Why Become Certified?

The role of the communication professional at the decision-making tables of the Church requires an increasing level of skill, knowledge, expertise and training. Communication personnel advise administrators on the effects of plans and programs relating to the mission of the organization. For these reasons, it is imperative that communication professionals have high-level training.

Who Governs the Certification Program?

The Certification Program is overseen by the Certification and Accreditation Board at the General Conference Office of Communication and coordinated by a Certification Manager. Responsibilities of the Manager include: arranging events, coordinating with Division Communication Directors, maintaining the records for certification candidates, approving CEU credits, coordinating readings and externships, and providing resources for candidates and those who have completed certification.

The Board has developed certification standards, approves each candidate for certification upon completion of the requirements and is responsible for the rigor of the certification.

Internationally, each region is expected to develop a certification program that reflects local needs and challenges. The regional programs will be designed to partner with academic institutions, professors and professionals in the delivery of specific skill-oriented content.

What are the Available Concentrations?

• Media Relations
• Journalism (Web, Print or Broadcast)
• Public Relations
• Corporate Communications (Strategic & Crisis)
• Web Communication/Social Networking
• Media Production

Who is eligible to apply for Certification?

• Anyone employed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in a position of communication.
• Anyone who is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and works as a communication professional.
• Anyone outside the Seventh-day Adventist faith working in the communication profession is welcome to pursue certification with the approval of the Certification Manager and as space and resources permit.

Who Can Benefit from Certification?

Any communication professional, church administrator or anyone pursuing a career in communication or a communication-related field.

What are the Certification Requirements?

The program as well as some of the requirements will vary internationally dependant upon availability of classes seminars and lectures in the region. Check with the regional coordinator covering your location for a list of requirements.

(1) Generally, a foundational journalism course covering writing clarity, journalistic style, and the variety of writing types in professional communication will be required. Completion of this course, which is required for all tracks, counts for fulfillment of 20 CEU credits.

(2) Examinations covering the appropriate stylebook for media use (AP Stylebook in the US) in your region, the Code of Ethics for Adventist Communicators, and the Seventh-day Adventist Corporate Identity Package are also part of the requirements.

(3) A list of readings will be required and customized for the certification candidate to cover areas needing strengthening and updating. Readings may address trends, theory, classic communication issues and authors, and new directions. The candidate’s bibliography will be created in consultation with the Certification Manager in your region and counts as 30 CEU credits. Reports of the readings will be submitted by the Candidate.

(4) A 40-hour externship in a venue outside the candidate’s own organization in a job “shadow-mentor” situation. The selection of the host/mentor will be made in consultation with the Certification Manager to strengthen the Candidate’s areas of need. The Candidate will submit a report and a reflection paper.

(5) Also, approved elective workshops, seminars, classes, presentations at professional organizations such as the Society of Adventist Communicators and others will be accepted as CEU credit.

(6) While these requirements may vary by Division or Union, 30 CEUs will be earned through electives. Basically, one hour of seminar or workshop attendance will equal 1 CEU credit. College and University courses will be calculated for up to 5 CEU credits. (If the candidate does not have a communication degree, additional CEUs are required.)

Certification must be completed three years after completing the Journalism Core Course. However, if the candidate is pursuing more than one track, additional time will be provided.

After receiving Certification, maintenance will be required through completion of 15 CEUs every three years.

How much does Certification cost?

The candidate and/or his or her employer is responsible for:
-The certification application fee
-Books, readings, materials, manuals, access fees, exams, and other expenses
-Travel and fees for workshops, seminars, and
externships.

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Where can I find more information and apply?

For more application information visit the web site that coordinates the program in your region.

North America: www.AdventistCommunicator.org

Other regions are not yet available.