CHICAGO, 29 July 2025 – The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC®), the certification body for the communication profession, today announced its official establishment as a fully independent, non-profit organization, effective January 1, 2026. The GCCC has been operating under the auspices of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
This strategic move positions the GCCC to serve the broader global communication community by offering a universal and portable certification standard.
The GCCC, which administers the prestigious, ISO-Accredited Communication Management Professional (CMP®) and Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®) certifications, will operate with its own Board of Directors. The move is designed to encourage adoption of its certifications by other professional communication associations worldwide, creating a unified standard of excellence for practitioners.
IABC and GCCC will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition.
"This is a landmark moment for the communication profession," said Bonnie Caver, SCMP, the newly appointed Chair of the GCCC Board. "By becoming a truly independent entity, the GCCC can fulfill its mission to create a single, recognized, and respected global credentialing process. Our goal is for the CMP and SCMP to become the gold standard for communication professionals everywhere, regardless of their association membership. We invite communication associations from around the world to join us in this vision."
The GCCC was first established by IABC to create a certification program based on internationally recognized best practices and standards, including ISO 17024. The program was built upon the foundation of IABC’s Global Standard for the Communication Profession, which aligns with the Global Capability Framework developed by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management.
Under the new structure, IABC will act as the sole member of the GCCC, providing foundational financial support to ensure the Council's long-term stability and success. This unique relationship maintains a vital link to the program's heritage while empowering the GCCC to operate with the impartiality and independence required of a global certifying body.
"IABC is incredibly proud to have incubated the GCCC and to see it evolve into an independent organization positioned for growth and broad adoption by the entire profession," said Anuja Kale Agarwal, the IABC International Executive Board Chair. "We are confident that an independent GCCC is the best way to advance a unified global standard for communication professionals. “The CMP and SCMP will continue to be the official certifications for IABC members, reflecting their commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice," she added.
This transition allows the GCCC to focus exclusively on developing, maintaining, and promoting its certification programs, ensuring they remain relevant, credible, and accessible to communication professionals at all career stages.
About the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a unified, global credentialing process for communication professionals. The GCCC administers the Communication Management Professional (CMP®) and Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®) certifications, which are built on global best practices and are ISO-accredited. To learn more about certification through the GCCC, visit gcccouncil.org.
About the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. With thousands of members worldwide, IABC sets the global standard for communication excellence and provides members with the knowledge, connections, and career resources to succeed. To learn more about IABC, visit iabc.com.
Media Contact:
Shel Holtz, SCMP
Phone: 925-864-2249
Email: shel.holtz@gmail.com