Braggin’ Rights
By Lynn Tipton, Executive Director
Florida was the first state association to lead the nation, and then the world, in ICMA Credentialed Managers. From the beginning of the credentialing process, we led the way. We’ve lost that braggin’ right to North Carolina –and I want to challenge each non-credentialed manager to help us change that! Firstly – are you eligible to be a credentialed manager? If not, I hope one day that you will be eligible and want to pursue this distinction. Secondly, if you are eligible, what’s holding you back? I know it is a substantial time commitment, or maybe you think there’s too much paperwork. I’ll agree the early format led to lots of questions, but the process is pretty streamlined and accessible, and we’ve Floridians as advisors to those going through the process – just a phone call or e-mail away. We also have regional training events year-round to help you earn your hours, along with ICMA Practices-based workshops at the annual conference and Winter Institute. You can read books and use on-line programs, too.
Why should you want to be credentialed? In these tough, competitive times professionals need to stand out to employers. We see more and more advertisements referencing “ICMA Credential” preferred, and I don’t believe that will change. Also, it gives you a performance measure against which you can continue your commitment to lifelong learning and to staying current in the field.
If you have any questions about credentialing and the process, start with this web page at the ICMA site: http://icma.org/en/icma/members/credentialing . Amanda Relyea at ICMA is the credentialing manager, and also the best contact point: her number is (202) 962-3565 and the e-mail is credentialing@icma.org or arelyea@icma.org
Let’s get Florida back into first place! North Carolina started emphasizing this a few years ago within its membership, and those folks really rose to the challenge – I know we can rise to the top once more!
