The Power of Professional Credentials: How Certification Can Advance Your Career

It’s no secret that the professional world is extremely competitive. Everyone wants to stand out in a positive way, and that can be hard in a crowded marketplace. If you want to make a name for yourself, you have to take intentional steps to do a little bit more than the average person—and that’s where professional certifications come in.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know that I’m a big believer in the power of professional credentials, specifically certification programs. I have a few certifications myself (PMP and PCM) and am currently working on one more (CCMP). Regardless of your field or ambitions, I believe certifications are one of the most important tools for advancing your career.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will share that I was previously heavily involved with the PACE certification program (provided through the American Society of Administrative Professionals). I not only developed a good portion of the materials, I also served as the lead trainer from 2016 to 2023. However, it’s also important to say that my interest in certification goes far beyond PACE. I consider PACE one of many credible learning options for administrative professionals.

While some certifications are more rigorous than others, the process of gaining certification is like any other educational endeavor—it’s a commitment that holds promise, but never any guarantees. It requires an investment of time, attention and financial resources. In my experience, that investment pays off in a multitude of ways, both personal and professional.

Here are just some of the benefits:

Validated Competence

Professional credentials demonstrate that you possess a certain set of knowledge and skills and that you have a certain level of expertise. They provide concrete evidence of your proficiency as judged by an objective and respected third party, often a professional association or educational institution. They usually require rigorous coursework, exams, and documented experience, which is part of what makes them so meaningful—they aren’t easy to come by. You have to put in the effort, and not everyone is willing to do that.

Credentials indicate to others that you have a deep understanding of specific areas within a professional “body of knowledge.” This specialized knowledge sets you apart from your peers and demonstrates a unique commitment to your career. This shows employers and colleagues that you’re serious about your professional development and you’re willing to invest the time and effort to excel.

Additionally, most certification programs require ongoing education to maintain credentials. This ensures that you stay current with industry trends, standards, and best practices, thus keeping your skills relevant and sharp.

For more information about continuing education and how to manage these requirements, check out this article.

Enhanced Credibility

Having professional credentials adds a layer of credibility to your profile. It shows that you’ve been vetted by a reputable organization and have met high standards. It also gives you the ability to put some fancy letters after your name! That may sound like a joke, but it’s actually not. When you have letters after your name, it automatically (almost magically) elevates the way people perceive you. And – here’s the kicker – this is true even if they have no idea what those letters stand for! In fact, if people don’t know, they often ask, and that’s a great opportunity to discuss your professional path and interests. So, whether the letters are known or unknown, they work in your favor.

Certification can also give you a competitive edge in your job search and make you a more attractive candidate for promotions and other advancement opportunities. It’s certainly not a guarantee, but all other things being equal, almost everyone would choose to hire the person with a certification.

Increased Confidence

The process of earning and maintaining professional credentials can significantly boost your confidence in your own skills and abilities. Even if you intuitively know you’re a skilled professional, it’s easy for self-doubt to creep in. This can happen even for those who have been working in a field for a long time. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know.

When your expertise is validated by an outside entity, imposter syndrome can begin to fade. You gain the confidence you need to take on more challenging projects and responsibilities and to advocate for what you want, need and deserve. The recognition and respect that come with credentials may even open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

I hope you agree that professional credentials are a powerful tool for advancing your career. They provide concrete evidence to employers, colleagues, and clients that you are a dedicated, knowledgeable, and capable professional. More importantly, they provide that same evidence to YOU.

The investment can be substantial and it’s not something to jump into without a clear understanding of what’s involved, but it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re interested in career advancement.

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