AICI certification validates your credibility within the image industry and with your clients. Certification is a great marketing tool to build your business and attract clients.
Completing each level of certification is a major, time-consuming task, but it is rewarding and gives your self-confidence a boost that it is well worth all the work. Working on a certification keeps you striving to be the best and focused on the details of your business. You continue to update your professional education by earning CEUs. The best benefit of certification is the monetary reward because each time you receive a new certification, your income potential increases.
The Three Levels of AICI Certification
AICI Certified Image Consultant (AICI CIC)
At this level, AICI CIC certifies that you have achieved certain standards in the image consulting industry and that you keep abreast of current thinking and technical knowledge. Many consultants apply for the AICI CIC designation after they complete their initial image consulting training and start a business. This certification gives you credibility and self-confidence to be an image consultant. A consultant receiving the Certified Image Consultant may write “AICI CIC” after his/her name.
AICI Certified Image Professional (AICI CIP)
This valued certification builds your credibility as an experienced, professional image consultant, thereby helping you market your established image business. An AICI CIP will feel more competent, have more hands-on experience and, therefore, receive more business opportunities with this certification. Successful people want to hire other successful people. To earn the AICI CIP certification, you must be AICI CIC certified; your CIP application and CIP portfolio must be reviewed and approved. A consultant receiving the Certified Image Professional Certification may write “AICI CIP” after his/her name.
AICI Certified Image Master (AICI CIM)
This reflects the highest level of consultant in the industry. The applicant must have achieved the AICI CIP certification. The applicants need to demonstrate, with proof, 2000 hours per year of full-time work; an extensive Continuing Education record; a professional fee structure; a history of personal and professional achievements; original systems or developed work such as and not confined to books, booklets, teaching or training aids, and/or image products; professionally produced high-level products; a commitment to AICI and high-level participation on AICI or other boards; recognition by peers; and a recognized brand in the industry. A consultant receiving the Master Certification may write “AICI CIM” after his/her name.