Top 11 Director of Communications Certifications

Certifications are an important indicator of professional competency and demonstrate a commitment to the field of communications. For directors of communications, certifications can be vital for securing jobs or promotions because they demonstrate expertise and mastery of specific areas related to the field. Employers often look for certified professionals when filling positions, as certifications provide assurance that the candidate has a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field. Certifications can also help directors stand out from other job candidates by signaling their commitment to their profession and providing evidence that they have invested in professional development.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Directors of Communications and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Director of Communications Certifications?

Director of Communications certification is a professional certification that provides recognition for individuals who work in the field of communications. It is designed to provide recognition for individuals who have achieved a high level of professional achievement, knowledge, and experience within the field. This certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise and leadership skills to potential employers and clients, as well as provide them with opportunities for career advancement. It can also provide individuals with access to additional resources and expanded networks which can be beneficial in their current roles or when exploring new job opportunities. In addition, having this certification may increase an individual's credibility when engaging in public speaking engagements or media interviews.

Pro Tip: Consider pursuing a Director of Communications Certification to demonstrate your expertise in the field and stand out from other applicants. This type of certification often requires knowledge in areas such as public relations, marketing, media relations, and crisis communications. Additionally, some certifications may require experience in professional writing and editing.

Related: What does a Director of Communications do?

Top 11 Director of Communications Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director of Communicationss today.

1. Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR)

Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR) is a professional certification program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is designed to recognize public relations professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field.

The CPPR program consists of three components: an online course, an exam, and a portfolio review. The online course provides an overview of public relations principles and practices, including media relations, crisis management, research methods, and more. The exam tests your knowledge on these topics. Finally, the portfolio review assesses your ability to apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPPR program. To get started, you must first register for the online course and pay the associated fee ($495 for PRSA members; $595 for non-members). Once you’ve completed the coursework, you can then register for the exam ($295 for PRSA members; $395 for non-members). After passing the exam, you will need to submit a portfolio of your work in order to be eligible for certification. The cost of this varies depending on the type of portfolio you submit (written or multimedia).

Overall, it can cost anywhere from $790-$1,190 to become certified as a CPPR depending on whether or not you are a PRSA member and which type of portfolio you submit.

2. Certified Communications and Public Affairs Professional (CCPAP)

Certified Communications and Public Affairs Professional (CCPAP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of professional competency in the fields of communications and public affairs. The CCPAP certification is awarded by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

The CCPAP certification process consists of three components: an application, an examination, and a professional experience review. To qualify for the CCPAP certification, applicants must demonstrate that they have at least five years of experience in communications or public affairs management. They must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as strategic communication planning, media relations, crisis communication, and public relations writing. Finally, they must submit a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their ability to apply best practices in communications and public affairs.

The CCPAP certification process takes approximately four months to complete from start to finish. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process at least six months prior to their desired completion date.

The cost for the CCPAP certification program is $1,295 for IABC members and $1,495 for non-members. This fee includes all materials needed for the application process, including access to online resources and study guides. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with taking the examination or submitting a portfolio review.

3. Certified Association Executive (CAE)

Certified Association Executive (CAE) is a professional certification program for association executives. It is the highest level of recognition available in the association management profession and is administered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The CAE credential demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of association management.

It typically takes three to five years to complete all requirements for the CAE credential. To be eligible, applicants must have at least three years of full-time professional experience in association management or related fields, as well as a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education credits within the past five years. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of association management principles and practices.

The cost to apply for the CAE credential varies depending on ASAE membership status. For non-members, it costs $495 to apply; for members, it costs $395; and for student members, it costs $195. Once approved, there is an annual renewal fee of $150.

4. Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC)

Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of proficiency in public relations. It is awarded by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the largest professional organization for public relations professionals.

To become a CPRC, you must have at least five years of experience in public relations and pass an exam administered by PRSA. The exam covers topics such as media relations, crisis communication, research and evaluation, ethics, and more. It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exam and complete all the requirements.

The cost to take the CPRC exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PRSA or not. For non-members, it costs $400; for members, it costs $250. There are also additional fees for registration and study materials.

5. Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

Accredited in Public Relations (APR) is a professional credential offered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) that recognizes public relations professionals who demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and commitment to the profession. The APR is a voluntary certification program for experienced practitioners and is based on a rigorous examination process that includes both written and oral components.

The APR designation requires a minimum of five years of public relations experience, as well as completion of an intensive study program. The study program consists of reading materials, attending workshops, completing assignments, and passing an exam. The UAB also requires applicants to complete an ethics self-assessment before they can take the exam.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants must submit their application to the UAB at least three months prior to taking the exam. Once approved, applicants will receive their study materials and be given four months to prepare for the exam. After completing all requirements, applicants will take the two-part examination which consists of a written test and an oral presentation.

The cost of becoming accredited in public relations varies depending on where you live and what type of training you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 - $5,000 USD for tuition fees plus any additional expenses such as books or travel costs associated with attending workshops or seminars related to public relations accreditation.

6. International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Certificate Program

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Certificate Program is a professional development program that provides participants with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become successful business communicators. The program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level requires completion of four courses, for a total of twelve courses over the duration of the program.

The Foundation Level focuses on basic communication concepts such as message design, writing for different audiences, visual communication and media relations. The Intermediate Level expands on these topics by introducing more advanced concepts such as crisis communications, public speaking and digital media strategies. The Advanced Level covers topics such as organizational storytelling, executive communication and global communication strategies.

The program typically takes one year to complete but can be completed in less time depending on the individual's pace. To get started in the IABC Certificate Program, individuals must first join IABC as a member. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen (student/professional/retired). After joining IABC, individuals can register for individual courses or purchase course packages at discounted rates from the IABC website. Course fees range from $50-$200 per course depending on the level and type of course chosen.

Overall, completing the IABC Certificate Program is an excellent way for professionals to gain valuable skills in business communication that will help them succeed in their careers.

7. Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) Certification Program

The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) Certification Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize communication professionals with the highest levels of knowledge and experience in the field. This program is open to anyone who wishes to demonstrate their expertise in communication, regardless of their current job role or educational background.

The GCCC certification process consists of three stages: an application review, an online assessment, and a final interview. The application review involves submitting your resume and other supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and work samples. After your application is approved, you will be invited to take the online assessment which covers topics such as strategic communication planning, message development and delivery, public speaking, crisis management, media relations, digital communication tools and techniques, and more. Once you pass the assessment with a score of 80% or higher you will be invited for a final interview where you will discuss your experience in the field and answer questions related to the topics covered in the assessment.

The entire certification process typically takes between 4-6 months depending on how quickly you complete each stage. You can expect to spend at least 8-10 hours per week studying for the online assessment during this time period.

The cost of obtaining GCCC certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of an organization. For individuals it costs $750 USD for the application fee plus $250 USD for each stage of the process (application review/online assessment/final interview). For organizations it costs $2,500 USD for up to five applicants plus $250 USD for each additional applicant.

8. Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Diploma

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Diploma is a professional qualification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise in public relations. It is designed to equip practitioners with the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to work in the field of public relations.

The CIPR Diploma consists of three modules: Principles and Practice of Public Relations, Managing Communications, and Professional Practice. Each module requires approximately 100 hours of study time to complete, so it usually takes around nine months to finish the diploma.

To be eligible for the diploma, you must have either a degree or two years’ experience in public relations. You must also pass an assessment test before enrolling on the course.

The CIPR Diploma costs £1,500 for members and £2,000 for non-members. This fee includes all materials needed to complete the course as well as access to online support from tutors.

Once you have successfully completed all three modules, you will receive your diploma certificate from CIPR and become a qualified public relations practitioner.

9. Social Media Strategist Certificate

A Social Media Strategist Certificate is a certification program that teaches individuals how to create and execute successful social media strategies. It covers topics such as content creation, marketing, analytics, and more. The program typically takes approximately six months to complete and consists of online lectures, quizzes, and assignments.

