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Why Get Certified?

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Published: September 20, 2006

“Getting certified with the National Board was the hardest thing I've ever done professionally, and the most rewarding thing I've ever done,” says Connie Wolf, a teacher in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Whatever profession you are in, getting certified can only benefit you. Certification can help from the start for getting the job to moving up with a promotion. Certification provides a standard by which to evaluate skills by a third party. Getting certified is no walk in the park and by jumping through the hoops, you are showing your commitment to your field, showcasing your abilities, and therefore your value to employers or potential employers.


Here are some of the general reasons why managers look at those who are certified:

Money- Customers are more likely to purchase from certified companies than the competition. This is because it shows quality control. Practices meet the standards and it's in black and white for buyers to see. For health care and teachers, managers look at certification for money as well from government funds and donations.

Productivity- Managers view certified employees as driven and aggressive. Certification shows confidence, a high level of competency, and credibility among peers.

Promotion- Employees who are certified can compete against those who just have on the job experience. Ideally, managers are looking for someone who has both on the job experience and current certification.


For those in sales, the following are current Certified Sales Professionals (CSP) statistics that show how certification increased their sales.
  • 86% of Certified Sales Professionals said certification gave them a competitive edge in the marketplace.
  • Nearly two-thirds increased their sales by 15% or more.
  • 72% rank in the top 25% of sales within their companies.
  • More than 50% earn personal annual incomes over $75,000 per year.
  • 93% of CSPs recommend becoming a Certified Sales Professional to others.

After certification, most employees can expect a raise in salary. Certification raises your salary by about 10 to 12%. A study done by Fairfield Research and Certification Magazine shows that by receiving certification in sales leads to a 12% increase in salary, which is about a $6,000 raise.

Multiple certifications can substantially lead to pay increases. With one certification, the average pay was $53,000; with five certifications, it is $62,000; and with ten, the average
pay was $75,000.

For those who teach, you may be eligible for an annual $3,000 increase or more, depending on your state guidelines for achieving National Board Certification. In Illinois for example, NBCTs can receive $1,000 if they provide 60 hours of mentoring and/or $3,000 to assist candidates teaching in academically at-risk schools or schools located in economically disadvantaged communities. There are also insurance benefits that come with being certified.

The cost of certification varies by profession and state requirements. However, the employer and/or government financial aid can help pay for cost of certification. Whatever the cost, as the saying goes, you have to spend money to make money.

Although certification helps, it is also job effectiveness and planning ahead that count the most. You have to meet high standards, do your job within budget, and meet deadlines. A good career with good pay comes from hard work.

Some certifications expire, so be sure and stay up to date. Taking refresher courses and recertification classes shows that you have current skills and knowledge. It also shows your desire for life long learning.




"Every Child Deserves a Great Teacher." National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 2006. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 20 Sept. 2006 .

Hecksel, David L., and Marcus Green. "Java Certification: Who, What, When, Where, How." Certification Mag. 2006. MediaTec Publishing Inc. 20 Sept. 2006.

"Why Get Certified." Canadian Professional Sales Association. 2001. Canadian Professional Sales Association. 20 Sept. 2006.
 
"Why Get Certified." CertFX. 20 Sept. 2006.

"Why Get Certified." Global Information Technology. 2003. Global IT. 20 Sept. 2006 .
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