Why Get Certified? New ITCC Report Highlights the Value of IT Licensure
The accelerating pace of technological change is rewiring the labor market and transforming the world of work. A growing number of positions are so-called “hybrid jobs” that weave together tech skills with non-tech skill sets – think of the digital marketer who uses statistical analysis, or the graphic designer who needs to understand the fundamentals of coding. And as demand for tech skills grows, so does the importance of IT credentials. These certifications serve as a way of demonstrating skills and standing out in an increasingly competitive labor market.
The word “certified” exudes a sense of credibility and trust, which often signals a compelling stamp of approval. Holding an industry-recognized certification grants benefits for IT professionals, partners, and decision-makers, as documented in a recent white paper released by the IT Certification Council (ITCC). In many cases, certifications also lead to tangible value in the workplace: recent research suggests that certification is a key factor for many workers who receive a pay raise, get a bonus, and – perhaps most importantly – boost their sense of stability at work.
What are the benefits of IT certification? The ITCC paper breaks down how certification can support individuals, business partners, and IT decision-makers alike.
Benefits of IT Certification for an Individual:
Take advantage of bragging rights! IT certifications demonstrate dedication to staying up-to-date in the field, earning respect and recognition, and providing an instant “in” with other professionals. It presents the opportunity to network at specialized forums while earning the respect of those at the top of the field. A well-chosen certification can also help individuals flourish in their career by expanding their skillset, growing productivity, and simply increasing marketability. More than 25% of survey respondents said they received higher marks on a performance review after their certification. Learning new skills will help employees discover a few tricks to increase efficiency on projects they already work on: 67% of respondents stated that getting certified has increased their workplace productivity. Plus, more than 50% of survey respondents reported a wage increase of up to 10% after earning a certification. Even if a salary bonus or promotion doesn’t happen immediately, a certification will fortify individuals’ positioning for future financial gain.
Benefits for the IT Business Partners and Companies
The presence or absence of industry certifications has been proven to influence whether or not a potential customer signs, how fast they do it, and how much trust they place in given advice. An Amazon Consulting Survey shows that 40% of respondents agree that certified staff leads to better sales and higher customer satisfaction. With relevant certifications on a team, companies will be better positioned to win contracts, deliver effective solutions, become a trusted partner, and repeat the cycle with a larger contract next time. Furthermore, having an associated certifying authority is an extra asset, which can be leveraged into a technical and marketing boost for a firm’s hiring decisions, plus it adds value to companies overall. Numerous performance studies also show that certified employees consistently deliver better, faster results with more productive team performance. What’s more, certification provides more benefits than training alone because it fosters motivation for keeping skills current. Further, 90% of candidates state that certification is better than training alone and is more effective at preventing or reducing learning gaps.
Benefits for the IT Decision Makers
Building a team of certified staff provides a variety of extra benefits, ranging from increased company annual revenue to greater confidence in selecting employees. More than 40% of respondents reported reduced employee turnover, and 45% of respondents noted an estimated increase of up to $30,000 in annual revenue due to employees’ certifications. Moreover, certifications speak volumes about the people who hold them, and HR executives and hiring managers can use technical certifications to find the best candidates or vendors for a job. Certifying staff empowers them to adapt, deploy, and deliver results better and faster.
Obtaining additional skills that allow an IT professional to move into a new area, or to perform current functions more effectively, is never a waste of time. As the ITCC puts it, there’s no such thing as “too much education,” and there’s no time like the present to explore how certification can help IT professionals, employers, and other decision-makers.
Obtaining additional skills that allow an IT professional to move into a new area, or to perform current functions more effectively, is never a waste of time. As the ITCC puts it, there’s no such thing as “too much education,” and there’s no time like the present to explore how certification can help IT professionals, employers, and other decision-makers.
Examity is a proud sponsor and partner of ITCC. We are honored to support certification providers and workers alike pursue certifications that can boost economic mobility and open the door to new career opportunities. For additional information, or to download the ITCC whitepaper, please visit the ITCC website.
Interested in learning more about how Examity can support your certification program? Contact us today for a demonstration of our online proctoring solution.