IABC Accreditation: Resources
Resources Available to All Candidates
Other Resources
- Chapter programs
Accreditation workshops and local mentorship programs are offered by a number of IABC chapters. An increasing number of chapters are now offering Accreditation Completion Programs (ACPs). The ACP model, first developed by IABC/BC, provides an outline by which groups can work through the process together to successfully earn their ABCs.
You are highly encouraged to attend a workshop or go through an Accreditation Completion Program. If you would like more information on how to help your chapter develop workshops or completion programs, please contact
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- Resource text
Candidates may be interested in the text The IABC Handbook of Organizational Communication, edited by Tamara Gillis, Ed.D, ABC, which is available for purchase from the IABC Knowledge Centre bookstore.
Virtual Accreditation Mentorship Program
If you are unable to secure a mentor in your chapter, IABC may be able to match you with a virtual accreditation mentor. Your mentor can discuss the accreditation process with you, review your draft portfolio work plans and provide general coaching for the exam and completion of the accreditation process. If you would like to request a mentor, please complete the accreditation mentor request form.
Teleseminars
Learn from those that have gone through the process. With a 45-minute lecture and 15 minutes of Q&A, IABC’s teleseminars offer practical how-to tips that you can implement immediately.
Your registration fee includes one telephone connection and one set of materials.
Archived Teleseminars:
EAS candidates please note some procedures and details may not apply to you.
Preparing for the IABC Accreditation Examination / Download slides - 104 KB Download FAQs - 97 KB
Developing your IABC Accreditation Portfolio / Download slides - 663 KB
There are no teleseminars upcoming.
Step-by-step communication competency audit
Step 1: Download the Communicator Competency Model worksheet  . Go to the first section on communication skills about midway down the page. Look at the first competency, writing/editing. In terms of your professional development, are you a 1, 2, 3, or 4 on this competency? Level 1 states that you about 1–4 years of experience, level 2 is roughly 5–9, Level 3, 10–15 and level 4, 16 plus years. Select the appropriate level for you.
Continue through the communication skills, then proceed through management and knowledge area skills doing the same assessment. In the knowledge area skills section, only mark the specialty where you have the most experience. At the planning stage, you will be able to review the other knowledge areas to see where your professional development interests may lie.
Step 2: Download Part One: Communicator’s Competency Model and scan the competency level in the three sections to make sure the level you have assessed is the appropriate level for you. Edit where necessary.
Once you have completed the audit, you have a benchmark of your communication competencies.
Step 3: Download Part Two: Professional Development, Building Your Skills to identify ways you can enhance or advance your competencies.
There are a number of ways to build your communication skills and competencies. The key is to build them into your plan. Look at the first set of opportunities outlined. There are more formal opportunities as well as less formal:
- Continuing education
- IABC accreditation, certificates
- Workshops, seminars, conferences
- Reading
- Networking
- Volunteering
Investigate these opportunities to see how they may fit into your career plan.
In addition, check the four-level career chart for activities that can be fit into your everyday activities. These may be good ways to gain skills.
IABC Accreditation
A good rule of thumb for IABC accreditation is to have a solid showing in Level 2 competencies. It is not necessary to have mastered all of these skills, but a majority will ensure a better chance at being successful in the accreditation process. If you would like to find out more about accreditation or how it may fit into your career plan, connect with an ABC liaison in your area.
The “Steps in Accreditation” supplementary form outlines the accreditation process and helps candidates gauge their readiness.
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