Certification levels and the benefits they provide vary greatly. Before beginning any program, determine the value you want to receive, as well as the time, effort, and budget you're prepared to commit. More effort should mean more value. Certification programs can be generally categorized as:
Certificate of Attendance
While not true certification, these programs provide a certificate for attending a class (or being present when attendance is taken). Many factors affect the value of a single class: quality of course material, alignment with learning objectives, learning environment, or opportunity to practice what you've learned. Such certificates do not demonstrate understanding of or ability to apply concepts, skills, or techniques.
Certificate of Education
These diploma-like credentials certify that you have completed a planned learning process with the goal of immersion in a body of study. Depth of knowledge begins with basics and builds to increasingly advanced skills and techniques. These courses' consistency of concepts and continuity lend themselves to support incremental and progressive learning. The certificate documents effort, it cannot document knowledge. Certificate of Education programs are significantly more credible than attendance certificates. They document commitment to and completion of comprehensive education.
Certification of Knowledge and Skills
Test-based programs offer the strongest, most valuable credentials. While not specifically tied to any particular education program, they demand a combination of in-depth education and real experience to pass examinations that test knowledge, skill, and understanding of application. They also require the greatest investment of time and money.
If you decide to pursue this level of certification, seek a program based on proven principles. Meaningful and credible certification programs adhere to certain principles:
- Curriculum aligns learning objectives with job roles and responsibilities.
- Knowledge and skills testing is an essential component.
- Exam developers are separate and independent from training providers.
- Exams are challenging and demand real study to pass them.
- Exams are not specific to any vendor or set of products.
- Exams occur in a controlled environment.
- Recertification is required.
