Is it Worth It to Get a Professional Certification?

Posted by Marbenz Antonio on March 16, 2022

Certification’s Advantages

Many people consider professional qualifications to be a means of gaining a financial advantage. Shouldn’t you be in a better position to demand more money if you have those special letters after your name or some nice credential on your wall?

Yes, sometimes, but not always.

Employers pay up to 8% more on average (in the United States) for employees who possess the MS Office Specialist certification, according to a recent OfficeTeam study of the administrative profession. That’s a really obvious and substantial benefit! But there are a few things to keep in mind when you hear that.

First, Microsoft Office is a commonly used software package, with administrators in many firms highly depending on it. The MS credential is well-known and well-respected. It displays an expert-level command of the abilities necessary to use Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Employers are prepared to pay a little more for administrative professionals who have previously demonstrated advanced expertise in these areas, which makes sense.

What they’re paying for is the value a person may offer to the business when they have these talents, not the certificate itself. The credential just assists the company in identifying those individuals who may provide higher value, but you must also demonstrate that worth.

It’s unrealistic to expect to go acquire a credential and then demand higher money right now. You must put those abilities to use to achieve more, and you must be a strong advocate for yourself and your achievements. That’s how you get the rewards.

It’s also unrealistic to expect all qualifications to have the same level of influence. Not everyone is created equal. Some are less well-known, while others do not teach you the types of abilities that provide measurable value to the company.

That isn’t to suggest that other credentials aren’t important. Sometimes it isn’t even about the organization. Some people love the certification process because it boosts their confidence and allows them to network with other professionals who share their interests. Some people like studying just for personal development. These items may not provide a direct monetary advantage, but they are extremely beneficial to you and your career. This will pay off in more tangible ways over time.

You must first understand what you hope to earn to determine whether it is worthwhile, and you must be selective in your certification program choices.

Do Your Research

Professional certifications have grown in popularity and prevalence as a result of the advent of online learning. They’re a lot easier to obtain these days—in some circumstances, you may complete the entire process from the comfort of your home computer.

That has both positive and negative implications for learning. It’s handy, but it also has a low entry barrier. As a result, more individuals can do it, and qualifying becomes less unique. Being “certified” is no longer considered exceptional.

Furthermore, any company may put up a set of lessons and call it a certification program. Just because it’s named that doesn’t indicate the training is particularly useful or unique.

So, if you’re thinking about investing in a certification program, look into the organization that’s behind it. Do you have faith in them? Is their name well-known? Do you know anyone else who has taken part in the program and found it beneficial? Have you previously purchased training from the organization, and if so, was it worthwhile?

Remember that the certification’s name isn’t everything, although it does have some weight. A program with no name recognition among employers is less appealing than one with a well-established, favorable reputation.

Finally, be careful if the marketing materials are strong on the sales pitch and light on actual learning objectives and student testimonials. Many businesses speak a nice game but don’t deliver on their promises.

Before enrolling in a professional certification program, there are many factors to consider; do your homework and don’t be seduced by high claims.

Change Your Mindset

It’s worth mentioning that certain occupations come with qualifications that are essentially considered mandatory (rather than bonuses). Project managers, for example, have the PMP certification, while HR professionals have the SHRM certification. Certification is frequently deemed standard in such situations.

If you work in an area where certification isn’t required, it might still be beneficial to your career. It’s important to remember that it’s not about paying for a fancy title after your name; it’s about acquiring new abilities and adding more value to your company. On its own, its title doesn’t imply anything. What counts most is how you apply those abilities.

You could be disappointed if you expect certification as a quick solution to increase your earning potential. Instead, consider it an investment. Learning, in whatever form, always pays off in the end, in my view.

Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com