Certification

Professional certifications give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, and provide evidence of your outstanding abilities. They engage you in a process of life-long learning that elevates your career and provides a structure for keeping your skills fresh and applicable.

The Launch of a New Series of Certifications 

With the aim of developing a new series of professional certifications for the communication professional, the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a team of communication professionals assembled by IABC’s international executive board (IEB), has taken steps to launch a new certification program in 2015. The Communication Management Professional certification is now available, with other levels to follow.

Honouring the Past and Looking to the Future  

While honoring the history and understanding gained from the ABC (Accredited Business Communicator) program, this new series of certifications will be developed to be in keeping with ISO (17024), an international standard for professional certifications. Many ABCs were involved in guiding the vision for this new program and ABC designees continue to be instrumental in its development.​

Certifying the Mid-level Professional

The first certification developed by the GCCC is the Communication Management Professional, aimed at the generalist/specialist level, a mid-level stage in the communication professional’s development. Here are more details on the career level addressed in the first certification:

About the Generalist/Specialist Career Level

At this level, the communication professional branches into a role with either a specific or a general focus, where work experience provides opportunities for a more strategic and problem-solving approach. The communication professional will apply a deeper understanding and practice of the principles set forth in the Global Standard. Here, the communication professional begins to refine their career choices. They can be satisfied as a generalist or specialist for a number of years or for a whole career, but expertise and responsibility will continue to grow.

Some professionals never need or want to move away from this milestone, thriving on interdependent work. They will build expertise in at least one area of the industry. They will develop credibility and a reputation while building strong internal networks of relationships related to their area of expertise and gain greater ability to develop strategic focus and problem-solving techniques.

The Communication Management Professional certification is open to applicants.