Guidelines for Using the IOM Graduate Recognition

The IOM graduate recognition is intended to provide a simple, at-a-glance recognition of those who have completed the Institute for Organization Management program, and to provide a standard way for graduates to communicate their accomplishment in correspondence, meeting rosters, nametags, business cards, public mention, and on their resume.

Every Institute graduate is eligible to use the IOM graduate recognition, and eligible to use the letters "IOM" after their name on business cards, press releases, Web pages, and other correspondence  (e.g., Jane Smith, IOM). When discussed in a resume, bio, or article, the achievement should be referred to as "IOM graduate recognition" (e.g., Jane Smith was awarded the IOM graduate recognition for having completed a comprehensive course of study in nonprofit management through the U.S. Chamber's Institute for Organization Management.) It is also recommended that a mention or Web site link to the online IOM graduate recognition (www.uschamber.com/institute/alumni/institutegradrec.htm) overview be included as appropriate.

The IOM graduate recognition was automatically conferred to graduates of Institute beginning in January 2004. Graduates from earlier Institute programs may also use the IOM graduate recognition after submitting their current contact information with Institute, which can be completed online.

The IOM graduate recognition is not intended to take the place of any other certifications or designations that have been developed, such as the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) granted by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, or the Certified Association Executive (CAE) granted by the American Society of Association Executives. Instead, the recognition should be regarded as an essential step in a professional development progression leading toward these industry certifications.
  
Frequently Asked Questions

I graduated Institute prior to the new IOM graduate recognition. What do I need to do to qualify?
Graduates from earlier Institute programs may also use the IOM graduate recognition after submitting their current contact information with Institute, which can be completed online.

I began Institute, but did not graduate. Does my past participation count toward the new IOM graduate recognition?
Yes, you may apply your past attendance toward the new IOM graduate recognition.  Contact the Institute office by e-mailing iom@uschamber.com or calling 202-463-5570 for more information.

I hold a professional certification in addition to having graduated Institute. Can I use both sets of initials?
Yes, you may use your IOM recognition in conjunction with professional certifications. Institute recommends that the recognitions be ordered by degree of achievement, with the most advanced recognition noted last (e.g., Jane Smith, IOM, CCE, or Andy Person, IOM, CAE).
     
How is the IOM graduate recognition related to professional certifications such as CCE or CAE?
The IOM graduate recognition is an at-a-glance indication that the recipient has completed a comprehensive course of study in the fundamentals of chamber, association, and nonprofit management. Professional certifications, including CCE and CAE, serve as marks of distinction for those who have completed professional development classes, passed an examination and/or met other stringent requirements. The IOM graduate recognition therefore represents an essential step toward achieving these and other professional certifications.