A letter from Danielle LeBlanc, IABC Phoenix Director of Accreditation

You’re probably visiting this page because you’re considering ABC accreditation. Perhaps you’ve heard the process is time consuming or you’re not sure if you even qualify to try. The questions and answers below should help put some of your apprehensions to rest. And coming from someone who recently completed the process, it’s really not all that bad.

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. You also get to put ABC initials after your name on your resume, business card and e-mail signature.

How much does it cost?
There is a one-time application cost of $320 for IABC members ($530 for non-members). In many cases, your employer may pay for this, especially if they offer a tuition reimbursement program. Because this is considered professional development, ask your supervisor if your organization will support your effort to become accredited. There are no other costs or annual fees associated with accreditation.

Isn’t it a hard process?
No, it’s much easier than you think:
• Complete the ABC application and submit the fee to IABC’s national office
• Submit a portfolio of your work, which includes 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. Even if you’ve got a lot going on in your life, it’s still a manageable process. Lack of time shouldn’t be an excuse to put this off!

And remember, you won’t be alone. Throughout the process you’ll have local and national resources available to you. I’m also available to help guide you along the way, providing resources and assisting in any way I can. And as more IABC members go for accreditation, I’ll help connect you with your peers so you can support one another.

All of the details, examples, testimonials, and other great information can be found on the IABC national site at http://www.iabc.com/abc/. Take a look and let me know when you’re ready to get started.

At the bottom of this page is a list of IABC Phoenix members already accredited. The first step in joining this prestigious list is to start with your application today. You can download an application in either PDF or Word formats here:  http://www.iabc.com/abc/prospective/application/

Some links that will be helpful to prospective ABC candidates:

• A calendar showing key dates and deadlines for submitting portfolios
• The complete list of frequently asked questions
• Podcast: New ABC Jennifer Russo on Becoming an Accredited Business Communicator

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

Danielle LeBlanc, ABC, APR
IABC Phoenix Director of Accreditation
Phone: 480-728-5673
Email: Danielle.LeBlanc@chw.edu

Accredited IABC Phoenix members include:
Alanna M Vitucci, ABC
Amy Santoro, ABC
Andrea Parsons, ABC
Barby Grant, ABC
Brett Doucette, ABC
Carol A. Poore, ABC
Cathy E. Planchard, ABC
Cathy Gedvilas, ABC
Crystal R. Thompson, ABC
Damon Gross, ABC
Dana Hoernig Felthouse, ABC
Danielle LeBlanc, ABC
Danielle M Sittu, ABC
DeEtte Person, ABC
Diana Decker, ABC
Diane Mitchell, ABC
Elizabeth S. Coffroth, ABC
Fran Booth, ABC
Heidi Frei, ABC
Jenna Rowell, ABC
Jennifer Russo, ABC
Joe Ricciardi, ABC
Julia Wallace Smith, ABC
Kevin E. Snow, ABC
Len Gutman, ABC
Liam O’Mahony, MBA, ABC, APR
Mark W Estes, ABC
Mary Ehlert, ABC
Michelle M. Gorel, ABC
Pamela K. Meyerhoffer, ABC
Peggy Bieniek, ABC
Philip N. Douglis, ABC
Rachel Pearson, ABC
Rebecca Brown, ABC
Robert Colbert, ABC
Tara Mogan, MMC, ABC
Thomas Tirone, ABC
Trudy Thompson Rice, ABC
William F. Herr, ABC
Wilma K. Mathews, ABC

Get accredited – It’s easier than you think!