CMP Graduate Q&A

Want to shine in your career? IABC Certification will help you stand out.

Certification means lifelong learning and ongoing recognition for your development as your career progresses. Certification will help you grow into new roles, and achieve higher levels at the strategic management table.

Beginning this year, a series of certification levels will be established. The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCCR) has developed this certification program,including ongoing professional development requirements on the Global Standard established by IABC.

Maria Driscoll, MBA, CMP

Maria Driscoll MBA, CMP

Here’s what IABC’s Certification Champion, and recent CMP graduate Maria Driscoll (Social Marketing Consultant, Eastern Health) has to say about her recent certification:

Why did you decide to pursue the CMP qualification?

I always planned on pursing certification in the communications field, upon graduation my goal was to become an ABC. After a number of years of experience, and returning to work following my second maternity leave, I decided it was time to start exploring the process and qualifications required to become certified. When I learned that the ABC program was no longer available, I decided to pursue the options put forth by the GCCC. I felt that with my experience the CMP qualification was a great place to start. I look forward to pursuing the other levels of certification through the GCCC as they become available and my career progresses.

What did you learn from the process of applying and sitting the exam?

The application process forces you to examine what you have done within the communications profession. It is a good opportunity to stop and reflect on what you have learned and accomplished in your career. It also highlights the importance of keeping a detailed record of your professional development. Preparing and sitting for the exam also makes you realize just how broad the field of communications is. It was a little unnerving as there are few preparation materials available, but the Job Task Analysis in the Communication Professional Certification Candidate Handbook was a great starting point. The exam forces you to think critically,draw on all aspects of your professional experience and apply the knowledge to a varity of situations.

What advice would you give to others who might be considering applying to become a CMP?

If you are thinking about applying to become a CMP, I would say go for it! The more people that become certified, the more recognized the certification will become. I would also recommend that everyone start tracking their Professional Development, locally, nationally and internationally. It is important to record the name, who offered it, the date and how many hours the session ran. All of this information will be required in the application and maintenance phase of the GCCC certifications, and it can be quite time consuming to pull it all together.

Who would you recommend undertakes CMP and why?

The CMP is designed for someone in the generalist/specialist level with 6-8 years of experience. If this describes you, get your credentials! The great thing about the certifications offered by the GCCC is they are globally recognized. I believe that as additional levels of certification become available, and more people become certified, these credentials will be very beneficial to someone working in the communications profession. It is important for people within our profession to become certified, bring credibility and recognition to that certification and then help promote that certification within and external to the communications profession.