Everybody’s talking about professional certifications and training for your career.
But are they worth the time and effort—not to mention the often significant financial investment?
And will they really help you build your career?
In this article, we’ll weigh four key benefits of investing in professional certifications and training against four key considerations to factor into your decision.
The benefits of investing in professional certifications and training
Here are four key benefits of investing in professional certifications and training.
1. Improve your confidence and performance
92% of candidates say they’re more confident in their abilities after receiving their certifications.
While, according to the same research, 81% believe they produce higher quality work and 74% say they have more autonomy and independence as a result.
Acquiring new skills and knowledge (or even just refreshing and updating what you already know) will equip you with the skills and confidence you need to level up your output, impress your managers and excel in your career.
2. Advance in your career
Almost 8 in 10 employees consider formal training programmes to help them advance in their careers.
And the research proves that it works.
In fact, over the past year, 39% of candidates have secured a new job as a result of earning their certifications and learning new skills. While 27% accepted job promotions at their current companies.
Earning credentials and learning new skills not only opens the doors to higher-paying positions but also higher levels of responsibility and ownership, new opportunities and improved job security.
3. Boost your earning potential
Over the past year, 73% of people who completed professional certifications either earned a salary increase or were anticipating receiving one at the time of research, with 35% earning a pay increase of 20% or more.
When you’ve earned the right professional certifications and training, you’re much more attractive to potential or existing employers.
Why? Well, because you can bring in more value for the business. You’re more likely to know best practices and be up-to-date with the most efficient and effective way of doing things. You require less on-the-job training.
Employers value that. And they’re prepared to pay you a higher salary for it.
Some industries will also have established pay scales tied to the attainment of specific certifications. For example, in IT, certifications such as CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect are almost guaranteed to lead to higher pay.
4. Gain a competitive advantage
Another candidate might have the same level of education and experience as you.
But certifications can give you that extra edge you need to stand out.
In fact, 72% of hiring managers are more likely to employ a candidate who holds a certification.
That’s because holding professional certifications and training demonstrates that you’re prepared to take the initiative to develop specialised expertise and to work hard on developing yourself and your skill set.
It also shows that you require less on-the-job training than candidates who lack the same skills and knowledge, which is always an attractive quality to potential employers.
Key considerations for gaining professional certifications and training
Here are four key factors when considering professional certifications and training.
1. Your career goals
First and foremost, any certification or training you pursue should be relevant to your long-term career goals and objectives. Otherwise, you could just be wasting your time and money.
Start by first defining what your short- and long-term career goals are and the types of skills you’ll need to help you get there.
To do that, you could:
- Research upcoming trends in your industry
- Make a list of core competencies you need for your desired role
- Browse job postings for specific skills and certifications required
- Consult with a career advisor
- Consult with someone either inside or outside of your company who’s already in the role you want
- Check online communities
2. Cost
Professional certifications and training—especially those on the higher end of the scale—can be a significant financial investment.
So, instead of selecting a programme because it looks like it could be beneficial, consider whether the potential return on investment justifies the total cost.
It’s also worth having a browse at any alternative funding options. If you’re already employed in your desired industry, you could ask your employer to cover the cost of funding. Research shows that 90% of employers are willing to pay for employees to obtain certifications, after all. Just make sure the training is relevant to your role and you can make a case for how it would support the company’s growth.
3. Time commitment
As well as cost, professional certifications and training can take up a huge amount of your time.
In-person, classroom-based training can take up hours or days and take you away from your work. And even self-paced, online training can cost you hours of sitting at your laptop in the evenings every week.
So, before investing, be sure that you have the free time to commit to your desired course, and that you can balance that time commitment with your existing responsibilities.
4. Recognition
Not all certifications are created equal.
Certifications from well-established and recognisable training institutions and bodies carry a lot more weight and value than those from lesser-known organisations.
So, it’s important to research whether the certification or training program you’re interested in is recognised and respected within your industry.
The verdict: Are professional certifications and training really worth it?
We say yes.
Professional certifications and training programmes not only help you improve your performance and advance in your career but also gain a competitive advantage over other candidates and boost your earning potential.
But that doesn’t mean all certifications and training are worth it. Make sure you’ve taken into account if they align with your career goals and whether you have the right level of time and financial resources to commit.
Ultimately, the value of certifications and training depends on your unique circumstances, industry, and aspirations. When chosen wisely, they can be a valuable investment in your professional growth and success.
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