ABOUT IABC/TORONTO

Welcome to the IABC/Toronto chapter Web site.

As the largest chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, we provide access to products, services, activities and networking opportunities in Toronto and around the world. We help people and organizations achieve excellence in corporate communications, public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, public affairs and other forms of communication.

IABC Accreditation

What is accreditation?
Who is it for?
The three steps to accreditation
Exam dates and locations
IABC/Toronto's accredited business communicators (ABCs)

1. What is accreditation?

Accreditation is IABC's professional development program to achieve designation. It offers professional communicators a way of demonstrating their ability to think and plan strategically and to successfully manage those skills essential to effective business communication. Candidates meeting all requirements of the program earn the designation accredited business communicator (ABC).

2. Who is it for?

The accreditation program is aimed at those who are ready to move into communication management. Candidates must have a minimum of five years' experience in the communication profession and a bachelor's degree, or a total of nine years' combined experience and/or post-secondary education.

3. The three steps to accreditation

Application: Provide your education and work experience on the Becoming an Accredited Business Communicator form. Send it to IABC International's world headquarters in San Francisco, with half the full amount of the US$290 US fee (for non-members the fee is US$500). The other half is payable after you qualify to take the examination by submitting an acceptable portfolio.
Qualification: Submit two work samples with detailed statements of objectives and results. The portfolio is worth 25 per cent of the total score.
Examination: Complete the four-hour written and half-hour oral exam.
- Written exam-the written exam contains three sections: general knowledge of business communication, developing a full-range communication program and philosophy of business communication. It's worth 58 per cent of the total.
- Oral exam-candidates are presented with a case situation and must identify the problem and present a proposed solution. This exam is worth 17 per cent of the total.

4. Exam dates and locations

Exams are held in Toronto in the spring and fall. For more information, contact IABC/Toronto to find out more about its Accreditation College Curriculum - a program to assist all members interested in becoming accreditade.

5. Click here to view a complete list of IABC/Toronto's accredited business communicators (ABCs)

For guidelines and tips, see Becoming an Accredited Business Communicator.