How much does your organization prioritize your certification or credentialing program? If you’re not investing in your program, this is your sign to start!
The latest Association Trends Study found that association members and professionals are currently misaligned on the value of certification and credentialing programs. 51% of association members prioritize certifications or credentials, while 37% of professionals believe it’s an important member benefit.
Continue reading to learn more about why your association should invest in its certification or credentialing program and discover helpful strategies to start.
Discover the latest research to guide your association in optimizing your credentialing program and offering the most member benefits. Read the 2024 Association Trends Study today. Download now.
How to optimize your association’s certification and credentialing program
So how do you create a program that optimizes the benefits of certification and credentials for your organization and your members? Here are five tips to get started:
1. Find out what your members want
Surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations are all good ways to gather feedback from members. Not only does this approach give members a vested interest in your learning program, but it also allows you to understand what types of courses, certifications, and credentials are the most valuable to your members.
2. Make it accessible
It’s vital to engage your members in a variety of year-round learning opportunities to address members’ budgets, schedules, educational and certification needs, and learning preferences. Consider creating and delivering an online credentialing course as a convenient option for your members, offering webinars, rebroadcasts, and on-demand content to reach a wide audience.
3. Offer micro-learning and micro-credentialing
If you (or your members) are not ready to dive into lengthy credentialing courses, consider offering credentials in small, bite-sized pieces that members can build up over time. Micro-learning focuses on the idea that people enjoy consuming knowledge in small and easy-to-absorb chunks. This approach ties in nicely with the idea of stackable credentials, in which your learners complete more convenient sub-sections of your overarching credential over time.
4. Remember the certificate option
Typically, organizations need to work with an accrediting body to certify that a course being offered meets the requirements of a specific credential, which is worth doing if your association has the resources and time. But if you’re just getting started, or if the credentialing model doesn’t make sense for your organization, consider offering members a certificate program that you design and approve on your own.
The difference is that by offering a certificate program, you’re certifying that members have completed a course; whereas with a credential, the accrediting body is certifying that members have not only completed the course but also have a specific level of knowledge as a result. Both are beneficial for members, supplying them with a certificate or accreditation they can share with their employers or promote during their job search.
5. Choose the right modern technology
To increase the efficiency of your credentialing program, you’ll need to leverage the best association management software (AMS). Keeping track of continuing education credits, credentials, and certifications can be a handful if you try to tackle it manually. However, the right AMS can help you streamline and automate your certifications processes and manage your credentialing program throughout each stage of your members’ career journey, from graduation through retirement.
For example, NetForum’s credentialing functionality is an essential part of any certification program. It enables staff to streamline processes and empower learners with greater visibility and participation in the certification process.
Want to learn more about the benefits of investing in your certification or credentialing program? Read our free whitepaper today! Download now.
Whether you’re just starting out with an online credentialing program, or you’re looking to boost your existing program, these tips will help take your credentialing program to the next level.
