IABC''s professional credential program recognises 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).
Earn your ABC
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 should you become accredited?
If you are a professional communicator, IABC''''s accreditation program is a means by which you can gauge your career progress. The ABC following your name tells your peers, current and prospective employers and, perhaps most importantly, you, that you have successfully completed this challenging program. It''''s interesting to note that IABC''''s biennial survey of the profession, Profile, shows that accredited members'''' average salary is significantly higher than that of the non-accredited member.
What are the requirements?
You must have a minimum of five years'''' experience in the communication profession and a bachelor''''s degree, or a total of nine years of experience and/or post-secondary education to qualify for accreditation.
What does becoming accredited involve?
The accreditation process involves three separate steps.
- First, you must submit your application and a cheque for 50% of the accreditation fee.
- After your application has been approved, you submit your portfolio of work samples demonstrating the range of communication projects you''''ve been responsible for and showing how well you understand communication planning.
- Finally, there''s an examination consisting of four hours of written testing and 30 minutes of oral evaluation.
Common Questions
How much does it cost?
USD$500 for members
What are the portfolio deadlines?
Portfolios are accepted for evaluation throughout the year.
How long does it take to approve my application?
2-3 days
How long does it take to approve my portfolio?
6 – 8 weeks
How long does it take to receive the results from the oral and written exam?
60 – 90 days
How do I get more information
You can read more about "Becoming an Accredited Business Communicator" on the IABC Headquarters website. Or you can email us at info@iabcvic.com.au and speak to our accreditation chair person.