|
What is AICI?
The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) is the premier and largest international organization of professionals offering image services.
What benefits does AICI offer an image consultant?
AICI offers image consultants education, support and networking, public visibility, and certification programs.
What is certification and why is it important?
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. Potential clients visiting the AICI website will see members listed in the AICI Membership Directory by certification levels. The Masters are listed first. Professionals are listed second and the First Level Certified Members are listed third. Higher certification allows more exposure to the public.
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 potential for increased income increases.
What are the three levels of certification?
AICI First Level Certification (AICI FLC): At this level, AICI FLC 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 FLC 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 whose AICI FLC Application is accepted may write “AICI FLC” after his/her name.
AICI Certified Image Professional (AICI CIP): This is the mid-level certification that builds 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 pass the AICI FLC Test and submit the AICI CIP Application which provides proof of your education, experience, and ownership of an image business. A consultant whose AICI CIP Application is accepted may write “AICI CIP” after his/her name.
AICI Certified Image Master (AICI CIM): This reflects the highest level certification proving that you are an exceptional, dedicated consultant, have a recognized brand in the industry and own a successful image business. Being a master elevates you in the eyes of the public, your clients, and professional colleagues. Many clients will travel a long distance to work with the best. To earn the AICI CIM certification you must maintain your AICI CIP certification for five years and have an approved AICI CIM Application. AICI CIM certification states that you are an industry leader, a successful business owner, and a respected expert by your colleagues and clients. A consultant receiving the Master Certification may write “AICI CIM” after his/her name.
|
