Accreditation

Why Become an Accredited Business Communicator, or ABC?

Accreditation is an IABC professional development program offering communicators a way of demonstrating ― to employers, fellow communicators and themselves ― their ability to successfully manage and execute effective organizational communication. Candidates meeting all requirements of the program earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).  

According to a worldwide study, ABCs say that the benefits include: 

• Enhancing their ability to take a strategic approach to communication management
• Increasing personal credibility -- as well as the credibility of their departments, organizations and profession
• Building confidence
• Earning an internationally recognized credential for professionalism and ethics

You are invited to join the network of current ABCs and fellow candidates in the IABC/Chicago group study program

IABC/Chicago Group Study Program 

Our chapter’s group study program began in spring 2003 as a way to guide candidates through the process of applying for accreditation, completing the ethics assessment, submitting the required portfolios, and passing the written and oral exam.  You can participate in some/all group activities or choose a self-directed approach, meeting the requirements outlined on www.iabc.com at your own pace. 

In the group study program, candidates are mentored by IABC/Chicago ABCs as they progress through each step of the process.  The group generally meets by conference call about once a month from September through March, when the exam is administered in Chicago.  For more information, read the IABC/Chicago FAQ and contact IABC/Chicago’s Directors of Accreditation: Joanne Kitsos (joanne.kitsos@bcbsa.com or 312.297.6643) or Maryellen Thielen (mtthielen@aol.com or 773.677.0646).

In Their Own Words:  Was it Worth It? 

"I have demonstrated to myself, to future employers and to the internal clients I serve that I have mastered a body of knowledge in communications and public relations."

Kris Gallagher, ABC, internal consultant, DePaul University

"My accreditation is a testimonial to the value that strategic communication management brings to our field.  Accreditation is all about communication management."

Mary Hills, ABC, principal, Peak Marketing and Communication

"Accreditation has given me a new perspective on being a communications professional.  It has helped me develop new ways of approaching communications problems and programs and, in general, has improved my critical thinking." 

Karen Utterback, ABC, editor, Research and Consulting Center,
Government Finance Officers Association

"I pursued accreditation because I thought it would be a valuable professional development program ― and in fact, the process validated how much I have learned throughout my career to date.  In addition, the chapter’s group study program ensured there were no surprises in the exam or the process." 

Maryellen Thielen, ABC, Consultant

Meet these and other ABCs and learn about the benefits of accreditation.