Accreditation is an IABC professional development program. It offers communicators a way of demonstrating their ability to think and plan strategically and to successfully manage those skills essential to effective organizational communication, which could include internal communications, media relations, crisis communications and external relations.

Why ABC?

By Michele Martin

As a recently accredited ABC and new liaison for accreditation, I have heard many comments from colleagues such as “why did you put yourself through the grueling process”, “don’t you have enough work”, and “what are you getting out of it”. Every member goes through accreditation for his or her own personal reason. I was intrigued by the fact that of 14,000 IABC members all over the world, only 5.4% are accredited. I wanted to be a part of this minority to encourage others to take this step to promote the entire profession.

Quite often in our day-to-day operations as communications practitioners, the value and knowledge of the communications profession is questioned. ABC gives you a designation similar to a CA in the accounting profession; it establishes professional credentials. Accreditation is a test of your skills and knowledge of the profession. It challenges you to go back to the basic learnings you have and definitely improves your work, reflecting achievement. Accreditation will improve your career opportunities and provide for greater earning potential. Most importantly accreditation will offer you recognition from your colleagues and peers.

I believe the number and the awareness of ABCs will increase in the future to the point that employers all over the world will only want to hire communications practitioners with their accreditation. This is already the case in Newfoundland where 28% of its IABC membership is accredited. So as the saying goes, “if you can’t beat up, join them.” 

If I have piqued your interest, I encourage you to take a short quiz to determine if you are ready to begin the process.

You will not be alone in the process and will have support from me and other ABCs through the journey.

If you would like more information, please contact IABC London's Accreditation Liaison:

Keith Brooks, ABC

keith.brooks@cra-arc.gc.ca

519.675.3248

 

IABC London ABCs

Several IABC London members have obtained their ABC designation, including:

• Keith Brooks, ABC
• Diny Dalby, ABC, MC*
• Michele Floyd, ABC
• Michele Martin, ABC
• Pat Morden, ABC
• Maureen Spencer-Golovchenko, ABC
• Jacqueline Sullivan, ABC
• Janis Wallace, ABC
• Robert Way, ABC

Are you ready to become an ABC? Take this short quiz to find out.

 

If you have questions about the accreditation program or its operation, please contact IABC Accreditation Liaison, Keith Brooks, ABC.

* The Master Communicator (MC) designation is the highest distinction bestowed
upon an IABC member in Canada. For more information, visit Awards & Recognition.

 

IABC's professional credential program recognizes communicators who have reached a globally accepted standard of knowledge and proficiency in their chosen field. Candidates meeting the requirements of the program earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).