5 Things to know about Certification

There has been some interest in learning about professional certification programs. This post is in response.

5. They are expensive

Professional certification programs cost a lot of money. Registration alone for CFA Level 1 costs nealry US$1,000. Add another US$1,000 for preparation material and your’e looking at a significant outlay. Be prepared for this.

Better yet, try to get your employer to pay for it. Many companies reimburse fees for education programs. Reach out to your HR representative and get the details. Having said this, make sure you’re asking about the right program from your company – you don’t want to ask Microsoft to pay for your Linux certification!

4. Choose the right one

There are so many certification programs out there, from SAP to Cisco to Oracle. And this leads to tremendous confusion. DO NOT start a program because your friends/cousins/brother’s in-laws are doing it.

Choose a program that meets your career goals. One way to do this is to have an end in mind before you start – think first about what you want to do after a program and then decide if a particular program is the right one for that end.

Be personally investing in the program.

3. Take the program seriously

Professional certification is not just about the certificate, but more about the knowledge and skills behind it. As a certified professional, you’re expected to know your stuff in the specific field. So be serious with your preparations.

In college, it may have been enough to go through old question papers before an exam. However, in the real world, its what happens after exams that count.

2. Try it out

Just like at the shoe store, its always best to try out a number of training/coaching programs before formally enrolling in one. Try to get materials online or from a friend and have a feel of them. See if you can handle the time and workload. Try it for a month on your own – if you can devote the time, then enrol fulltime.

1. Be committed to it

There are too many people out there who have started certification programs and have quit in between. They buy course materials, join classes and then drop out after a few months. Do not join this group.

One, its a waste of money if you quit. But more importantly, its a waste of time and you won’t get this back.

Be committed to a program and make sure you take it to completion.