IABC, our parent organization, stated last week that a “major overhaul” of our accreditation program is well underway. For the past nine months, the IABC international executive board has undertaken a thorough review of the program and its role in supporting the professional development of members. The board is now in the final phase of the review process and have begun to shape the design and delivery of a greatly improved accreditation program, with the objective of rolling it out in mid-2013.
The executive board has decided to temporarily halt new accreditation applications until the new program is in place. New applications will be accepted after the launch of the new program, which is projected to land mid-2013. Due to this suspension, the Accreditation Month promotion usually held October 1-November 15 will not take place this year. The executive board and accreditation council will continue to support all current accreditation candidates.
Providing professional development opportunities to members has been and continues to be among IABC’‘s top strategic priorities. IABC, at all levels, is firmly committed to the accreditation program and look forward to its evolution through the program improvements now underway. Members who have questions should contact the IABC professional development staff at: recognition@iabc.com.
IABC’s board recently released this list of FAQ’s:
Why was the decision made to suspend applications?
There is never a good time to stop something that has been going on for decades. The IEB deemed it best to deal with this issue as early as possible in the chapter year to minimize impact to chapter program schedules and regional conference agendas and allow local and regional leaders the time to make revisions.
Why weren’t chapter and regional members given more notice of this decision?
Sometimes we don’t practice what we preach. There had been discussions about the best way to manage the announcement but we didn’t follow through on suggested actions and the announcement went out. We are very sorry that we didn’t follow best practice in this instance and you can be assured that any further decisions about accreditation will be made following appropriate consultation.
Will the suspension affect current accreditation candidates in completing the program?
No. The suspension does not affect candidates already in the accreditation program. The current program will remain in force for current candidates who are submitting portfolios and studying for their accreditation exams. Accredited members will continue to serve as mentors, portfolio evaluators and exam assessors. We will do everything possible to help candidates earn the ABC designation before the new program begins in mid-2013.
Will this suspension affect the amnesty program that was announced recently?
No. The amnesty program applies to candidates who have already started the accreditation program. It provides members who began the program between January 2008 and January 2011 the opportunity to complete it without paying any additional fees. Additional information is available from: recognition@iabc.com.