The Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE) and Strategic today announced the launch of ‘Credentialed’, a certification sponsorship initiative developed in partnership with the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC).
Credentialed builds on the CSCE’s ongoing investment in advancing professional standards through training and certification, brought to life through collaboration with Strategic and the GCCC.
Credentialed provides funded access to globally recognised professional certification for a select number of communication leaders each year. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening professional standards, advancing strategic capability and supporting professionals who are ready to demonstrate measurable competence through internationally recognised credentials.
The CSCE is globally recognised for advancing professional standards through certification preparation, strategic capability development and thought leadership focused on elevating the communication profession.
As part of the program, the CSCE will sponsor certification for eligible members of the Strategic community who meet defined criteria and demonstrate readiness to undertake professional certification. Credentialed will sponsor five certification candidates annually, maintaining a selective and rigorous process aligned with global professional standards.
Candidates will be selected through a structured process designed to preserve the integrity and credibility associated with global certification.
The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) establishes and maintains internationally recognised standards for communication excellence through the Communication Management Professional (CMP) and Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certifications.
Sia Papageorgiou, co-founder of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE), said:
“Professional credibility is built through standards, commitment and access. Through Credentialed, the CSCE is investing directly in individuals who are ready to demonstrate strategic capability through global certification. In partnership with Strategic and the GCCC, this initiative signals what our profession stands for — rigour, accountability and excellence — and supports a select cohort each year to meet that standard.”
Orla Clancy, founder and managing director of Strategic, said:
“I have always believed that certification in the public relations and communication profession is essential, particularly if we want to be on an equal footing with other professions such as law and accounting. This is the obvious route for credibility with stakeholders, owning our expertise, and being accountable for delivering value and results. To be taken seriously, we need to step up. The onus is on us, as a profession, to have credentials and be qualified experts. This partnership aligns Strategic with CSCE and the GCCC, which together represent the globally recognised gold standard for strategic communication.”
Bonnie Caver, chair of the board of directors, Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), said:
“Certification is fundamental to strengthening the credibility and consistency of our profession. Initiatives like Credentialed expand access while upholding the rigour and standards that define it. The Global Communication Certification Council remains committed to independent, internationally recognised benchmarks for excellence, and we welcome partnerships that support professionals in demonstrating verified competence. This initiative reflects a clear commitment to advancing the profession with discipline and integrity.”
Candidates must demonstrate eligibility prior to undertaking either the Communication Management Professional (CMP) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification.
Further information about the CMP and SCMP certification programs, including eligibility criteria and application requirements, is available at www.gcccouncil.org.
About Strategic
Strategic is the platform for communication leadership globally. It hosts Strategic Magazine – with a Global Columnist Network of industry-recognized communication experts – Strategic Training – with in-person and virtual courses across Europe, North America and APAC – Strategic Events to bring its community together – Strategic Global Awards to recognize the best in the industry – and Strategic Mastermind led by communication experts to connect peers and navigate the fast-changing world of communication. Its purpose is to demonstrate the value of communication and its impact on organizational objectives. Its mission is to shape communication practices worldwide. Its vision is to position communication as a strategic management function. Strategic is focused on fostering the right collaboration and optimizing business relationships, reputations and growth. It is dedicated to serving communication leaders, and connecting them with Strategic’s partners – by offering high quality content, connections and experiences.
About the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE)
The Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE) is a global professional development and insights organisation dedicated to advancing the communication profession through standards, education and strategic capability development. CSCE partners with organisations and practitioners worldwide to strengthen advisory capability, business acumen and measurable impact through training programs, research, certification preparation and thought leadership. Its work focuses on elevating professional practice by supporting communication leaders to build value, increase influence and demonstrate business outcomes.
About the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC)
The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) is a leading organization that defines excellence in strategic communication. Established to fulfill the global demand for a unified, association-agnostic certification, GCCC prioritizes the highest standards of competence and ethical practice. Known for its rigorous standards and comprehensive assessments, GCCC certifications reflect the latest industry trends and best practices. By promoting a culture of continuous learning and excellence, the GCCC empowers communication professionals to advance their careers and assume leadership roles. More than a certification body, the GCCC is a community of passionate professionals committed to elevating strategic communication.
