Professionals in many fields can benefit from pursuing relevant certification. Not only can certificates make job candidates more desirable during the hiring process, they can also assist current professionals in being promoted. Employers also may see higher productivity and work quality from workers with diverse skill-sets gained through the certification process. Of course, not just any certificate will do. It is important to choose one that best fits your career goals.
1. Goals for Certification
First, it is necessary to ask yourself why you are seeking certification. If you aim to increase your salary, for example, you can choose a particularly high-paying certificate program. If you wish to work on building your skills, consider a program that allows for consecutive progressive certificates. Likewise, if you seek to establish yourself as an expert in a particular subject like Oracle Database Certification, you may look for programs that provide you with the most up-to-date training available.
2. Sector Interests
It is equally important to choose a certification that you are interested in. If the training does not hold your attention, you are unlikely to actually learn the content, and the inherent benefits of the program can be lost. Many certificates are offered in specialized sub-fields, which means you can choose one that allows you to develop a deeper knowledge of a specific topic within your sector.
3. Certificate Reviews
Not all certificate programs are created equally. In the same way that you are likely to check the reviews of a restaurant before you go out to eat, be sure to look into how certificates in the same topic offered by different companies might yield different results. This might include varying time commitments, opportunities to retake the certification exams or industry recognition.
4. Plan for Re-Certification
Remember to also know how long your certification lasts. Some never need to be renewed, but others require recertification. If you choose to pursue a track that includes recertification, plan out how you can maintain your skills throughout the year and create a system to track your progress. It is also not uncommon to plan ahead for an initial certification. Be sure that you understand any prerequisites and plan accordingly.
No matter what your reasons are for pursuing professional certification or what your interests are, it is crucial to choose a program that fits your career goals. Following the above steps can help you determine exactly the type of certificate you are looking for. By successfully completing a certification, you may quickly see yourself in a more comfortable and satisfying working position.