Over 200 million people sign up for a certification program all over the world. So, if you’re considering enrolling in one, you’re not alone – and for good reason.
Reports say 92% of people with professional certifications make great headway in their careers.
Thinking of sharing your expertise by creating a certification instead? I can help you design a flagship program that attracts the right audience. Book a discovery call with me, Nora Sudduth, today!
What is a Certification Program?
A certification program is an industry-recognized process by which professionals are “certified” to possess the skills and knowledge they need to fulfill a role or perform a job.
It involves undergoing training, practice, or study that is hyper-focused on a particular industry-related skill set or competency.
For example, they may want to undergo certification to verify their qualifications as project managers, human resource professionals, or marketing experts.
Certifications vs. Degrees
Both certifications and degrees are programs that help people develop their skills. But how do they differ?
Take a look at this comparison:
| Certification | Degree |
|---|---|
| Granted by an industry-recognized organization or professional | Granted by an academic institution |
| Focused on industry-specific skills or job-related criteria | Comprehensive study program that covers multiple subjects and equips students for various career options |
| Application and exam fees may cost around $500 to $2,500, depending on certification type | Average tuition for a 4-year bachelor’s degree is approximately $10,000 annually at a public institution, while around $38,000 annually at a private university |
Source for fees: Indeed.com, Collegeboard
How Do Certification Programs Work?
Certification programs verify that the person holding the certificate has the skills, qualifications, and experience required for a specific job.
While the program structure varies depending on the subject matter and industry, participants typically have to go through these steps to acquire a certification:
- Application: To apply for a certification program, they need to meet eligibility requirements, such as minimum educational attainment (usually at least a high school diploma) and a specific number of relevant work hours. The participant will also need to pay an application fee.
- Exam: The most important step in a certification program is the exam, which tests the mastery of a specific professional competency.
After successful application, the professional may then pay an exam fee and schedule the certification exam. These exams range from 120 to 200 questions and are usually multiple-question types.
- Continuing education: Once they’ve passed the exam and earned their certification, they may need to earn continuing credits within a prescribed period to maintain the certification.
Types of Certification Programs
Various types of certification programs cater to different professional needs:
- In-house certification programs: Also called internal certifications, these programs enable employers or business owners to scale by training other employees on internal processes and systems.
New employees may undergo one as part of an employee onboarding process.
- Licensing certification programs: Used by industry experts to train other professionals on systems and processes proven to deliver desired business results.
These comprise the majority of certification programs available today and can be further broken down into two categories:
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- Product-specific: Involves certifying an applicant’s knowledge or expertise on a work-related tool, such as bookkeeping software or a data analytics program.
- Profession-wide: Validates knowledge and skills related to a specific profession, like as a digital marketer or teacher.
- Affiliate certification programs: Designed to align business partners and affiliates on best practices, developments, and core values.
Benefits of Online Certification Programs
Aside from the psychological boost of being certified, there are practical benefits of a certification program, such as:
- Professional growth: People with certifications land jobs and get promoted faster than those who don’t.
- High ROI: Investing time and money in a certification often results in a salary increase or a higher-paying job.
- Focused training: the participant can focus on learning only the skills they want and need.
- Professional credibility: Certifications validate their qualification for a specific job and serve as recognition of their knowledge and skills, enhancing credibility.
How to Create a Certification Program
If you have expertise that can help others achieve their career or business goals, you can create your own certification program instead.
Follow this step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Determine Course Intent and Scope
Identify your objectives for the certification by listing planned outcomes and scope.
This involves exploring the following:
- Eligibility requirements
- The industry needs your program will address
- Jobs or roles the course will equip participants for
2. Design the Certification Assessment
Next, plan methods for assessing participant proficiency. Methods can vary from comprehensive exams to project-based applications.
Your goal is to ensure that each participant who completes your course is equipped with real-world skills to excel in their chosen career.
3. Run a Trial Program
Running a pilot test will help you identify any gaps, such as issues with your chosen online platform or inaccuracies in the certification exam.
Once the trial is complete, tighten loose ends to ensure everything works smoothly when you launch your program to the public.
4. Launch Your Program
Spread the word on all relevant platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and your email newsletter, if you have one.
Need further guidance? Let’s get on a discovery call to understand your needs and work together to design your online program, bite-sized course, or flagship workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’ve tackled some common questions on certification programs below:
Is a Certification Program Worth Taking?
If you’re a job seeker or professional in the pursuit of career advancement, a certification program is definitely worth the investment in time and money.
Not only will it enhance your credibility, but it will also open the door to new opportunities.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Certification?
Professional certifications themselves typically take only a few days to complete.
However, since most require applicants to have completed a specific number of relevant work hours to be eligible, you may need months of actual or on-the-job experience to qualify for a certification.
What is a Certification Program Equivalent To?
A certification program is equivalent to a job qualification or industry badge that confirms you have the competencies required for a specific profession.
For example, a Certification of Capability in Business Analysis validates the expertise of a professional with around two years of experience in business analysis.
Conclusion
Certification programs are an effective and practical route toward any career goals.
Applicants can gain specialized skills, industry knowledge, and professional credibility at their own pace.
But if you’re the one with the expertise to share, you can create a certificate program instead.
Let me help you design one that targets the right market and delivers industry-relevant results. Schedule a discovery call with me today.
