Communication Certification Programs
- Business Communication
- Marketing and Communication
- Written Communication
- Digital Communication
- Strategic Communication
Certifications for communications professionals include online programs and standard programs that they can complete as they work in the field. These programs are available from online schools and extension programs as well as professional organizations such as the International Association of Business Communicators. It’s important that prospective students look at some of the certificates they can earn and how those certificates will help them on the job.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
1. Business Communication
Those who work in the business industry must have strong communication skills that they can use when talking to and working with others, including coworkers and clients. Many online colleges now offer a business communication certificate program for students who already have some type of degree. Though some programs accept those with an undergraduate degree, others are suitable for students who have a graduate degree. They learn how to effectively communicate their needs to individual people and to groups and how to listen to what others need.
2. Marketing and Communication
A fast-growing field within the communication industry is in marketing and advertising. Communication majors learn how to create ad campaigns and similar programs that market a specific product or company to the public. Marketing and communication certificate programs help students develop strong marketing skills. They learn how to run test groups to find out what the general public thinks about a product or idea and how to use their research to create campaigns that grab the attention of the public. These programs may include some courses on traditional forms of advertising too, including radio and television ads.
3. Written Communication
People communicate with each other in ways beyond simply speaking to one another. They often use the written word to communicate via short text messages and longer emails. Colleges offer written communication certificate programs as a way to help students understand the importance of the written word. They learn how to talk about subjects in a simple way and how to use language that anyone can understand. Some programs will include courses on business and other forms of communication that involve the written word.
4. Digital Communication
Digital communication certificate programs are similar to marketing programs. They focus on the ways in which people share information and communicate with each other over the web. In addition to sending emails, workers today may need to create press releases that they issue online and answer questions posted by customers in public forums. Digital communication programs may also look at how companies can use websites and social media sites such as Facebook to communicate with their customers.
5. Strategic Communication
According to the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), there are two types of certificates that students can earn today through the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). They include one as a communication management professional and one as a strategic communication management professional. The second allows professionals to show that they have an understanding of strategic communication topics and that they can communicate with others. To earn either certificate, a student must take an extensive exam, which is only offered on select dates and at certain locations. Those who do not receive a high score on the exam can take it more than once.
Employers today often look for workers with strong communication skills. They want to know that those employees can effectively communicate with their clients and with anyone they work with daily or in a group setting. Five certifications that communications professionals can earn include those in business, marketing and strategic communication.