The Defense of Certification Toolkit helps credentialing professionals demonstrate the value of certification including the exam, code of ethics, eligibility requirements, accreditation requirements, continued competency and renewal, and more. Explore I.C.E. and external resources to help you advocate for your certification program and hear from other professionals about their experiences.

Resources and Tools

Exam

Code of Ethics &
Enforcement

Eligibility
Requirements

Accreditation
Requirements

Continuing
Competency &
Renewal

Data Needed

Additional I.C.E.
Resources

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Resources & Story

Testimonials

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"Credentialing organizations often need to educate regulators and others about the profession it credentials; and educate its stakeholders about the certification agency’s role and/or what it means to hold a credential. Defending certification may include challenges that question how competence is measured, how candidates are vetted, or what is required for recertification. This tool offers evidence-based information to show the value of certification and the validity of certification programs."

Shannon L. Fleming, MA, AT Ret.
Vice President of Credentialing
Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer

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"This toolkit is an essential resource to help legislators, regulators, and professionals understand the intricate dynamics of certification, differentiate it from formal education, and emphasize its unique role in ensuring competence and advancing professional fields. This toolkit enhances appreciation for the credentialing process and equips users with robust arguments and evidence to advocate for the relevance, integrity, and value of their professional credentials in policy and practice."

Matthew Green, CAE
Executive Director
Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB)