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IABC Accreditation
IABC’s accreditation program is the global standard of professional achievement for business communicators. Accredited members practicing around the world apply the same strategic management process in all communication disciplines, across diverse cultures, and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations of all sizes.
This peer-reviewed program challenges candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of strategic communication planning, implementation, measurement and ethics. Candidates who meet all requirements earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).
Accreditation News
A fond farewell to Shawna Cass, Director of Exams
All of this year’s ABCs are well-aware of the great talents and dedication of Shawna Cass, Director of Exams since July 2010. Shawna has put in countless hours mentoring candidates, reviewing exams, writing personal notes and much more to ensure that each and every candidate’s exam is handled with care. Time and again she has gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist candidates through the rigorous ABC exam. Shawna, who is expecting her first child, has passed the reins over to Sue Heuman, ABC, principal of Focus Communications in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She will be deeply missed by candidates, volunteers and staff. We wish Shawna the very best in her new role as a new mother.
Sincere thanks to 2011 accreditation volunteers
IABC staff wishes to thank each and every volunteer that has lent his or her time and communication expertise in assisting our 135 ABC candidates through the accreditation process in 2011. The accreditation program relies heavily on our enthusiastic volunteers who devote long hours to evaluating portfolios, proctoring and grading exams, and mentoring candidates. Your time and energy is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
2011 accreditation roundup
It’s been an exciting year for the accreditation program! Out of 135 applicants, 106 candidates attained their ABC in 2011. Congratulations to 2011’s ABCs! In addition to assisting these candidates along the road to accreditation, we have implemented a number changes and improvements over the past months in an effort to improve customer service and streamline accreditation processing. Here are a few of the highlights:
DATABASE
An online accreditation database was developed and implemented by IABC IT staff. This comprehensive system tracks applications, portfolio submissions and evaluations, and allows online portfolio and exam grading. Intuitive instructions and prompts allow volunteers to interface with ease. It provides precise tracking of all accreditation activity and 24/7 accessibility, resulting in reliable data, a positive volunteer experience and a significant reduction in staff time devoted to recordkeeping.
EXECUTIVE ACCREDITATION SEMINAR (EAS)
two successful EAS sessions were held with our partner Royal Roads University. A May session was held at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and attracted 19 candidates. The November session held at the Royal Roads campus in Victoria, British Columbia, attracted 16 candidates. The next sessions are scheduled for March 2012, again in Victoria and November 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
ACCREDITATION MONTH
This six-week promotion running 1 November through 15 December resulted in 26 new applications and a spike in coverage of the accreditation program among chapters. Activities included: a free webinar that attracted over 40 participants and is now posted on the website; a Tweet chat hosted by Accreditation Chair Jennifer Wah; a Cafe2Go podcast with Jennifer Wah; articles and calendar listings in all IABC print, online and social media outlets, and emails to members and Job Centre users.
ONLINE EXAMS
A virtual exam option using WebEx is now available for candidates who are unable to find proctors in their region. Several candidates can take an exam at one time with proctors monitoring candidates throughout the sitting via video and audio feeds. All sessions are recorded. The first virtual exam took place on30 November with three candidates hailing from Sweden, Nova Scotia and Ottawa.
LIFELONG LEARNING INITIATIVE
T
wo “Career Summits” brought together IABC leadership with the goal of providing a Roadmap of lifelong learning for IABC members. The summit attendees considered what professional development programs IABC should offer in the future, what standards need to be met and what certifications or milestones can be offered to provide a career continuum for members.
STAFFING CHANGES
Accreditation duties were moved from Publications to Professional Development and staff time was added to meet growing customer service demands and to shorten turn-around time of accreditation processing.
If you’d like to be part of the exciting changes going on in accreditation, be sure to get in touch at recognition@iabc.com..
Free accreditation webinar recording:
Accreditation Demystified and Keys to Success
Recorded 4 October 2011
Presented by Cathleen Wolf, ABC, Director of Portfolios, IABC Accreditation Committee
PDF of handouts 330 kb
This fast-paced overview will help you consider whether you’re ready to take an important career step – becoming an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC). The session will share:
- The value of accreditation: The steps and keys to success
- Online examples of a successful portfolio evaluation
- Sample exam topics, tips and resources
Questions? Contact IABC headquarters at
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