As an Association Management Company working across a wide variety of certification programs for our clients, members are always wondering ‘should I move forward with certification’? In short, our answer is yes! Certification programs can help support and advance your career.
What are professional certifications?
Professional certifications are credentials awarded to individuals after completing a standardized course and satisfactorily passing related exams. They evidence a professional’s suitability and qualifications for their role, and can help them establish themselves as subject matter experts in particular industry topics or technologies.
For more details read our ‘What are Professional Certifications?’ blog.
Do I need a certification if I already have a degree?
The answer depends on what your certification goal is and what type of industry you work in. For example, many universities offer certification along your program of study for professions, such as accounting or law. Conversely, if you’ve completed an unrelated, or non-career specific degree, but have the necessary experience, certification can prove that you have the right skills and theoretical base to perform your job to a high standard.
Certification is also useful if you wish to become a subject-matter expert. These types of certification programmes delve deep into a specific technology used in your profession or hone in on a particular skill that is not covered in much detail during a standard degree course.
What are the benefits of getting certified?
Professional advancement
Gaining professional certification can help demonstrate to your employer that you have the necessary skills to progress to the next level of your career.
Improve your salary
Employers are more likely to offer higher pay to candidates who have certain certifications, as they show that you are a high-quality candidate and won’t need as much on-the-job training.
Career change
If you’re looking to get into a new career, professional certification programs can offer you a ‘way in’ to your new career path. Some certification programs even offer work placements or experience after certification, which gives you another boost in embarking on a new career.
Gain a competitive edge
Having the right certification can give you an edge when competing for the same job with other candidates. HR and talent managers often receive endless CVs for the same job, a great certification can help you stand out and gain a spot on the interview shortlist, or become a deciding factor in the last stages of the hiring process.
Are you ready to embark on a new certification program? Check out the blog on some useful steps to take when planning your certification path!