the top mark on the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Atlantic Canada final exam, it was announced.

Ms Bean, with Management Services since 1990, garnered the John Turner Memorial Award for scoring the highest mark in the Atlantic Canada region on the comprehensive final exam, the final hurdle in the exam programme necessary for professional certification with the institute.

She was inducted into the institute as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and presented the award at the institute's 15th annual presidents dinner and awards night held on February 15 in Halifax.

Though there are other Bermudian CMCs, Ms Bean is the first to achieve the designation since Bermuda became part of the institute in 1992, she said.

The CMC designation is a combination of approved experience with an accredited management consulting organisation, and a rigorous examination and certification process.

Professional designation is granted to individuals who have demonstrated management and consulting knowledge according to international standards of practice and ethics.

The institute, which includes Canada's Atlantic provinces and Bermuda, is the only recognised organisation for the management consulting profession in the region.

Michele Bean AWARD AWD