Confused by the Toastmaster Designations? Many people have asked me what CC, CTM, AL, CL, AC, and DTM stand for. A cynical person might even say that an Advanced Toastmaster is someone who knows what all these acronyms actually stand for! :)

On this page I will attempt to briefly go over each Toastmaster Designation.

Overview

In Toastmasters we have both Communication and Leadership programs. New members are given the starting manual for each program. You may work on both the Communication and Leadership programs at the same time.

Communication Track

Competent Communicator (CC)

You must complete a total of 10 speeches from the manual. The manual takes you there a step at a time starting at your first ice breaker speech. Each successive speech builds additional skills.

This designation was formerly called the Competent Toastmaster (CTM) prior to June 2006.

Advanced Communicator Bronze (AC-B)

To receive the ATM-Bronze you must first finish your Competent Communicator manual and finish two Advanced Toastmaster manuals. Each advanced manual consists of five speeches.

Prior to June 2005 this was called the Advanced Toastmaster Bronze (ATM-B).

Advanced Communicator Silver (AC-B)

To receive the AC-Silver you must first finish your Advanced Communicator Bronze and finish two additional Advanced Toastmaster manuals. Each advanced manual consists of five speeches.

Prior to June 2005 this was called the Advanced Toastmaster Silver (ATM-S).

Advanced Communicator Gold (AC-G)

To receive the AC-Gold you must first finish your Advanced Communicator Silver and finish two additional Advanced Toastmaster manuals. Each advanced manual consists of five speeches.

Prior to June 2005 this was called the Advanced Toastmaster Gold (ATM-G).

Leadership Track

Competent Leader (CL)

The Competent Leader manual requires a minimum of 21 projects. Each project consists of filling or evaluating a Toastmaster role within either our Toastmaster club or the Toastmasters organization. Almost all roles in this manual can be done as part of a regular Toastmaster meeting.

This is the "new" CL as of June 2006. This is an exciting addition to the Toastmaster program. It ensures that you get feedback as you fulfill regular meeting and leadership roles during the Toastmaster meeting. You are given practical exercises to both give and receive feedback.

At our club we run the CL program on the "self-serve buddy system". If you want to be evaluated for doing a role just ask another
member to evaluate you. Often they will ask you to help review them in a role as well. If you need additional information our VP of Education can help point you in the right direction.

Advanced Leader Bronze (AL-B)

In addition to finishing the new CL you must have served a term on the club executive for a year, achieve your Competent Communicator award (or Competent Toastmaster award) and also complete two Advanced Leader speeches.

This designation was previously called the Competent Leader (CL) prior to June 2006.

Advanced Leader Silver (AL-S)

In addition to finishing the Advanced Leader Bronze you must have served a term as a Toastmaster District officer and also complete two Advanced Leader speeches.

This designation was previously called just the Advanced Leader (AL) prior to June 2006.

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

If you have successfully completed both the Communication and Leadership tracks you will have achieved your DTM. The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) is the highest designation in Toastmasters.

For more information on The Toastmaster Education Program click here.