The AICI Certified Image Consultant shows clients, colleagues and the media that you have achieved a competent level of training and knowledge in the image field and that you keep abreast of current thinking and technical knowledge. AICI confers AICI Certified Image Consultant on those who successfully complete the AICI CIC Portfolio review process and pass the AICI Certified Image Consultant exam. A consultant receiving the Certified Image Consultant may write "AICI CIC" after his/her name.

The Process

AICI offers a two-track application option for earning the AICI CIC certification. Choose the track that works best for you.

Step 1: Select Track

Track 1 | CIC Exam Followed by the Submission of CIC Portfolio

Register for Track 1

• After registering, you will have six (6) months to take the exam. This starts from the date payment was received.
• You will receive your score immediately upon completing your exam. It may take up to 5 weeks for AICI to contact you with your next step.
• If the candidate does not pass the AICI CIC Exam within six months, and still wishes to pursue certification, they will be required to start the process again.
• Once AICI has received confirmation of exam score from Castle, a twelve (12) month candidacy period opens up for the portfolio review.
• AICI will contact you with your reviewer assignment. It is up to the reviewer and the candidate to coordinate the portfolio submissions.
• The reviewer will inform AICI when you have passed the portfolio review.
• If the candidate does not pass the CIC portfolio review within twelve (12) months, and still wishes to pursue certification, they will be required to start the process again.
• AICI will contact you with your certificate and shipping information once they have confirmed you completed your CIC Certification Requirements.

Track 2 | CIC Portfolio Submission Followed by the CIC Exam

Register for Track 2

• After registering, you will have twelve (12) months to complete the portfolio review. You will be assigned a reviewer within one (1) week of registering for Track 2.
• It is up to the reviewer and the candidate to coordinate the portfolio submissions.
• The reviewer will inform AICI when you have passed the portfolio review.
• If the candidate does not pass the CIC portfolio review within twelve (12) months, and still wishes to pursue certification, they will be required to start the process again.
• Once AICI has confirmed completion of portfolio review, it will open a six (6) month candidacy window to take the exam.
• If the candidate does not pass the AICI CIC Exam within six months, and still wishes to pursue certification, they will be required to start the process again.
• Once exam has been passed and AICI has confirmed you have completed your CIC Certification Requirements, you will be contacted with your certificate and shipping information.

Step 2: Register for your Track

• Register for Track 1 here ($375 for members, $1,490 for non-members).
• Register for Track 2 here ($375 for members, $1,490 for non-members).
• AICI CIC Application can be printed click here to print application. Application and payment should be faxed or mailed to the AICI Headquarters.

Fax or Mail to AICI Headquarters: 
1000 Westgate Drive #252
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Fax: 651.290.2266

Step 3: Confirmation of Payment from AICI Headquarters

Email confirmation received from AICI Headquarters confirming your track selection and payment.

Step 4: Completion of CIC Portfolio and CIC Exam Based on Track Selected

Track Flowchart