In June 2012 and in concert with the 10-year anniversary of the Voluntary Credentialing Program, ICMA initiated a conversation with credentialed managers and candidates and those not yet eligible about the future of the program. The purpose of the discussion with members was to determine likes, dislikes, ideas for the future, and the best way to develop a formal path to credentialing that spans the career stages of a member, as outlined in the 2008 ICMA Strategic Plan.

As part of this conversation, ICMA conducted 19 discussion sessions. The feedback gathered during these sessions was used to create a survey.

In May 2013, the Credentialing Advisory Board invited members to respond to the survey. Questions differed slightly depending upon audience: one version was sent to credentialed managers and candidates and another version was sent to non-credentialed full and affiliate members in service to local government. Responses were received from 404 credentialed managers and candidates and 441 non-credentialed in-service members.

When asked whether they are satisfied with the program, 85% of credentialed managers and candidates responded that they agreed or strongly agreed, which is up from 77% in 2007.

In response to questions about the annual reporting requirement, 77% of credentialed managers and candidates said that they find value in the annual report, and 71% said that they have received individual feedback from their Credentialing Advisory Board reviewers.

When asked about the purpose of the program, 78% of credentialed managers and candidates said that they joined the program to demonstrate their personal commitments to professional development. Most say that the program has helped them reach these goals. Similarly, 76% of non-credentialed respondents agree that demonstration of personal commitment is the main purpose of the Credentialing Program.

Non-credentialed respondents provided many reasons why they are not credentialed. The top four were:

1. Not eligible: 41% 
2. Eligible and plan to eventually: 30% 
3. Maintenance takes too much time: 11% 
4. Program does not have tangible or perceived value : 10%. 

The surveys also sought member input on the future of the program:

• Credentialed managers and candidates are almost evenly split on the idea of opening up program eligibility. Forty-four percent think ICMA should add new eligibility tiers, and 48% think the program should remain as is.
• Members who are not currently eligible for the credential—many of whom are CAOs and assistant CAOs—think ICMA should open up program eligibility. Eighty percent like the idea of new eligibility tiers, and 14% think the program should remain as is.
• Participants and non-participants agree that the credential should be strongly considered in recruitment and hiring, but the percentages are different: 87% of participants agree and 59% of non-participants agree. Only 39% think it actually is strongly considered.

The ICMA Credentialing Advisory Board has reviewed and discussed the results of the surveys, and the ICMA Executive Board is scheduled to do so at its meeting in November. The results of the executive board’s discussion will be made available to the membership.

Individuals with questions about the survey results or the program can send an e-mail to credentialing@icma.org.