Certifications Overview
Earning certifications is a great way to start or advance a career because they provide industry-recognized validation of a person's skills and knowledge. Certifications are available for various computer-related technologies and for specific business skills. They confirm that a person has specific knowledge and abilities which will enable them to perform a defined job. Although they do not replace on-the-job experience, they do provide an added level of assurance to employers that their staff is qualified for the work they are being asked to do.
Background
Computer certifications have come into being as technology has become more complicated and more specialized. Companies have found it difficult to provide the amount of in-house training needed to ensure they have a qualified workforce. Over the last decade or so, computer industry groups and individual product vendors have created certification programs which have grown to become widely recognized and valued by hiring companies.
Business certifications have been created as jobs have become more specialized and as employers have recognized the benefits of employing highly qualified employees who perform important roles. For the most part, professional associations have taken the lead on creating certification programs specific to their memberships' profession, whether that be project managment, property management, human resources or another field.
How to Become Certified
Almost all certifications require the candidate pass one or more exams. In addition, some require that a candidate attend a training program although many certifications leave it to the individual to determine how best to prepare for the exam. Certifications are often successive and require that an earlier certification be obtained before a higher level certification is attempted. A number of business certifications also require that the candidate hold a degree, document a certain amount of work experience and require references or recommendations from co-workers.
Maintaining Certificates
Many technology certifications require that certificate holders complete continuing education and/or take recertification exams while others require no continuing effort. Most business certifications require that certificate holders earn continuing education credits by taking classes and participating in professional activities.
Certifications vs. Degrees
Certifications are much more job specific than degrees and are focused on validating skills and knowledge rather than providing education. In some cases, certifications validate knowledge a person has gained on the job, rather than through formal training.
For some computer related careers, certifications are more valuable to an employer than a degree since job success is determined by specific skills and abilities rather than the broader knowledge a degree provides. In other cases, especially in the business field, certifications are only valuable if the person already has obtained a broader business degree education.
Industries
Computer technology and business are two fields where certifications are prevalent. Computer technology certifications are either vendor-neutral or vendor-specific. Vendor-neutral certifications are provided by industry groups and validate knowledge that is applicable when working with products from any vendor. Vendor-specific certifications are provided by a vendor and only pertain to their own products. In most cases, training courses are needed to prepare for these rigorous exams, regardless of a person's experience level.
Business certifications pertain to a particular role a person may have such as project manager, contract manager or business analyst. These jobs require specific skills that are not taught in depth in business degree programs and are instead learned mostly on the job or in training classes. Certifications in business are typically earned after a person has already gained relevant work experience in the field.
Quick Tips
- Check job websites – Determine what certifications are most valued for particular jobs by reviewing job listings.
- Plan ahead for a career move – Before starting a job search or requesting a promotion, obtain certifications that validate the qualifications needed for the job.
- Ask employer to pay – In many cases, employers are happy to pay for training classes and certification exam fees.
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