What is the purpose of having a community management certification? Where can you get this certification? These are the things we will discuss below.
What Is Community Management Certification?
Community management is the process of managing a community in an online environment. It includes creating, monitoring, and managing online communities.
Of course, it’s not that simple. You need to specify the target community, the target audience, and the purpose of the community. The community management certification is a professional certification that confirms you have the necessary skills.
It is to manage an online community. We believe many companies are looking for individuals who have received this certification.
So let’s continue to discuss where you can find this certification.
Where Can You Get This Certification?
There is a professional organization called the International Association for Community Management (IACM). IACM was founded in 1987 and it has over 1,000 members from different countries around the world.
The mission of IACM is to improve and promote community management through training and education. They have been working hard to create this certification.
It’s the first certification program to certify professionals in community management. The certifications are valid for three years.
If you want to renew your certification, you need to take a three-day workshop every three years or take an exam every year. That’s what IACM does for renewal purposes.
By taking these workshops or exams, you will prove your knowledge in community management. And also know-how in managing online communities effectively.
Why Important To Have This Certification?
The most important reason to have this certification is that it’s a professional recognition. Many individuals who have received this certification have started their careers as community managers.
They have received many job offers, and they are now actively developing their careers in the field of community management. If you want to become a community manager, I suggest you get this certification.
Then you can start your career as a community manager. According to IACM, there are many benefits you can get by getting certified:
It has the necessary skills to manage an online community. You will develop your career as a successful community manager.
You have the skills and knowledge that meet industry standards. The certification is recognized by the industry and employers worldwide.
You will receive excellent support from IACM members and training partners around the world. Also, you will be eligible for insurance discounts for professional liability insurance for IACM members as well as other benefits from IACM partners.
How To Get Certified?
To get certified, you need to take a training course or complete an exam that covers three core areas the include in the following:
- Strategic planning
- Organizational management
- Personal development.
These three areas are required for managing online communities effectively and efficiently. Training courses include three days of training, whereas exams include one day of exam preparation and one day of exam taking.
However, you need to make sure that the training course or exam, is approved by IACM before joining it or taking it.