold)
  • August 27, 2025 in Tempe – Marketing and Business Development (Red)
  • September 24, 2025 in Tempe – Business Retention and Expansion (Blue)
  • October 22, 2025 – Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development (Purple)

 

Thank you to our classroom sponsor for 2025!

I joined AAED to gain knowledge and understanding of economic development across Arizona. Within my first two years in the organization, I have not only enhanced my understanding and knowledge but have also been able to build relationships among professionals in the field through my involvement in AAED committees, conferences and events, and AZED Pro courses. AAED has allowed me to expand my professional network, garner planning and leadership skills through committee work, and further foster my passion for economic development.

Ashley Mazariegos, AZED Pro

Economic Development Specialist, City of Buckeye

AZED Pro Courses

Economic Development in Arizona (green)

This course provides an overview of Arizona’s economic development and key economic drivers. Topics covered are Arizona’s leading industries, legislative processes, rural and tribal economic development, ethics, and inclusive economic development.

Business Retention & Expansion (blue)

This course covers the core components of BRE.

Arizona Taxation, Finance, & Incentives (gold)

This course provides expert training on Arizona’s business taxes, Arizona’s Business Assistance Programs, marketing and use of each program, small business financing, and foreign direct investments.

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development (purple)

This course covers entrepreneurship in Arizona, small business development, and downtown development.

Marketing & Business Development (red)

This workshop helps attendees identify their brand’s critical elements, create a strategy to tell their story, and reach their target audience.

Arizona Workforce Development (orange)

This course covers building a workforce that ensures Arizona’s economic health and vitality. Topics covered are data-driven workforce development strategies, labor market trends, finding and attracting talent, and workforce funding.

Elective Courses (grey)

Students must complete one elective course. Topics may include Tourism, Retail Development, Tribal Issues, Advocacy, or other timely topics.

AZED Pro Recertification

Once you are AZED Pro certified, you are responsible for maintaining your certification. Recertification of your AZED Pro is done by obtaining 11 points over a 3-year cycle. Points are awarded on activities that give back to the profession. Higher points are given for major events, such as conferences and classes, while other points are awarded for activities such as speaking at an IEDC event, publishing a news article, grading tests, participation in webinars, and other activities. You must have points from every category. The point system is outlined below.

Education (3 POINTS EACH; MAX OF 6 POINTS)

  • Panelist on AZED Pro seminar/webinar
  • Presenter at Conference
  • Serve on AAED Board
  • Chair or Vice Chair an AAED Committee or Affinity Group
  • Serve as a mentor for Young Professionals
  • Recruit new AZED Pro candidates
  • Writing a white paper for AAED

Giving Back (2 POINTS EACH; MAX OF 6 POINTS)

  • Attend Spring Conference
  • Attend Fall Forum
  • Writing a news article for AAED
  • Securing sponsorship for AAED events

Participation (1 POINT EACH; MAX OF 3 POINTS)

  • Attend a webinar or Academy course
  • Attend an after-hours AAED special event
  • Serve on an AAED committee or Affinity Group

AZED Pros need to keep track of their own points and submit documentation, via the AAED Recertification Form below and pay the $50.00 recertification invoice. Recertification applications can be accepted once annually.

Recertification Form – Submit Online

Name

PLEASE NOTE: Must have points from each category

Place the date or event name in the appropriate column to earn points.

Education: (3 points each; Max of 6 points)

Panelist on AZED Pro seminar/webinar

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Presenter at a Conference

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Serve on AAED Board

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Chair or Vice Chair of an AAED Committee or Affinity Group

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Serve as a mentor for Young Professionals

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Recruit new AZED Pro candidates

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Write a white paper for AAED

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Giving Back: (2 points each; Max of 6 points)

Attend Spring Conference

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Attend Fall Forum

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Wrote a news article for AAED

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Secured a sponsorship for AAED events

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Participation: (1 point each; Max of 3)

Attend a webinar

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Attend an AAED special event (Legislative Lunch on the Lawn, After Hours, etc.)

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Serve on an AAED standing committee or Affinity Group

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name