Certification Program for Communications Excellence

The AWC Matrix Foundation

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The mission of the AWC Matrix Foundation is to promote the advancement of women in the communications professions through education, research and publications

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization—separate from the Association for Women in Communications—that conducts its educational and charitable projects in cooperation with the Association for Women in Communications

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Certification Program for Communications Excellence

◦ A national program for recognizing excellence in all areas of communications

◦ Designed to demonstrate professional development, leadership and management skills, and commitment to education as well as to high standards in the communications profession

◦ Approved by the AWC National Board of Directors and endorsed by the University of Washington School of Communications

◦ Administered by a select committee of veteran communicators and Certified Communications Professionals

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Certification Program for Communications Excellence

◦ All who successfully complete the program:

Receive a Certificate of Communications Excellence

Are designated Certified Communications Professionals (CCP)

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Certification Program for Communications Excellence

◦ Three years allowed for completion

◦ Activities can go back 5 years from date of application*

◦ Minimum of 3,000 points is required, earned in three areas

◦ Electronic workbook includes forms for recording activities

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*Exceptions to the 5–year limit

◦ Post graduate Master’s and Ph.D. degrees can be earned at any time

◦ Associate and Bachelor’s degrees for which course work was begun after individual entered work force

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Basic certification requirements:

On-the-job activities 750 points

Volunteer activities 750 points

Education activities 1,500 points

TOTAL REQUIRED 3,000 POINTS

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Examples of On the Job Activities Local National Pts.

1. Develop/manage successful campaign X X 250-375

2. Edit/lead role on publication, web site, broadcast program, etc.

X X 250-375

3. Design publication or web site; all local or national or combo

X X 150-225

4. Research and produce investigative report, series, book

X X 250

5. Research and write article on communications in professional journal

X X 250

6. Executive position (President/CEO/CFO/etc.) one year, local or national

X X 250-375/yr.

max. 750

7. Teach communications, accredited institution for one year

8. Etc. (More activities qualify)

X X

150 part time

250 full time

375 dean

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Example Continuing Education Activities Local National Pts.

1. Employer/in-house half-day communication seminar X 150

2 Employer/in-house multi-day communications seminar X 250

3. Single program, less than half day at national communications organization meeting

X 100

4. Complete an online course offered/ endorsed by a communications organization

X X 250

5. CEU classes offered by accredited institution X X 50

6. Bachelor’s/graduate degree from an accredited institution

X X 1,000

7. Etc. (More activities qualify) Maximums apply

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Examples of Volunteer Activities Local National Pts.

1. Board member (other than president) for 1year X X 150-450

2. Board president for 1year X X 250-750

3. Chair major project (seminar, all-day workshop, large banquet); 1year

X X 150-450

4. Committee chair (not board position) X X 100-400

5. Edit and/or design publication; manage and/or design web site (separate from a board position)

X X 100-400

6. Service award X X 150-450

7. Etc. (More activities qualify) Maximums apply

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Certification Program for Communication Excellence

◦ Goals must be established

◦ Self-evaluations are required

◦ Proof of activity is required Attendance slips, CEU/academic records, or grades

Brochures, invitations, flyers, etc.

Samples of work product

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Certification Program for Communication Excellence

Cost:

◦ $300 for AWC members

◦ $500 for members of other professional communications organizations

◦ 50% payable upon initial application

◦ 50% payable upon submission of materials for final approval

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For more information or to apply online:

www.awcmatrixfoundation.us