College students and entry-level employees often wonder what communications certification options are best for advancing a career in the media spotlight. Certifications are added industry credentials beyond a major curriculum that signal one’s skills and ambitions to employers. Most are provided by nonprofit professional associations with members in a specialized media niche. According to Robert Half, certifications lead to happier, more productive employees with greater confidence in their abilities. Further, certifications often deliver solid salary growth despite the upfront exam fees. Attaining wages much higher than the mean communication pay of $56,340 is likely. In fact, certifications could help climb the career ladder to executive titles like Chief Communication Officer where salaries average $123,809. Turn talent and experience into industry recognition with these four communication certifications.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
Communication Management Professional (CMP)
The International Association of Business Communicators directed by President John Gilbert has 75+ chapters serving more than 14,000 members from Fortune 500 companies with median $4 million ad budgets. In February 2014, it launched the Global Communication Certifications Council to honor Communication Management Professionals Accredited bachelor’s and master’s program graduates must score at least 75 percent on the 100-question exam charging $500 total. Applicants should have five to 10 years of mid-level experience.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
Started in 1947, the Public Relations Society of America is a nonprofit, New York-based professional organization chaired by CEO Gerard Corbett with around 28,000 members at 100+ chapters in 10 regions. Its Universal Accreditation Board offers the Accreditation in Public Relations pathway with a 94 percent satisfaction rate. Skilled PR workers pay $385 in fees to take a computer exam of 132 multiple-choice and situation analysis questions. However, the accreditation process also necessitates a panel portfolio presentation scored on 12 points.
Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
Located in Fairfax, Virginia, the Society for Technical Communication led by President Jane Wilson has nearly 5,000 members at 50+ global chapters focused on sharing scientific fact simply. Since 1971, it has awarded the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) designation in a three-tiered system. Starting the Foundation level requires passing a 40-minute, 50-question proctored exam with a $250 member fee. Test topics span nine industry topics, such as Content Management, Editing, and Project Planning.
Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB)
Headed by President Jim Leifer, the Society of Broadcast Engineers founded in 1964 in Indianapolis has 114 chapters in America and Hong Kong bringing over 5,000 multimedia professionals together. It’s many certifications in communications include Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB). Costing $150 to $240, this program entails a 50-question, three-hour proctored exam with one written essay. Having an experienced record of radio jobs over the last five years is required. Test sections range from Antenna Systems to Analog Transmitters.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that hiring for media jobs will only grow 6 percent by 2026 for 43,200 openings nationwide. Competition will be strong after graduation considering the Princeton Review listed communication in its 10 most popular majors. Going the extra mile to earn industry leading credentials could make a résumé more dazzling to recruiters. Therefore, other options for communications certification include Medical Writer Certified (MWC), Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), Certified Television Operator (CTO), Certified Government Communicator (CGC), and Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM).