Chapter and region leaders, as well as members-at-large interested in volunteer leadership, attended the face-to-face IABC Regional Leadership Institute on November 11, 2018.

Participants heard updates and enjoyed interacting with IABC leadership, Heritage Region board members (including chapter liaisons) and leaders from other chapters. Attendees enjoyed:

• Renewing relationships in a collaborative, friendly environment
• Celebrating successful results and brainstorm ideas
• Leveraging regional support 
• Focusing on best practice strategies and tactics
• Gaining tangible takeaways to support chapter success 

Find details on the program and region financial support here. The Heritage Region will offer a similar program in 2019.

In November 2018 IABC/Richmond and IABC/Heritage Region co-hosted IABC certification exams offered through the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) prior to the start of Heritage Region Conference. The region will offer this opportunity at future conferences. Chapters also can host the exam, and it's available at the International Leadership Institute and IABC World Conference. 

The two GCCC exams are the Communication Management Professional Certification (CMP) and the Senior Communication Management Professional Certification (SCMP). 

Global Certification Offers Benefits

Professionals who hold GCCC certification are included in a register on the GCCC’s website. Your listing will show your GCCC certification credential along with any other professional designations you hold, the country and city where you are based, and the date when your certification is up for renewal.

Additional Benefits

• Keep your professional skills and knowledge both fresh and applicable to your career stage and career objectives. This is accomplished through the Global Standard and the GCCC’s annual requirements for maintaining your certification.
• Your GCCC-issued certificate is third-party evidence that you are knowledgeable and hold expertise in communication.
• Gain an edge to differentiate yourself from the competition to win that job or promotion! Certification provides evidence of your qualifications and your participation in continuous learning.

Portability of your certification credential on a global basis.

Acknowledgment of your skills and expertise among your peers.

Demonstration of a commitment to your communication career.

A well-earned sense of professional achievement.

Certification Exam Qualifications
GCCC certification is open to any communication professional who qualifies as determined by the information provided on the application form. An individual does not have to be a member of IABC or any other professional organization.

To qualify for the CMP Exam, you must have:

• Eight years of experience
• Completed 40 hours of training within the two years prior to your application date

OR

• Six years of experience
• Two years of education
• Completed 40 hours of training within the two years prior to your application date

To qualify for the SCMP, you must have:

• 11 years of experience
• Completed 20 hours of training within the two years prior to your application date
• Submitted a letter of recommendation with your application form.

It is not necessary to hold the CMP credential in order to take the SCMP exam.

Complete These Steps to Take the Exam 

• Submit your completed application and the application fee to the GCCC for verification. You will be notified of your application status within 30 days. There is a specific application form for each exam.
  
  Once your application has been approved, you must register for the exam and submit the exam fee. You have two years from the date of your application to take the exam.
  
  

Taking the Certification Exam

The exam is web-based. All exam questions remain in the multiple-choice format. Each candidate must bring a laptop and cables/connectors to tap into the hotel’s hard-wired internet service.

Once your registration request and fees have been received by the GCCC, you will be sent an Admission to Examination Notice for the exact location and related details for your exam. This notice will be sent to your email address on record with the GCCC.

Here’s Where to Find More Information on Certification

For complete information on the certification program, qualifications, application forms, exam registration, fees, and the Candidate Handbook (aka GCCC Handbook), visit the GCCC website.