CMP Study Resources

CMP Professional Development Support

In addition to being a resource for lifelong learning, IABC Professional Development resources support the GCCC certification program. Current offerings are being mapped to align with these CMP domains and tasks.

Domains and major tasks performed can be broken down into five categories: Ethics, Research & Analysis, Strategy & Engagement, Consistency & Strategic Implementation and Measurement. Read on for major tasks associated with each category and resources available to support them.

For further information about the knowledge required, see the Job Task Analysis (JTA) for CMP candidates.

Ethics

Tasks	Resources
Communicate with sensitivity to cultural values and beliefs Communicate according to ethical standards Determine and explain actions to take when issues arise that have the potential to impact the reputation of the organization In the context of professional communication, apply laws affecting privacy, copyright, plagiarism, confidentiality, conflict of interest and disclosure.	IABC Circle of Fellows episodes 15, 74, 75 "The IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication,” chapter 4

Research & Analysis

Tasks

Resources

Choose appropriate research methodology based on the needs of the project
Research, benchmark and analyze the business and communication environment and against needs and opportunities
Determine and analyze the audience characteristics and mindset in relation to the communication opportunity
Interpret and apply the results to inform the communication strategy, aligning key business indicators with communication campaigns

IABC Circle of Fellows episodes: 2, 21,68, 75
"The IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication,” chapter 12

Strategy & Engagement

Tasks

Resources

Develop communication strategies and tactics that are consistent with the results of
the research and analysis and aligned with business and audience needs
Present the business need or opportunity and the strategic communication approach
Establish measurable objectives to provide direction and deliver meaningful communication outcomes and outputs
Describe the audience characteristics in relation to the communication strategy
Create key messages to reinforce the objectives of the program
Define tactics that are consistent with research findings, the business need and audience preferences
Identify and use the most effective communication channels, vehicles, and media for audiences
Develop a communication budget
Collaborate with internal and external partners

IABC Circle of Fellows episodes: 12, 58, 70, 75, 76, 78, 79
"The IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication,” chapters 5, 8, 13, 14, 19, 21

Consistency & Strategic Implementation

Tasks

Resources

Develop and implement tactical project plans, manage budgets and human resources, set and meet deadlines
Advise on the effective use of communication platforms and messaging and manage communication channels
Create clear and concise content and manage content across channels
Edit copy, prepare presentations, design, and layout documents
Engage stakeholders and manage relationships with them
Monitor, analyze and modify the implementation of the communication program

IABC Circle of Fellows episodes: 18, 23, 35, 44, 75, 78

Measurement

Tasks

Resources

Select and use tools and techniques to measure communication results
Measure and analyze outputs and outcomes of communication campaigns against the intended results
Compare and analyze results against benchmarks and objectives based on the business and communication needs identified
Analyze the results delivered against the business and communication needs identified and return on investment
Present results to stakeholders including recommendations for improvement

IABC Circle of Fellows episodes: 2, 21, 40, 47, 68, 75, 77, 81
"The IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication,” chapters 12, 13

Additional Resources for CMP Candidates

Candidate handbook – download here
IABC Code of Ethics – link here
Practice test – download here

Current CMPs also recommend:

Job Task Analysis (JTA) for CMP – download here
Areas to review within communication practice, e.g. media relations, internal communications, corporate social responsibility, conducting research, social and digital media, etc.
Read white papers on tasks and knowledge covered by JTA
Participate in webinars – IABC Advance, organization in-services, open courses, etc.
Catalyst magazine and online content center

*Utilizing these study aids does not guarantee a candidate will pass either certification exam.

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Information! The GCCC is independent of IABC. Its members represent the communication industry worldwide and come from a broad spectrum of organizations. The independent status reflects the GCCC’s understanding of the importance of impartiality in carrying out its certification activities, managing conflict of interest, and ensuring the objectivity of its certification activities. Membership in IABC is not a condition of Council membership or certification.