In order to get the Social Media Strategist Certificate, students must first complete an application process which includes submitting their resume and portfolio. After being accepted into the program, students will need to attend all lectures and complete all assignments in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the Social Media Strategist Certificate varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, however, it can range anywhere from $500 - $2,000 USD.

10. Crisis Communications Certificate

Crisis Communications Certificate is a professional certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and respond to crises. The certificate program is offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and focuses on developing an understanding of how to create effective crisis communication plans, how to assess risks, how to handle media inquiries, and how to develop strategies for recovery following a crisis.

The Crisis Communications Certificate requires completion of four courses: Crisis Management & Planning; Crisis Communication & Messaging; Media Relations in Times of Crisis; and Recovery & Reputation Management. Each course is 8-10 weeks long, with weekly assignments and exams. The total time commitment for the certificate program is approximately 32-40 weeks.

To obtain the Crisis Communications Certificate, students must complete all four courses within one year or less. Upon completion of all four courses, students will receive their official PRSA certificate in the mail.

The cost for the entire Crisis Communications Certificate Program is $1,250 USD. This cost includes access to all four courses as well as any additional materials needed for successful completion of each course.

11. Strategic Corporate Communications Certificate

The Strategic Corporate Communications Certificate is a professional credential designed to help those who work in communications and public relations develop the skills needed to effectively manage corporate communications. It is offered by the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) and provides students with an understanding of how to create, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans.

The certificate program consists of three courses: Corporate Communication Strategy, Measurement & Evaluation, and Crisis & Reputation Management. Each course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete. The total cost for the certificate is $1,500 USD for all three courses.

To get the certificate, you must first complete all three courses within one year of enrollment. After completing the courses, you will need to submit a portfolio demonstrating your understanding of the material covered in each course. Once your portfolio is reviewed and approved by IPR staff, you will receive your certificate.

Do You Really Need a Director of Communications Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Director of Communications Certificate depends on your specific career goals and the type of job you are looking for. For some, a certificate may be beneficial in showing employers that they have taken the time to learn about communication strategies and how to effectively use them to reach an organization's objectives. However, many jobs do not require such a certification and it may not be necessary for those who already have experience in the field.

For those who are just starting out in their career, having a Director of Communications Certificate could be beneficial as it could demonstrate to potential employers that they have taken the time to learn about communication strategies and how to apply them in an organizational setting. Additionally, having such a certification can help one stand out from other candidates when applying for positions.

On the other hand, for those who already have several years of experience working in communications, having a certificate may not be necessary as employers will likely recognize their skills and knowledge without it. Additionally, if someone has experience working with different types of media or technologies used in communications, then this could also show employers that they have the skills needed for the job.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Director of Communications Certificate really depends on your own individual career goals and what kind of job you are looking for. If you are just starting out or want to stand out from other candidates when applying for positions then obtaining such a certification could be beneficial; however, if you already have extensive experience in communications then it may not be necessary.

Related: Director of Communications Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Communications Certifications

1. What is a Director of Communications Certification?

Answer: A Director of Communications Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of communications. The certification focuses on strategic communication, media relations, public relations, and digital marketing.

2. How Do I Become Certified as a Director of Communications?

Answer: To become certified as a Director of Communications, you must complete an accredited program or course that focuses on the core competencies required for the role. After completing the program, you will need to pass an exam to receive your certification.

3. What Are the Benefits of Becoming Certified as a Director of Communications?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Director of Communications provides numerous benefits including increased career opportunities, higher salaries, improved credibility among peers and employers, and recognition as an expert in the field.

4. What Are the Requirements for Maintaining My Director of Communications Certification?

Answer: In order to maintain your certification, you must adhere to certain standards such as completing continuing education courses and activities related to communications every two years. Additionally, you may need to pay annual renewal fees in order to keep your certification active and up-to-date.

5. Is There Any Financial Assistance Available for Obtaining My Director of Communications Certification?

Answer: Yes! Many organizations offer financial assistance such as grants or scholarships for those seeking their Director of Communications Certification. Additionally, some employers may also provide financial assistance or reimbursement for their employees who are pursuing certifications in this field.