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Best communications director certifications
Communications director certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an communications director to employers. However, not all communications director certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a communications director are Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), and Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).
Below is a list of the best communications director certifications. Obtaining an communications director certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
11 best certifications for communications directors
| Rank | Communications director certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) | PRSA |
| 2 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 3 | Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) | NBAA |
| 4 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 5 | Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) | NAA |
| 6 | Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) | IABC |
| 7 | Communication Management Professional (CMP) | GCCC |
| 8 | Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) | PPAI |
| 9 | Certified in Public Health (CPH) | NBPHE |
| 10 | Certificate in Public Financial Management (Cert PFM) | ACCA |
| 11 | Program Management Professional (PgMP) | PMI |
11 best communications director certifications
1. Accreditation in Public Relations (PR)
APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program identifies qualified professionals to lead flight departments and companies that use business aircraft. Join the ranks of esteemed aviation professionals who have already been recognized as Certified Aviation Managers and apply for the CAM Exam today.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
5. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
The on-site manager is a vital link between apartment residents and the community owners and investors. That's why an increasing number of owners and investors are seeking NAA-designated CAM, Certified Apartment Managers to fill their staffing needs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)
IABC's accreditation program is the global standard of professional achievement for business communicators. Accredited members practicing around the world apply the same strategic management process in all communication disciplines, across diverse cultures, and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations of all sizes. This peer-reviewed program challenges candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of strategic communication planning, implementation, measurement and ethics. Candidates who meet all requirements earn the designation Accredited Business Communicator (ABC).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Communication Management Professional (CMP)
•The Communication Management Professional certification is aimed at the generalist/specialist level, a mid-level stage in the communication professional's development, for those with 6-8 years of experience in the communication field.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS)
The PPAI Professional Development Certification Program Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) Certification is a PPAI industry credential awarded to promotional products professionals with at least three years of promotional products industry experience, and who have met rigorous educational course and testing requirements-demonstrating exemplary commitment to their profession. Professionals who have earned their CAS provide the highest standard of conduct and integrity.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Certified in Public Health (CPH)
The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential as the only voluntary core credential for public health professionals. The CPH designation demonstrates that an individual graduate from a CEPH-accredited school or program of public health has mastered foundational competencies in public health. CPH professionals raise the bar and enhance the public health profession through their exemplary academic and leadership skills.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certificate in Public Financial Management (Cert PFM)
The ACCA Certificate in Public Financial Management (Cert PFM) is ACCA’s new and latest Public Sector qualification. Given the pace of change and size of expenditure in the public sector, it’s critical that finance professionals working in the sector have the right skills to deal with the challenges ahead. In response to demand from the public sector, we have developed the Certificate in Public Financial Management to help support and build strong public financial management. The ACCA Certificate in Public Financial Management will transform the finance capabilities of your organisation. By delivering the public finance knowledge, skills and ethical values needed by organisations like yours, our new Certificate will help you build financial capability and assess your employees. It introduces the essentials of public financial management. It provides a practical and broad-based knowledge of public financial management, teaching the foundations of public sector finance and ensuring finance professionals in the public sector have a core understanding of what is involved.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
11. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a communications director?
The best communications director certification is Accreditation in Public Relations (PR). The Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) is awarded by the Public Relations Society of America. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this communications director certification:
- To become a certified Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for communications directors?
The most in-demand communications director certification is Professional Certified Marketer based on all active job postings. Having this communications director certification will give you access to more communications director jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a communications director career and salary?
The Professional Certified Marketer certification will help you to secure a director position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A director's average salary is $116,877 whereas communications directors make an average salary of $107,700.
The most common combination of communications director certifications include: Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), and Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).
Online courses for communications directors to earn certifications
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