Get Accredited – It’s as easy as ABC!

Letter from Joe Ricciardi, IABC Phoenix Director of Accreditation

So, you probably came to this page because you are thinking about accreditation. Maybe you've heard it's a horrific process or think you aren't qualified to even try? Let me put the myths and apprehension to rest. Take it from someone who has completed the process, it's not too bad. In fact, click here to read my story that ran in an edition of our chapter newsletter EDIT.

Let me answer some basic questions:

What is IABC accreditation?

Accreditation is IABC's professional credential program recognizing communicators who have reached a globally accepted standard of knowledge and proficiency in their chosen field. Accredited communicators have the proven ability to think and plan strategically and to successfully manage the skills essential to effective organizational communication.

Candidates meeting all requirements of the program earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC). The ABC designation is increasingly valuable to organizations and clients as part of the job search and career enhancement process, and is recognized worldwide by all chapters of IABC.

Why get accredited by IABC? 

The accreditation process offers professional communicators a way of demonstrating their ability to think and plan strategically and to successfully manage those skills essential to effective organizational communication.

It is a recognized standard in our industry that sets you apart from your peers in the field when it comes to your next career move or even within your current organization. And you get to put those cool ABC (accredited business communicator) initials after your name on your resume, business card and email signature!

How much does it cost?

There is a one-time application cost of $290 for IABC members ($500 for non-members). In many cases, your employer may pay for this, especially if they offer tuition reimbursement programs. This is part of your professional development so ask your leader if the company can support your effort to get accredited. There are no other costs and no annual fees.

Isn't it a hard process?

Nope. It's as easy as ABC:

•  Complete ABC application and submit fee to IABC National office

•  Submit portfolio of your work – two of your key projects

•  Take the IABC exam

And the best part about it is IABC gives you plenty of time to complete the process. You have one year from when your application is accepted to submit your portfolio. Once your portfolio is passed, you have another full year to take the exam. So, even if you have a lot going on in your life – like I did when I went through the process (did you read my story yet?) – it is still manageable. Don't make a lack of time an excuse not to get started.

You won't take the accreditation journey alone. You have local and national resources. I am your local guide to help you through the process, provide resources and assist in any way I can. In addition, as we get more members in the pipeline, I will connect you with your peers in the process so you can support each other.

All of the details, examples, testimonials, and other great information can be found on the IABC national site at http://www.iabc.com/abc/. Check it out and then get in touch with me to get started.

Near the bottom of this page you will see a list of those from our Phoenix chapter already accredited. The first step in joining this prestigious list is to start with your application today. You can download an application here: PDF version   Text version

I look forward to supporting you through this tremendous process and celebrating your accreditation when you finish!

Joe Ricciardi

IABC Phoenix Director of Accreditation

Accredited IABC Phoenix members include:

Alanna M Vitucci, ABC Andrea Parsons, ABC Barbara Deters, ABC Carol A. Poore, ABC Cathy E. Planchard, ABC Cathy Gedvilas, ABC Crystal R. Thompson, ABC Dana Hoernig Felthouse, ABC Danielle M Sittu, ABC DeEtte Person, ABC Diane Mitchell, ABC Elizabeth S. Coffroth, ABC Fran Booth, ABC Fred Petrovsky, ABC Joe Ricciardi, ABC Judith Redman, ABC Julia Wallace Smith, ABC Kevin E. Snow, ABC Kurt W. Widermuth, ABC

Len Gutman, ABC Linda Taylor, ABC Linnea Maxwell, ABC Lisa M Boulay, ABC Lorenzo Sierra, ABC Mark W Estes, ABC Mary Ehlert, ABC Michelle M. Gorel, ABC Nicole Flowers, ABC Pamela K. Meyerhoffer, ABC Paul A. Barton, ABC Peggy Bieniek, ABC Philip N. Douglis, ABC Tara Mogan, MMC, ABC Thomas Tirone, ABC Trudy Thompson Rice, ABC William F. Herr, ABC Wilma K. Mathews, ABC

Subscribe to the ABC list

The ABC List, a free monthly text newsletter, is a forum for accredited communicators, but more important, is written for communicators interested in learning more about becoming accredited, the value of accreditation and the process to accreditation.

To subscribe to the ABC List, send a blank e-mail to ABCList-subscribe@topica.com

Read back issues on the web at www.topica.com/lists/ABCList/read.