How much value has your organization placed on association certifications? Today, professional certifications are increasingly recognized as an essential tool for career advancement.
However, association professionals and members are currently divided on the importance of certifications and credentialing associations. The latest Association Trends Research found that 51% of members value certifications or credentials, while only 37% of association professionals value the same member benefit.
Offering association certifications is a powerful way to meet your member expectations. Read our blog to discover why credentialing associations are driving sustained membership growth.
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What is an association certification?
Association certifications are credentials offered by professional organizations to signify proficiency and expertise in a specific industry. These professional associations are responsible for setting industry standards and ensuring members and non-members meet the necessary qualifications to receive a certification. An association certification can range from general industry qualifications to specialized designations.
Here are some examples of the criteria for certification:
- Educational requirements
Most certifications require a minimum level of education, whether it’s a college degree or a specific number of completed training hours. - Experience and skill assessments
Learners are often required to demonstrate practical experience in their field and may need to pass exams that assess their knowledge and skills. - Continuing education requirements
Many certifications require ongoing education to stay valid to ensure that certified professionals keep pace with industry changes and advancements.
The benefits of an association certification
There are many benefits of obtaining an association certification. Here’s why members and non-members will turn to your association for certifications or credentials:
1. Career advancement
Professionals will come to your association for certifications to enhance their job prospects. The bottom line is this: certified professionals are often more attractive to employers, as certifications show a verified level of skill and dedication to the profession. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher-paying job roles, as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and qualification.
2. Professional credibility
Because certifications build credibility and certified professionals are viewed as reliable experts in their fields, it will be easier to establish trust with employers and clients alike. Additionally, members and non-members will turn to your certification program to earn the honor and respect of peers from within their industry.
3. Networking opportunities
As your association invests in its certification program, your certified members will reap the benefits, gaining exclusive access to professional groups for networking purposes. Your organization can also benefit from these networking groups, creating opportunities for collaboration, engaging in knowledge sharing, and building professional bridges with other industry leaders.
The role of certification in professional development
Certification plays a crucial role in your members professional development. Here’s how:
1. Skill enhancement
Certifications will help your members stay current with the latest industry trends, tools, and practices, ensuring that all skills are relevant. Association certifications also offer an opportunity for your members to develop specialized knowledge in niche areas, encouraging members to deepen their expertise in a special field.
2. Personal growth
Motivate your members and boost their confidence for continued career growth by offering association certifications. Earning a certification can go a long way in encouraging a member to invest in their professional future. Encourage your members to set career goals that align with your certifications and help them progress along their desired career paths.
3. Lifelong learning
Members who pursue association certifications demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning, a quality valued by employers across industries. Invest in your certification program to encourage your members to stay adaptable in the face of a changing job market. As industries evolve, certifications empower members with the latest skills ensuring they stay relevant in competitive fields.
Industry-specific examples of association certifications
Are you wondering where your organization could grow its association certification program? Certifications are valuable across many industries. Here are the top three examples:
1. Healthcare
Certifications like the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Medical Coder (CMC) are crucial for roles in patient care and medical records management.
2. IT
Popular certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are in high demand, particularly in cybersecurity and IT project management.
3. Finance
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are well-known credentials that demonstrate a professional’s expertise in accounting and finance.
The future of association certification
Professionals across all industries are looking for certifications and credentials. The Skillsoft Global Knowledge report found that 85% of IT professionals hold at least one certification and 40% of the respondents plan to pursue additional certifications within the next year.
Here are four more trends to be on the lookout for at your organization:
1. Online certifications
Online platforms are making certifications more accessible, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace, and digital badges, which are verifiable credentials, are also gaining popularity.
2. Specialized certifications
As industries become more complex, employers are looking for professionals with specialized skills, leading to the development of more focused certifications.
3. Evolving job roles
As technology and industry standards change, invest in your association certifications to ensure your programs evolve to address new job roles and skills gaps.
4. Address skill gaps
If your members have skill gaps, they can address this need with a certification. Various industries like technology, healthcare, and finance are turning to certifications to address skills gaps.
Looking for more information about association certifications?
Explore the certifications offered by organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI), American Nurses Association (ANA), and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
At your association, offer webinars, workshops, or networking events focused on your industry to help your members stay updated on trends and opportunities for growth. Offer networking opportunities so your members can engage and connect with like-minded professionals in their industry.
With the right association management software (AMS), you can streamline association certifications, making it easy to enhance the member experience while simplifying key administrative processes.
TIP: Choose NetForum AMS to automate key credentialing processes, boost staff efficiency, and enhance member engagement to ensure your program is a success! Learn more.
Learn more about association certifications
When your association invests in certifications and credentials, you’ll meet member expectations, empower members to take charge of their careers, and deliver continued success to your entire organization.
Ready to learn more about how association certifications? Read our free guide today!
