The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) recently developed the Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP) certification to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities in governance, program operations, and assessment development and validation for credentialing professionals.

In part two of our Q&A series of the inaugural cohort of ICE-CCP credential holders, I.C.E. Publications and Editorial Committee member Steven Garner, PMP, CAE, ICE-CCP, spoke with Norah Duffy, CAE, ICE-CCP, about the importance of obtaining this certification, her exam experience and more.

Catch up on part one, featuring Mary Rehm, CAE, ICE-CCP, here.

What attracted you to pursue the new ICE-CCP certification?

I think most of us in the industry understand the value of holding a certification. I earned the ICE-CCP because I hope that it will help elevate the profession, bring visibility to the industry and highlight the importance of having competent staff leading organizations’ credentialing efforts.

How did you prepare for taking the exam?

Serving as the director of certification for five multi-level certification programs for the past five years has provided me with important job experiences related to governance, program operations, and assessment development and validation topics. I had previously completed the I.C.E. Certificate for Credentialing Specialists and found that the content aligned closely with the exam and that I needed very little additional preparation.

What was the remote proctoring exam experience like for you?

Attending a remotely proctored exam was fantastic. As a new mom breastfeeding a one-month-old baby at the time, the remote option allowed me to be a part of the first cohort of exam takers along with my peers without disrupting my at-home routine.

How do you see your career being impacted now that you earned the ICE-CCP?

As an ICE-CCP certificant, I feel more motivated to be an active part of the credentialing community. The certification makes my skills more transferable and communicates the wide breadth of knowledge I have obtained throughout my career.

What advice might you offer to those considering the pursuit of ICE-CCP certification?

Enjoy the certification journey from the candidate’s perspective — use this as an opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to navigate your way through earning a certification.