IPMA's Professional Certification Program Yields Real Value!

One of the most valuable benefits the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) brings members is the opportunity to earn professional certifications in graphic communications and mail management.  The association's certification program was created in 1976 to establish a professional standard of proficiency for the in-house graphic arts and printing, and mail management professions and enables members to earn Certified Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM) and/or Certified Mail Manager (CMM) credentials in order to:

• Encourage individual professional growth and attainment of technical and managerial knowledge
• Create a positive image and advance the stature of effective in-house graphic communications and in-house mail managers
• Emphasize the knowledge and expertise required to excel in the in-house graphic communications and in-house mail fields
• Identify, through the CGCM and CMM designations, those managers who have attained a high level of competence and professionalism

SeaCrest Company, a firm that provides association management services, notes that those who earn professional certifications can benefit in a number of ways including recognition by a third party, enhanced credibility and professional reputation, continued professional development and a sense of personal accomplishment.  In some cases certifications may be a requirement for a position, but SeaCrest adds that those who hold such credentials are seen to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill, and commitment to their field which can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement and/or increased earnings.

IPMA's certification program was designed to provide the benefits SeaCrest cites, but to validate what the approximately 100 CGCM and CMMs certified through the program have experienced, the association recently conducted a brief survey of active certificate holders. The results demonstrate that certificate holders are indeed finding positive success as a result of having earned certification including:

• 22% of respondents received a salary increase as a result of earning certification
• 22% of respondents received a grade increase as a result of earning certification
• 13% of respondents received a new job as a result of earning certification
• Of those who received a salary increase, 42% received an increase of 10% or more

Percent of Salary Increase for Respondents Who Received Increase as Result of Certification

Percent of Respondents

The survey also queried how certification impacted those seeking new positions. Of those who have applied for or received a new position since earning their certification, respondents indicated that their CGCM or CMM status played a major factor in 82% of the hiring processes as follows: 

• 28% - Certification was a job requirement
• 28% - Certification was not a requirement, but resulted in a higher salary offer
• 28% - Certification was not a requirement, but was considered an important credential in the hiring process

In addition to receiving promotions or salary increases, the CGCM and CCMs surveyed cited other benefits they have experienced that they attribute directly to earning their certification credentials including:

• Increased industry and peer recognition - 62%
• Refresh and increase of own knowledge - 29%
• Self-confidence and sense of accomplishment - 24%
• Professional leadership opportunities - 14%

This data clearly point to the benefits individuals enjoy as a result of earning IPMA's CGCM and CMM certifications! In their survey comments, current CGCM and CMMs provided additional thoughts as to the importance certification makes.

Rob Lingard, CMM, noted, "Certification represents a level of professionalism and dedication to the printing and mailing industries. It shows your willingness to learn and grow within these two ever changing industries. It is a personal commitment to the improvement of our trade."

"Industry certification is becoming even more important as the mail and print industry shrinks. Companies that hire individuals as print and mail managers are looking for the 'best of the best'. Having an industry certification allows the individual to negotiate a better salary and lends value in why the individual should be hired. Accounting firms hire CPA's; print and mail companies need to hire individuals with accreditation specific to their specialized skills," was the message from Chris Kula CMDSM, CMM, EMCM, MDC, MDP and Manager of Mailing Operations & Direct Mail Development, RuffaloCODY

Sally Roberts, CGCM, Director of Print and Pubs at the University of West Georgia summed it up saying, "Certification provides an extra edge in the workplace and opens doors for you!"

Chris Anderson, CGCM from Deseret Mutual Benefit Administration, and one of the most recently certified CGCMs encourages others to take the steps needed to gain certification. "I put off certification for years, because I didn't see the value. Now that I understand the value, I regret waiting so long," he commented.  "Do not delay earning your certification."

Take Chris' advice and apply today for the upcoming CGCM/CMM testing opportunity June at the 2014 FULL THROTTLE COMMUNICATION Conference in Milwaukee, WI, June 8-12!

Click here to learn more about IPMA's Certified Mail Manager program

Click here to learn more about IPMA's Certified Graphics Communications Manager program