Communication professionals often find themselves caught in a frustrating paradox—tasked with shaping organisational narratives and influencing strategies, yet struggling to prove the strategic value of what we do, writes Sia Papageorgiou.
This needs to change.
Professional certification for communication professionals offers the path forward, raising the bar and setting a higher standard of excellence.
The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) provides global, rigorous credentials rooted in strategic thinking. The Communication Management Professional (CMP) and Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certifications represent a clear validation of expertise, strategic value, and leadership. These credentials send a powerful message to employers and peers alike that you’re shaping the future of communication.
Many communication professionals are still hesitant about certification, wondering if it’s truly necessary or if their years of experience speak for themselves.
But here’s the hard truth: experience alone is not enough.
If we as communication professionals don’t take steps to validate our expertise and commit to ongoing excellence, why should anyone else respect our profession? Certification raises the bar for the entire profession and validates individual growth. And if you don’t believe me – look at what the research says: GCCC certificants are more likely to experience higher or equal levels of respect when compared to credentialed professionals in other professions.
The GCCC’s certifications—CMP and SCMP—stand apart because they are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which validates that the program meets the rigorous benchmarks set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). These credentials aren’t just about adding letters to your name; they demonstrate that you meet the highest global standards of strategic communication excellence, tested and validated rigorously.
Why is this critical? Because these days, communication isn’t just about sending out media releases or managing crises.
It’s about driving business outcomes.
It’s about influencing organisational strategy. And most importantly, it’s about being seen as a trusted advisor at the highest levels of decision-making.
Certification ensures that you’re not only competent but that you possess the strategic foresight, problem-solving ability, and leadership acumen required to truly make an impact.
The profession vs. the occupation
For those still wondering why certification is necessary, let’s draw a distinction between a profession and an occupation. A profession requires a specialised body of knowledge, formal qualifications, and a commitment to ongoing learning and accountability. It involves mastering a discipline and adhering to a set of ethical and operational standards. Occupations, on the other hand, often involve skill and experience but do not demand the same rigour or continuous professional development. Certification is the hallmark of a profession, and by pursuing it, communication professionals prove that they belong in the realm of trusted, accountable experts. This is the standard we must hold ourselves to if we want to be seen as strategic leaders within our organisations.
A wake-up call to the profession
At a time when industries and other professions are raising the bar for professional standards—where doctors, engineers, and IT professionals are expected to certify their expertise—why should communication be any different?
The stakes are high, and the future of our profession demands that we prove our value in a way that is undeniable. Certification is that proof.
Two African nations, Kenya and Zambia, have already moved to regulate the communication profession through legislative action. In these countries, communication professionals are required by law to meet certain standards, with professional bodies overseeing their conduct and qualifications. This shift marks a revolution in how communication is recognised as a critical, strategic profession.
Why isn’t the rest of the world catching up?
What would our profession look like if more communication professionals embraced certification? It would be transformative. If you’re certified, you’re not just any communicator—you’re a validated expert and strategic partner who brings measurable value to the table.
While many people can communicate, certification proves that you’ve mastered the discipline, elevating you from simply communicating to being a true communication professional capable of driving meaningful impact. When you earn your CMP or SCMP certification, you’re sending a clear message to your employer: “I’m not just good at what I do—I’m exceptional, and I’ve got the credentials to prove it.”
Certification isn’t optional
Some argue that ongoing education is enough to stay relevant.
That’s a dangerously complacent mindset.
While education is important, it doesn’t offer the same level of accountability or rigour that certification provides.
Certification goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it proves that you can apply what you’ve learned to drive results and shape the future of your organisation.
The GCCC certification process demands that you demonstrate real, measurable business outcomes in a way that ongoing education simply cannot. The renewal process ensures you’re consistently contributing to the profession, whether through mentoring, speaking at conferences, or showcasing your work. Certification requires and demonstrates a continuous commitment to excellence that goes far beyond the initial credential.
Join the revolution
For too long, communication professionals have been sidelined, viewed as tactical executors rather than strategic leaders.
Certification changes that narrative. It empowers us to take our rightful place at the decision-making table, where we belong. It gives us the credibility to not only execute communication strategies but to shape them, aligning them with broader organisational goals in ways that deliver measurable impact.
This is about revolutionising our profession from the inside out. Because your expertise deserves global recognition. It’s time to elevate the entire communication profession, and certification is the way forward.
If you’re not certified, you risk becoming less relevant over time. Don’t let years of experience be the only thing you lean on. Prove your value, not just to yourself, but to the organisations and stakeholders who depend on your expertise. Certification is the key to unlocking your full potential, and the time to act is now.
In a world where communication is more critical than ever, the question isn’t whether you can afford to get certified. It’s whether you can afford not to.
Now is the time to take control of your career and elevate your standing in the profession. Whether you’re ready to take the leap with the CMP or SCMP, the resources you need are at your fingertips.
Visit www.communicationcertification.org and join a global community of professionals who are setting the standard for strategic communication excellence. Don’t wait. Prove your expertise, elevate your influence, and let your credentials speak for themselves.
Sia Papageorgiou FRSA, FCSCE, SCMP
Sia Papageorgiou is the managing partner at the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence, a global professional development and insights organisation trusted by some of the world’s highest profile companies, including Nokia, BHP, and Unilever. A decorated strategic communication expert with over 50 awards, Sia is passionate about raising the standards of the profession. Through her leadership in certification initiatives, she is committed to helping communication professionals validate their expertise, increase their influence, and lead the field with confidence. Her mission is to equip professionals with the tools and credentials they need to drive strategic business outcomes and achieve lasting success.
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