Summary of "CIC Walkthrough in English"
Summary of "CIC Walkthrough in English"
This video provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the Certified Image Consultant (CIC) certification process offered by the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). It covers the certification levels, exam details, portfolio requirements, renewal process, and tips for success. The session also includes testimonials and advice from experienced certified consultants.
Storyline / Overview
- Introduction and thanks to Mary for organizing the session.
- Explanation of the three AICI certification levels:
- CIC (Certified Image Consultant) – Entry level
- CIP (Certified Image Professional) – Intermediate
- CIM (Certified Image Master) – Advanced
- Emphasis on membership requirement with AICI to pursue certification.
- Detailed explanation of the certification process, renewal, exam, and portfolio submission.
- Testimonial from Lula, President of the New York Chapter and experienced Certified Image Consultant, sharing her career insights and benefits of certification.
Certification Process
- Become an AICI Member
- Membership is mandatory to register for certification.
- Members gain access to worldwide education events (online and in-person).
- Register and Pay for the CIC Exam
- Register on the AICI website (ai.org).
- Payment leads to receiving an email from Prometric (third-party exam platform) within 7-10 days.
- Exam must be scheduled within 6 months of payment.
- Take the CIC Exam
- Computer-based, 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: up to 3 hours (most finish earlier).
- Exam can be taken remotely or onsite at test centers/conferences.
- Proctored one-on-one via video with strict environment and ID checks.
- Available in 7 languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
- Immediate results for remote/on-site except conference exams (results within a week).
- Prepare and Submit Portfolio
- Must be submitted and approved within 1 year of passing the exam.
- Portfolio submission is electronic via Dropbox link provided by the certification manager.
- Portfolio review is anonymous.
- Portfolio must be a single PDF file, well-organized and professional in appearance.
Portfolio Requirements
- Professional Preparation (3 points)
- Business Identity (5 points)
- Includes professional photo, appearance, business cards, and branding.
- Consulting Experience (5 points)
- Five client evaluations required.
- Clients must submit evaluations directly and confidentially (unopened by candidate).
- Portfolio Professionalism (4 points)
- Clarity, organization, completeness, and aesthetics of portfolio presentation.
- Professional Participation / Leadership (3 points)
- Volunteer work in AICI chapters or committees.
- One full year commitment required for leadership points.
- Speaker roles earn CEUs, not leadership points; speaker support roles earn leadership points.
Renewal Process
- Certification valid for 3 years, expiring on June 30th of the third year.
- Renewal requires:
- Payment of $300 renewal fee.
- Accumulation of 2.4 CEUs.
- Renewal reminders sent annually; members advised to keep track of renewal dates.
- Maintaining valid certification is necessary to advance to CIP or CIM levels.
Exam Highlights & Tips
- Exam questions focus on:
- 50% Artistic aspects (design principles, wardrobe management).
- 20% Social aspects.
- 15% Psychology.
- 10% Physical aspects.
- 5% Code of Ethics (important despite small percentage).
- Study materials:
- Exam environment must be distraction-free with no unauthorized materials.
- Technical requirements include a good internet connection and compatible computer.
- Candidates can request a physical translator for the exam check-in if English is not their first language.
Strategies & Key Tips
- Start leadership/volunteer activities early (at least one year) before submitting portfolio.
- Keep organized records of all trainings, CEUs, client evaluations, and volunteer work.
- Submit portfolio well before the 1-year deadline to allow for review time.
- Study consistently—recommended one hour daily to complete preparation in about 30 days.
- Ensure client evaluations are submitted confidentially and on time to avoid delays.
- Check AICI website regularly for updated materials and resources.
- Attend AICI events to accumulate CEUs and network.
Testimonial by Lula (New York Chapter President)
- Obtained CIC certification 20 years ago.
- Certification helped distinguish her professionally amid competition.
Category
Gaming
