Professional certification is third-party approval of an individual’s level of knowledge or proficiency in a given industry or profession by authorities in the field for example professional societies, universities, or private certificate-granting agencies like The Assessment & Skilling Center in East Africa. Some examples include; Professional Certificate in Accounting (CPA), Professional Certificate in Project Management (PCPM), Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding, electronics for electricians, welding, fabrication & pipework among others.
Professionals often question the need for further certifications when they already have degrees, diplomas or even a job. But there are many ways in which certification can dramatically transform both employees and employers. Let’s take a look at the top 4;
Certification demonstrates your career commitment
Each career path has its own certifications with different levels of accreditation. Adding a professional certificate to your resume proves that you take a long term approach to your profession. Plus, you are more likely to feel confident and proud of your skills if you have something that differentiates you from your peers and proves that you can do your job better. Certification not only demonstrates a commitment to your industry but is also proof that you are focused & clear about what you want professionally.
It opens global doors
In today’s competitive global economy, you can’t afford to rely on skills or competencies that you cannot export. Keep in mind that whatever you think you are good at, someone elsewhere in the world can do the same—OR BETTER.
The fastest growing industries attract serious companies with a global footprint with a standard way of doing things across the world. For example, we are currently taking applications for oil & gas jobs in Uganda. The employers may lay out specific accreditation requirements like LEVEL 2 City & guilds accreditation for resident electricians. This has nothing to do with how many flat irons or cookers you have repaired in the last 10years but rather whether you have this internationally recognized City & guilds accreditation on top of your experience. REMEMBER—this is a certification that anyone anywhere in the world can pursue & take your job.
Do you want to be the guy complaining about foreigners taking your local jobs or the guy who will level up, match up & be as employable as anyone anywhere in the world?
Certification Increases your earning potential
Having a professional certificate makes you a more attractive candidate for a new job or an in-house promotion. It’s highly unlikely that a diploma holder will outrank an employee with a diploma & an additional professional certificate. Higher rank means higher pay. For employers, certain industrial certifications will require your team to excel at particular professional training. This industrial accreditation would make your company eligible for better paying contracts from reputable clients.
It Boosts the quality of your performance at work
Companies no longer hire just to fill positions but rather for the quality of output candidates can guarantee. The training you experience in pursuit of certification will help you improve quality of output by reducing inefficiencies and defects, exposing you to the latest industry practices & approaches as well as acceptable performance standards rather than just outdated theories from a degree you earned 10 years ago.
In a nutshell, certification can help you cover new areas and reinforce the skills you already have. Your next job, project or endorsement may be decided by that one certification you know you need but have been reluctant to take. Get certified!
