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In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving professional landscape, standing out can be a challenge. One way to distinguish yourself from the crowd and boost your career prospects is by earning a professional certification. Whether you're looking to advance in your current job, make a career switch, or simply enhance your knowledge and skills, professional certifications can be a powerful tool.
But what exactly is a professional certification, and why is it important? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Professional Certification: What You Need to Know
A professional certification is a validation of a specific set of skills, knowledge, and competencies that a professional has gained over time. Unlike an assessment-based certificate program, which teaches a specific skill or knowledge, a professional certification recognizes your accumulated experience and expertise.
This differs from a license, which you get from a government agency and allows you to practice a certain profession. Getting a license usually involves meeting specific requirements, such as getting a degree, gaining experience, and passing an exam.
Similarly, getting certified also involves satisfying certain prerequisites, but they are issued by private companies, not government agencies.
3 Types of Professional Certifications
Professional certifications come in three forms: corporate, product-specific, and industry.
- Corporate certifications are exclusive to a particular company and are usually not transferable to other organizations.
- Product-specific certifications relate to specific products, such as software or machinery, and are recognized across companies that use those products.
- Industry certifications, the most common type, are recognized across an entire industry, making them highly portable and valuable for career advancement.
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Why Is Certification Important for Professionals?
Professional certifications offer several benefits. They validate your skills and knowledge, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Employers tend to view certified professionals as more competent, dedicated, and reliable, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Some employers even require certifications.
Certifications also provide an excellent way to stay ahead of industry trends and developments, helping you to adapt and stay relevant in a fast-changing professional landscape.
Professional Certification as Continuing Education
Professional certifications are a vital aspect of continuing education, allowing you to update your skills and knowledge as you progress in your career. They demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and enhance your professional credibility.
When Should I Get a Professional Certification?
The best time to pursue a professional certification varies depending on your career goals, years of experience, and the requirements of the certification. An industry-wide or product-specific certification can offer flexibility early on in your career if you still don't have the years of experience to apply for a corporate certification.
Knowing when to get a professional certification involves assessing your readiness, the demands of the certification, and how it can benefit your career trajectory.
Where Can I Get Professional Certifications?
Professional certifications can be obtained from a variety of sources, including online platforms, universities, and professional organizations. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer many certification programs in collaboration with top universities and companies. These programs often include hands-on projects and provide access to job search resources.
You can also consider a certificate program at a university. Universities offer certificate programs with in-depth study in a specific field and can potentially count towards a degree.
Upon completion, you'll earn a certificate that you can showcase on your resume and professional profiles. Some programs may also lead to an industry certification.
Popular Fields for Professional Certification
Professional certifications are available across a broad spectrum of industries. Here are some of the fields where professional certifications are particularly popular:
Education
In the field of education, there are several professional certifications available for aspiring and practicing teachers. These include certifications in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, special education, gifted and talented education, and even American Sign Language. There's also the prestigious National Board Certification.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector offers numerous professional certifications, depending on your career path. Some popular ones include the Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Business and Finance
The business and finance sectors highly value professional certifications. Some sought-after certifications include Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Information Technology
Information technology is another field where professional certifications are highly sought after. Certifications like CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) validate expertise in various areas of IT, from hardware and networking to cybersecurity.
Things to Consider Before Pursuing a Professional Certification
Before you jump into a professional certification program, take some time to reflect on your motivations. Are you looking to advance in your current job, transition to a new field, or simply broaden your skillset? You should also consider your availability — do you have the time to commit to the program?
Next, research the credibility of the certification. Is the certificate program accredited? Is it widely recognized in your industry? What do past participants say about the certificate program? Consider the cost of the program and your return on investment — will this certification lead to career advancement and higher income?
Last but not least, make sure the certification aligns with your long-term career goals. A professional certification can be a valuable investment in your career, but it requires careful thought and planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Certifications
Is it better to get your certification first or find a job first?
It depends on your industry and career objectives. Certifications can make you stand out in fields where they're highly valued, but some entry-level jobs may favor hands-on experience and eagerness to learn.
Research your field to determine the importance of certifications for your target role and whether they are required. Consider the benefits, costs, and time investment of any certification in relation to how it will boost your employability.
What are the pros and cons of getting certification?
Professional certifications can bolster your authority, provide recognition, enhance career prospects, and validate skills. Drawbacks include the expense and time commitment, the possibility of them becoming outdated due to technological advances, the lack of real-world experience they may represent, and variable recognition across different vendors.
Do professional certifications actually help add value?
Professional certifications can add value to your resume by giving you a competitive edge in the job market and better opportunities for advancement, especially in fields that require specific skills such as IT, marketing, and business management.
They also demonstrate expertise to employers and often come with the added benefit of possible tuition reimbursem*nt. Always check to make sure the certification is accredited and aligns with your career goals before pursuing it.
What is considered a professional certification?
A professional certification is a credential awarded by a professional association or credentialing body, signifying your mastery or competency in the field. It is typically obtained after passing an assessment and often requires ongoing education to maintain. This type of certification can offer a competitive edge, higher earnings, and greater professional credibility.
Do professional certifications actually help people get jobs?
Professional certifications can bolster your job prospects by providing proof of expertise in a field, which can give you a competitive edge, potential for higher pay, and advancement opportunities. They're especially useful for careers that don't require degrees and instead value work experience, such as IT. Some employers even require certifications for certain roles.
