Professional Certification, After Graduation Certification, Professional Designation or Trade Certification (often called simply certification or qualification) is a standardized certification that enables an individual to prove some degree of competency in a particular job function or career. Upon completion of certification requirements, which typically entail passing an exam administered by an industry specific credentialing organization, a certificate credential awarded. The National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA) current sets quality standards for credentialing.
In Generally, there are three kinds of professional certification including corporate (internal), product-specific and profession-wide.
Corporate or internal certifications are company specialized and are designed to meet purposes unique to an organization’s requirements. This certificate has limited portability because of that it has a small value outside of the company, which provided the certification.
Product-specific certifications are more compact than corporate certifications and more valuable. Product-specific certification is prevalent in the Clinical Research industry where professionals can become certified on versions of industry-specific research, data management and software platforms, for example, Certified Clinical Research Associate & Certified Clinical Research Coordinator.
Some need to be renewed periodically or may be valid for a given period as a part of a complete renewal of certification; it is common to show proof of constant learning — often termed continuing education — or earning continuing education units (CEU).
Nowadays professional certifications have found its way into every industry as it helps employers evaluate potential hires, select contractors, analyze job performance, market services, evaluate employees and motivate employees to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Certificate holders get the benefit too as it gives recognition of competency; show commitment to the profession, and helps with job advancement.
It also makes them more in line with the next promotional progression in their role and demonstrates their employer that are a valuable member of the team and that they willing to learn new things.
As technology, management and science methods change at an ever-increasing rate; a gap formed among the foundation given by an academic study and the technical and management competencies required in now professional and business environment. The Professional Certification Programs were established to bridge this gap.
It is founded in almost every industry today. Clinical Research, (CCRA, CCRC, CCRP) Finance (CPA), Human Resources (SHRM), Supply Chain (APICS), Information Technology (ITIL), Project Management (PMI), are few from a wide range of professions certifications that have voluntary and mandatory certification. Professional Certification benefits are many as employees gain practical abilities for the job focusing on the knowledge and skills at the same time.
Certification has found its way into almost every industry for a reason: It helps advance the profession. Certification helps employers evaluate potential new hires, analyze job performance, evaluate employees, select contractors, market services, and motivate employees to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Certifications are a great way to set yourself apart from the competition! Certifications allow learners to obtain workforce-ready skills. Individuals are prepared for employment upon completion and possess the skills that employers want. … Certification offers a flexible learning path for many students.
The bottom line is that certifications can help you get a job. They showcase a certain skill level that can beat out the biggest competition. They also help you build valuable skills that will prove the claims stated on your resume. However, be smart about it.
Having training that your competitors don’t can set you apart when pursuing new business. Certifications can differentiate you from other professionals in your field, showing that you have a demonstrated commitment to understanding and excelling in your profession. This can give you an advantage, which is particularly important in today’s competitive market. Stay on top of trends and learn how to use that new software or social platform before it becomes a household name.
Professional certifications can also help to provide your consultancy with a solid foundation. The advanced training, information, and knowledge you gain from specialized coursework can provide you with up-to-date tools and technical strategies that will serve to guide and direct you in the execution of your projects, allowing you to manage all aspects of your work more effectively.
The time and effort invested in professional certifications often results in increased income. Most clients will understand the higher costs associated with specialized training and are willing to pay for consultants who have industry certifications. In fact, one study found that online certifications increased salaries by 20 to 40%.
By acquiring new and updated industry information or techniques, you can hone current work habits that may be causing inefficiencies or quality issues with your output while increasing your competencies. This can help give you the skills and confidence to try something new such as establishing the groundwork to implement a more sophisticated working environment for your consultancy.
There are an increasing number of companies, non-profits, and government organizations that, when working with independent consultants, want (or may even be required) to engage those who have certain certifications from recognized programs. Certification demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. These merits can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network, with your current clients, and when pursuing new business opportunities or bidding on projects.
Certifications are often a worthwhile investment because of the many advantages they can provide throughout your career. As you move forward and as your business evolves, be sure to keep your certifications up-to-date so you can continue to realize these benefits.
Moreover, it realizes maximum benefit from a wide range of expertise areas. In addition to learning all aspects of a particular type of career pursuance, while also providing the industry with a standard of assured excellence from these professionals. It efficiently integrates these career pursuits into one’s particular work setting.
Finally, Professional Certification can be Prestige for individual as certification holders get respect via public and also held in high esteem by their peers within the functional community, who see them as part of an elite group.
If you did not get an after graduation certification yet at any level, I advise you to start looking for one that attracts your interests and helps you in your career development. If you already certified, I invite you to seek a higher-level certification.
Embrace certification for yourself, for your profession, but most important, embrace it for the public we serve and protect.