IABC / St. Louis

Accreditation
Want to give yourself a "unique selling position" and stand out in the "crowd" of professionals in our field? Would you like to be in the "top" 12% of this organization? Start the Accreditation process today!

What is IABC accreditation?
Accreditation is a professional development program that helps members demonstrate their skills and abilities. This is a distinction attempted and earned by about 12% of the 13,000 IABC members worldwide. Once earned, you are eligible to put ABC (Accredited Business Communicator) behind your name, much like a CPA does in the Accounting profession.

Who can become accredited?
Members and non-members of IABC with a minimum of five years' experience in the field and a Bachelors degree may become accredited. People with less education and more years of hands-on work experience may be eligible as well.

What are the benefits of being accredited?
IABC accreditation could be what gets you into -- or to the top of -- your company or department. It also could help you stand out to employers' as they search for quality people to fill their job openings. It "brands" you as a superior communicator with initiative. It might even improve your pay, your title, and your self-confidence!

What is the process?
1. Submit an application and application fee
2. Submit your portfolio of work samples once your application has been approved
3. Take a four-hour written and 30-minute oral test

When are the annual portfolio deadlines?
March 1, July 1 and October 1

Do we have local Accredited members?
Yes, we currently have nine. Please feel free to contact any of these members about their experience with accreditation:

1. Jerry Bryan, ABC
President, Bryan Consulting Inc.
2. Nancy Bunker Koester, ABC
Strategist/Consultant, Bunker Koester & Associates
3. Leah Gleason, ABC
4. Diane Herndon, ABC
Director, Public Policy, Monsanto Company
5. Katherine "Kit" Jenkins, ABC
Associate. Professor, Webster University
6. Barbara Meyer, ABC
Director, Corporate Communications, Sisters of Mercy
7. Melissa Moulton, ABC
Principal, Strategic Communications
8. Cheryl Walker, ABC
9. Mary Wilson, ABC
Manager, Marketing Communications Cutting Edge Optronics

How do I get more information?
The International IABC web site has very detailed information about Accreditation. Go to http://www.iabc.com/abc. The St. Louis chapter contact is Erin Conroy, President.