Top 10 Communications Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for communications specialists in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of specific skills. Employers will look for certifications when considering candidates for positions, especially those that require specialized knowledge about certain aspects of communications. Certifications can also help differentiate one candidate from another, as they may have additional qualifications that employers value. Finally, certifications provide a great way to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, allowing communications specialists to remain competitive in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Communications Specialists and explain how they can help advance a Communications Specialist's career.

What are Communications Specialist Certifications?

Communications specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in communications, public relations, and marketing. It is available through a variety of organizations and can be earned by completing courses in communication theory, media relations, public speaking, writing for the web and media, and other topics relevant to the field.

Having a communications specialist certification can help individuals stand out from the competition when looking for jobs or promotions. The certification shows potential employers that the individual has taken extra steps to acquire important skills and knowledge related to the field. It also serves as validation of an individual’s expertise in areas such as media relations and social media management.

Having a communications specialist certification is beneficial for those who are already working in the field as it can demonstrate their commitment to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This can help them stay ahead of their peers while also increasing their value within an organization. Additionally, having a certification provides an opportunity to network with others in the industry and build relationships with potential clients.

Overall, obtaining a communications specialist certification is an excellent way for professionals to gain recognition for their skillset while also setting themselves apart from other applicants or colleagues in the industry.

Pro Tip: If you are considering a communications specialist certification, be sure to research the requirements and make sure that the certifications you are interested in are recognized by your industry. That way, you can ensure that your certification will be valuable and help you stand out from other professionals in your field.

Related: What does a Communications Specialist do?

Top 10 Communications Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Communications Specialists today.

1. Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR)

Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR) is a professional certification program offered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), an independent organization that sets standards for public relations professionals. The CPPR program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of public relations.

The CPPR program requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in public relations, as well as a bachelor's degree in communications or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as media relations, crisis communication, strategic planning, research methods, and ethics.

The process of obtaining the CPPR designation typically takes three to six months. During this time, applicants must complete the application form, submit their resume and other supporting documents, and take the exam. Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants will be awarded the CPPR designation.

The cost of obtaining the CPPR designation varies depending on where you live and how much preparation you need for the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 USD. This cost includes registration fees for the exam as well as any study materials you may need to prepare for it.

2. Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful digital marketing professionals. The program is offered by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), a global leader in digital marketing education.

The CDMP program consists of 8 modules covering topics such as search engine optimization, content marketing, social media, email marketing, analytics and more. Each module includes video lectures, quizzes, case studies and other activities to help students learn the material. The entire program takes approximately 10 weeks to complete.

To get certified as a CDMP, you must first complete all 8 modules of the program and pass the final exam. Upon completion of the coursework and passing the exam, you will receive your official CDMP certificate from DMI.

The cost of the CDMP program varies depending on where you take it. The cost can range from $1,000 up to $2,500 depending on your location and whether or not you choose to take any additional courses or workshops offered by DMI.

3. Accredited Public Relations Practitioner (APRP)

Accredited Public Relations Practitioner (APRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This certification is designed to recognize public relations professionals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field.

It typically takes between two and four years to complete the requirements for APRP certification. To become certified, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have at least five years of professional experience in public relations;
• Have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in public relations;
• Pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in the areas of public relations theory, practice, and ethics;
• Submit three letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors; and
• Agree to abide by PRSA’s Code of Ethics.

The cost for APRP certification varies depending on your membership status with PRSA. For non-members, it costs $550 to take the exam and $200 for each year after that. For members, it costs $400 to take the exam and $150 for each year after that.

4. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of social media strategy. It is designed to help employers identify and hire qualified professionals who understand the nuances of social media and can effectively create, implement, and manage successful campaigns.

The CSMS certification is offered by the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI). To become certified, applicants must complete a series of courses covering topics such as content creation, audience engagement, analytics, and more. The program also includes a hands-on project that requires applicants to develop and execute a real-world social media campaign.

The total time it takes to get the CSMS certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and availability. Generally speaking, it takes around six months to complete all of the required courses and projects.

In order to receive the CSMS certification, applicants must pay a fee of $499 USD. This fee covers all course materials, access to SMMI’s online learning platform, and support from experienced instructors. After completing all requirements for the program, applicants will receive their official CSMS certificate via email.

5. Certified Communication Management Professional (CCMP)

Certified Communication Management Professional (CCMP) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise and skills of communication professionals. The CCMP is offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), an organization that promotes excellence in communication management.

The CCMP program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of communication strategy, planning, implementation, evaluation, and measurement. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts to real-world situations. The program consists of a written exam and an oral interview.

The written exam includes multiple-choice questions on topics such as communication theory, research methods, organizational dynamics, public relations, marketing communications, media relations, crisis management, and employee engagement. The oral interview tests applicants’ abilities to think critically about communication challenges and develop solutions.

It typically takes 6 months to complete the CCMP program from start to finish. To get started on the path towards becoming certified, applicants must first submit an application form along with their resume and a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or mentor who can attest to their knowledge in the field of communication management. After submitting their application materials for review, applicants will receive an email with instructions for registering for the written exam and scheduling an interview with IABC representatives.

The cost for taking the CCMP exam is $595 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee covers all parts of the program including registration fees, study materials, and access to online resources such as practice exams and webinars hosted by IABC experts.

6. Certified Corporate Communications Professional (CCCP)

Certified Corporate Communications Professional (CCCP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The CCCP certification is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in corporate communications. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the areas of organizational communication, media relations, public relations, strategic planning, and crisis management.

