Professional certifications can help individuals advance more quickly in their careers, especially in highly specialized industries such as human resources, accounting or information technology. Although not all certifications are created equal, they guarantee professional competence accompanied by a professional degree or work experience.
In this article, we will help you distinguish between the three main types of certification and understand why it is beneficial for you to seek certification in your industry.
What are certifications?
Certificates are credentials obtained by a person to verify their legitimacy and competence to perform a job. Your certification usually comes in the form of a document that proves that, as a professional, you have been trained, educated and prepared to meet a set of criteria specific to your role. This certification is awarded only after the completion of appropriate assessments administered by a recognized third-party accreditation institution.
Certifications vs. licensure
Professional certificates are usually earned through a professional organization or educational institution. If you find that the law requires accreditation before you can practice, this is called getting a license to practice. The license differs from the professional certification in that, on the one hand, it is required by law, as mentioned above, and is also obtained through a state agency. In many cases, the procedures for obtaining certification are very similar to those for obtaining a license, often differing only in legality.
The importance of choosing a trustworthy-credentialing body
Grades are often considered a negotiation tool because they can be used to curry favor with potential clients or employers and can be used for exponential growth. In order for the diplomas to be taken literally, the accreditation institutions from which they are obtained must be a recognized body in the world.
Employers should be able to trust that accreditation materials remain accurate and up-to-date and that they use high-quality content. These institutions are known to establish the standards of an industry and develop the necessary training to prepare individuals to enter or advance in the field of work in which they are trained.
Certification as a complement to education
Professional certification is not a replacement for accredited degree work, but instead is supposed to complement your education or professional experience in your field. Once you’ve earned a certification, you are given a designation that you can use after your name as a way to distinguish certified professionals from their uncertified peers.To keep your certification, the administering organization will ask for proof that you’ve obtained the required continuing education periodically (typically one to five years, depending on the certification) before you are allowed to renew your certification.
Benefits of certification
Obtaining professional certification demonstrates your dedication to your profession and proves that you are well trained to effectively use the tools in your industry. Taking the time and effort to earn these certifications can demonstrate to potential employers that you are making a valuable contribution to your profession and help you gain recognition for your commitment to lifelong learning and personal improvement.
The main advantages of certification in your profession, in your industry or in your company are:
i. Competitive advantage
ii. effectiveness
iii. Profit potential
iv. Expansion of knowledge and skills
v. Professional credibility
Competitive advantage
By continuing your efforts to obtain professional certifications in your field, you will give yourself a head start on your competitors. This can help you stand out from other candidates during your job search, and even be the deciding factor in getting a promotion over another.
It is important to take advantage of every advantage available in today’s competitive market, so make sure you stay up to date with the advancements in the tools of your trade to stay ahead of your competition.
Earning potential
Perhaps the most desired benefit of a professional certification in your field is the increase in your earning potential. Not only will you be hired for a higher position (which comes with a higher starting salary), but you can also expect growth and better rewards in the future, especially if you stay current on certification renewals and new developments in your field.
Knowledge and skills
Staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies can help you seamlessly integrate new methods and processes into your current routine. Striving to continue to develop your knowledge and skills can keep you ahead of others in your field in terms of expertise and efficiency.
You can expect to be more productive by constantly improving the quality of your output and even inventing new products, tools or processes that increase your value exponentially.
Professional credibility
Professional certifications are increasingly valuable to employers, leading many companies to require these certifications to be hired as an employee or consultant.
Not only do they see this as a demonstration of your professionalism and adherence to the highest industry standards, but also that you are ready to keep learning. These qualities can help increase your professional credibility in your professional network, with your clients/employers, and in your industry in general.
Ready to unlock these benefits and boost your career? Find the right certification for your field by exploring a comprehensive list: certmag.comthat offers a comprehensive list of certifications across various industries.
Types of certification
There are three main categories of certification. They include:
BUSINESS
Company certifications are internal certifications created by a company for certification purposes within that company and are generally not transferable to other companies. Here are some examples:
Jet.com Category Specialist Certifications
Pilot/Flying J Management Development Certificates, offered by Pilot Flying J University
Goldman Sachs New Analyst and New Associate certifications, offered by Goldman Sachs University
Business management training certificates
Walgreens Certificate Programs in Retail, Business and Pharmacy, offered by Walgreens University
Specific product
These certificates, also called role-specific certificates, are specific to certain products and are intended to be held by the holder in companies that use this specific product. This type of certification is common in the inbound marketing and information technology (IT) industries, where professionals are certified to work with certain software or hardware products.
Examples of product specific certificates:
IASSC (Lean Six Sigma Organizational Structure Methodology)
Software certificates, for example. SalesForce, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite
Google (Analytics, AdWords, Publisher)
HubSpot (sales, content, inbound marketing, social media), obtained via HubSpot Academy etc.
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Industry-wide
Industry-wide certifications are credentials recognized and valued across a specific industry. These certifications demonstrate a professional’s mastery of the skills and knowledge required to excel in their field. Unlike company-specific or product-specific certifications, industry-wide certifications are not tied to a particular organization or software.Examples of industry-wide certifications include:
- Healthcare: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Registered Nurse (RN)
- Information Technology: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Finance: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
In conclusion
professional certifications play a vital role in career advancement and personal development across various industries. They not only validate an individual’s skills and knowledge but also enhance their credibility and marketability in a competitive job landscape. By obtaining a certification, professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, which can lead to greater job opportunities, increased earning potential, and recognition within their field. As industries continue to evolve, pursuing relevant certifications can be a strategic investment in one’s career, ensuring that individuals remain competent and competitive in their professions. Ultimately, the pursuit of certification is a proactive step toward achieving professional growth and success.
FAQ
1). What are the different types of professional certifications?
There are three main types: industry-specific, vendor-specific, and company-specific.
2). Can I get a certification without a degree?
While some certifications may require a specific degree, many others are open to individuals with relevant experience or education.
3). Are certifications worth the time and investment?
Yes, certifications can be a valuable investment in your career, especially if they align with your goals and industry standards.
4).How do I choose the right certification?
Consider your career goals, industry requirements, cost, and the reputation of the certifying body.
5). How can certifications benefit my career?
Certifications can boost your earning potential, improve your credibility, and open doors to new opportunities.
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