*Awards for Professionalism*

The Network Professional Association® (NPA) proudly honors IT workers for their commitment to the ideals of the NPA. Candidacy is open to all networking professionals worldwide. Winners selected best exhibit a commitment to technical proficiency, ethical business practices, credential advancement, and ongoing achievement.

Recognizing accomplishment is a true emotional reward. When done as public recognition, our peers, supporters, and employers can share in the enjoyment. For fifteen years the Network Professional Association and industry partners have recognized IT professionals for their contributions. The Awards for Professionalism continues as a web celebration. Winners will be presented and have the opportunity to provide perspectives on their contributions. Additionally, a number of individuals will be recognized for being the silent and strong types, providing quality, professional IT services without advertisement.

As a visitor to this website you are asked to nominate your "superhero" of IT. Candidates for the Awards for Professionalism are evaluated based on the nomination information provided. The judging panel looks at various aspects of the submission including whether the submission is complete and responsive to information requested, and can be validated by references and public sources. Evaluation includes to what degree has the nominee demonstrates technical competency, exhibits the tenants of the "Code of Ethics", leadership, and contributes to the technical community and the welfare of society. Consideration is given for IT certification and higher education, participation in industry professional associations, contributions to the knowledge base of technology, public speaking, and peer stature. Each category is weighted to emphasize the best representation of the award. Upon submission the nominee, nominator and reference will receive an inquiry to completed and returned for evaluation.

Now accepting submissions in these award categories:

Best Networking Professional – Career Achievement Award
This award honors a network computing professional who has demonstrated years of the highest ideals of the network computing professional. This individual serves as a role model in the network computing community and may be considered by peers as an industry luminary.

Professional Excellence and Innovation Award
This award honors the network computing professional who has made the most effective combination of the ideals of professionalism and the innovative use of networking technology and/or products for a particular networking project within the past 12 months. Entries are accepted within the following subcategories:
     • Corporate Fortune X
     • Corporate Small Business
     • Education
     • Government
     • Independent Network Contractor

Best Mentor Award
This award honors the networking professional who has made the most effective combination of the ideals of professionalism and the accomplished mentor.

Top of the Mark - Volunteer Award
This award honors the networking professional who has made the most effective combination of the ideals of professionalism and is a notable example of the best in giving back through selfless effort.

Certificate of Professional Excellence
Certificate of achievement award for professionals meeting high standards in all-around IT performance. For achievement going beyond the standard level of professional service in IT Networking and Computing. Praise for setting new levels and helping to define what it is to be a professional within the field of Information Technology.