At the end of June, I.C.E. will be launching new branding for all of its products and services — including the website — and shift to a new association management system (AMS). Learn more about the behind the scenes work that went into this upgrade and the new user experience these changes will bring in this message from I.C.E. Executive Director Denise Roosendaal, CAE.

As groups further embrace DEI efforts, addressing language barriers with credentialing exams is becoming more prominent. In realizing that language barriers are significant obstacles for ESL nursing students, NBCRNA launched an exploratory study to identify current practices and collect baseline trends affecting the translation of exams. Read on to learn about the benchmark survey results and takeaways.

Amy Jauman, EdD, GPHR, SMS, and Joseph Seegers recently authored the white paper, “Using Online Research Techniques to Better Understand Your Audience,” in which they looked at how attractive credentialing programs make candidates in the markets they serve. Learn more about the white paper’s key takeaways and how your group can benefit from its findings in this Q&A.

Dennis Spence, PhD, MS, CRNA, FAAN, CAPT (ret), NC, USN, recently became the chief research officer at the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Learn more about his career path to his new role, the importance of research in the credentialing industry and the research trends he’s currently observing in the field.

Knowing what your organization does and doesn’t do well is crucial in creating a sustainable business strategy and crisis management plan. While the pandemic threw many off their routines, the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board was able to assess the situation, manage the impact, anticipate needs and set a decisive path forward. Learn about the strategies they implemented and how they achieved business continuity.

For credentialing professionals looking to gain insight into the value of their certifications, it can be wise to go straight to the source and look at the needs of the market and applicants. Take a deep dive inside the minds of job seekers and hiring managers and hear what they have to say about certifications.

Over the past year, COVID-19 has caused many groups to shift their thinking, adapt to changes and reevaluate their operations. The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) and SeaCrest Consulting recently conducted a survey to gather information on how certifying organizations in the United States responded to COVID-19 during 2020. Read on for key findings and results.

In the spirit of continuous learning, we asked the I.C.E. Publications and Editorial Committee to share some of their go-to resources for all things credentialing and professional development. From test development to leadership strategies and legal principles, take a look at their recommendations.

In an effort to address the needs of the military community and the credentialing barriers they face, I.C.E. launched the Military and Veterans Credentialing Toolkit. Learn more about the toolkit, and how to help service members and veterans attain high-value civilian credentials.

From career development products to continued focus on DEI initiatives, opportunities for innovation and more, there’s plenty of meaningful work ahead for the I.C.E. community in 2021. Learn more in this message from Todd Philbrick, 2021 chair of the I.C.E. Board of Directors.