You know that you have what it takes to be a great image consultant. But how do you prove your credentials?
While you could get a degree in a related field, such as communications, you can also prove your image consultancy acumen by way of certifications.
Certification tests aren’t your first step to take, however. Usually, you will undergo training and education before you take your certification course. But certifications are critical to take before you launch your career.
With the right certifications, you can show that you know what you’re talking about — and can ensure that you have what it takes before you jump into the business.
What is a Certified Image Consultant?
A certified image consultant is a consultant who has been certified by the Association for Image Consultants International (AICI). There are three certification levels available, all of which show that a consultant has been able to demonstrate their knowledge of image consultancy as well as their capability of running an image consultancy business.
Because there are different certification levels, an individual can start with the first certification and work their way up. These certification paths will test real-world knowledge, so an individual will also need to be confident about building their portfolio and testing their skills. Most individuals are going to begin their certification path within the classroom.
Why is Certification Important?
Certification is important for two reasons.
First, it establishes your credentials. Image consultants come from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all experiences, and all educations. An image consultant may not have a college degree, or they might have a master’s degree. They may be entry-level at a firm, or they may have decades of experience in related fields. So, certification establishes that the image consultant has what it takes to be in the industry.
Second, it helps you learn more about the industry, functioning as a form of continuing education. As you undergo training and learn about the certification process, you’ll also discover any gaps in your current knowledge. Certification doesn’t just cover the services that you provide to your clients, but also the basics of managing a business within the industry.
Certification will show your clients as well as yourself that you are ready to embark on your professional journey. Because there is no degree or specific job experience someone can point to and say, “I’m an image consultant,” certification is an excellent way to prove yourself and to establish your skills.
How Do You Become Certified?
Before certification, most certified image consultants will undergo in-depth training on the current standards and practices of the image consulting industry. This training might come in the form of online or in-person classes, or boot camps. There are authorized trainers for the AICI certification; London Image Institute is one. After this, you will take an examination, typically starting with the First Level exam.
As your career progresses, you may want to take the second and third levels of the exam to show that you have broadened your knowledge and honed your strengths. But the first step is always going to be to take training within the image consulting industry. Here are the three levels of exam:
• AICI Certified Image Consultant
• AICI Certified Image Professional
• AICI Certified Image Master
For the test, you will have six months for the exam. You will receive the score immediately after taking the exam, but you may not hear from AICI for up to 5 weeks. You can take the exam again if you have failed. After the exam, your portfolio will be reviewed. You will need to pass this review within 12 months to become certified.
To find out more information about becoming certified, you can see the current Exam Handbook, Portfolio Handbook, Evaluation Form, and the Chapter Exam Form. All of these documents should give you more insight into what is expected of you.
How Do You Maintain Your Certification?
Your certifications will need to be renewed every three years, and there are also renewal fees associated. This practice ensures that you remain informed of the current state of the industry. The image consultancy industry changes rapidly and it’s important to have the most current knowledge.
If you let your certification lapse, you will need to retake the certification tests again. You can also sign up for classes for “continued education,” so you keep abreast of the most current changes. Members of the AICI are able to get discounts for their certification tests, which can be helpful for those intending to do the full course of certifications.
Are you ready to start your journey to becoming an image consultant? Contact the London Image Institute today to learn more.