The CCCP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in corporate communications or related fields. Applicants are required to submit an application with their resume, references, and a portfolio demonstrating their professional accomplishments. After submitting the application, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as organizational communication theory and practice, media relations principles and practices, public relations strategies and tactics, crisis management techniques, and strategic planning processes.

The CCCP certification process typically takes about four months from start to finish. The cost for the CCCP exam is $395 for IABC members and $495 for non-members.

7. Certified Crisis Manager (CCM)

Certified Crisis Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage crisis situations. The CCM program is offered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), an international organization that promotes emergency management and public safety through education, training, and certification.

The CCM program consists of four courses: Crisis Management Fundamentals, Crisis Communications & Public Relations, Risk & Threat Assessment, and Crisis Leadership & Decision Making. Each course requires 80 hours of study time and includes online lectures, case studies, simulations, quizzes, and exams. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates are eligible to take the CCM Exam which is administered by IAEM.

To become certified as a CCM it typically takes about six months or longer depending on how quickly you complete the required courses and pass the exam. To get started you must first register for the program at IAEM's website and pay a one-time fee of $350 USD. After registering you can access all four courses online through IAEM's learning portal. Once you have completed all four courses you can then register for the CCM Exam which costs an additional $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official Certified Crisis Manager certificate from IAEM along with a digital badge that can be used to demonstrate your credentials on social media profiles or resumes.

8. Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)

Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) is an international professional certification program created by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). It is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced business communicators.

The ABC program consists of a series of assessments that measure competencies in areas such as communication strategy, writing, editing, public relations, social media, and more. To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their mastery of these competencies through a series of written exams.

The ABC certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To get started, candidates must first register for the program with IABC and pay the applicable fees. After registration is complete, applicants will be provided with access to online study materials and practice tests to help prepare for the written exams. Once all examinations have been successfully completed, applicants will receive their official ABC Certification from IABC.

The cost of obtaining an ABC certification varies depending on whether or not you are an IABC member. For non-members, the cost is $1,495 USD; for members it is $995 USD.

9. International Association of Business Communicators Certification Program (IABC CP)

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Certification Program (IABC CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the professional achievements of communicators around the world. The IABC CP is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in communication, and provides recognition for those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field.

The IABC CP requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a comprehensive assessment process. Applicants must pass an online test that covers topics such as writing, editing, research, strategy, media relations, public speaking, and digital media. They must also submit a portfolio of their work that showcases their best practices and accomplishments in communication.

The IABC CP takes approximately 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's progress. To get started with the program, applicants must first register online with IABC and pay the $250 registration fee. After registering, they will be given access to study materials and resources which they can use to prepare for the assessment process. Once they have completed their studies and are ready to take the exam, they can schedule an appointment with an IABC Certified Professional Examiner (CPE). The CPE will administer the exam and provide feedback on each applicant's performance.

Once applicants have passed all components of the assessment process, they will receive an official certificate from IABC recognizing them as an IABC Certified Professional (CP). This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by passing another assessment process or taking additional courses approved by IABC.

The total cost of obtaining an IABC CP ranges from $250-$500 depending on whether or not additional courses are taken prior to taking the exam.

10. Strategic Communication Management Professional Certification Program (SCMP-CP)

The Strategic Communication Management Professional Certification Program (SCMP-CP) is a professional certification program designed to help communication professionals develop and demonstrate their expertise in strategic communication management. The program is offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

The SCMP-CP program consists of three components: an online self-assessment, a two-day workshop, and an online exam. The self-assessment assesses your current knowledge and skills in strategic communication management, while the two-day workshop provides you with practical tools and techniques to help you develop your skills further. The online exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the workshop.

It typically takes about six months to complete the SCMP-CP program. To get started, you must first register for the online self-assessment. Once you have completed the self-assessment, you can then register for the two-day workshop. After completing the workshop, you can then take the online exam.

The cost of the SCMP-CP program varies depending on where you live and which components you choose to participate in. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD to complete all three components.

Do You Really Need a Communications Specialist Certificate?

When it comes to making a career in the communications field, many people are drawn to the idea of pursuing a Communications Specialist Certificate. But with so many different options available, it can be difficult to decide if this type of certificate is really necessary for success.

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to deciding whether or not you need a Communications Specialist Certificate. It depends on your individual experience, skill set, and goals. If you have experience in the field already and are looking to build on your knowledge base or hone specific skills, then a Communications Specialist Certificate could be beneficial. It could help you stand out from other job applicants as someone who has taken the time and effort to learn more about their chosen field and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

On the other hand, if you’re just starting out in the communications industry or don’t have much work experience, then a certificate may not be necessary for you at this stage of your career. In this case, gaining some hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities might be more beneficial than investing time and money into obtaining a certificate.

In summary, whether or not you need a Communications Specialist Certificate will depend on your current level of knowledge and experience in the field as well as your future goals and objectives. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what best fits your needs and ambitions.

Related: Communications Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Communications Specialist Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Communications Specialist?

Answer: Generally, Communications Specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Additional certifications may be beneficial as well.

2. What types of certifications are available for Communications Specialists?

Answer: Certifications vary by organization and can include Professional in Public Relations (PRP), Digital Marketing Certified Associate (DMCA), Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR), and Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS).

3. How do I become certified as a Communications Specialist?

Answer: To become certified as a Communications Specialist, you must complete an approved program or course of study and pass an examination administered by the certifying organization.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Communications Specialist?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the certifying organization but is typically between $200-$400 USD.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Communications Specialist?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified include increased job opportunities, higher pay, improved credibility and visibility within the industry, and enhanced knowledge and skills related to communications strategies and tactics.