5 Ways Professional Certifications Add Value

By MBO Partners • September 15, 2024
time 3 MIN
Certificate
Key points
  • Professional certifications are important for personal development and add credibility to your expertise.
  • While continuing education and certification programs require an investment of time and resources, they also help provide recognition for your specialized knowledge or skill set.
  • Here are five proven benefits of professional certification that can make a difference personally and professionally.

Professional certifications are important for personal growth and add credibility to your expertise. A continuous thirst for knowledge is a key element in building a growing, thriving business. And although continuing education and certification programs can be an investment of time and resources, they provide recognition for your specialized knowledge or skill set, which can be a significant benefit when it comes to landing certain clients or projects.

Here are five benefits to keep in mind if you’re considering to pursue a professional certification.

1. Gain a Competitive Advantage

When you have training that your competitors don’t, it sets you apart. Certifications can differentiate you from other professionals in your field, showing that you have a demonstrated commitment to understanding and excelling in your profession. This can give you an advantage, which is particularly important in today’s competitive market. Stay on top of trends and learn how to use that new software or social platform before it becomes a household name.

2. Boost Efficiency

Professional certifications can also help give your business a solid foundation. The advanced training, information, and knowledge you gain from specialized coursework can provide you with up-to-date tools and technical strategies that will serve to guide and direct you in the execution of your projects, allowing you to manage all aspects of your work more effectively.

3. Increase Earning Potential

The time and effort invested in professional certifications often result in increased income. Most clients will understand the higher costs associated with specialized training and are willing to pay for consultants who have industry certifications. For example, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification recipients report their median salaries are 26% higher than those who are not PMP certified.

4. Grow Knowledge and Skills

By acquiring new and updated industry information or techniques, you can identify which current work habits may be causing inefficiencies or quality issues with your output and implement changes to increase those competencies. This can help give you the skills and confidence to try something new such as establishing the groundwork to implement a more sophisticated working environment for your consultancy.

5. Establish Professional Credibility

There are an increasing number of companies, non-profits, and government organizations that, when working with independent consultants, want (or may even be required) to engage those who have certain certifications from recognized programs. Certification demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. These merits can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network, with your current clients, and when pursuing new business opportunities or bidding on projects.

Certifications are often a worthwhile investment because of the many advantages they can provide throughout your career. As you move forward and as your business evolves, be sure to keep your certifications up-to-date so you can continue to realize these benefits. Also, be sure to publicize your certifications on your website, your marketplace profile, and your LinkedIn profile.

 

Categories

Icon_Independent_Talent.svg

Join our marketplace to search for consulting projects with top companies

Learn more about MBO

Icon_Independent_Talent.svg

Learn how to start, run and grow your business with expert insights from MBO Partners

Icon_Enterprise.svg

Learn how to find, manage and retain top-tier independent talent for your independent workforce.

Sales.svg

MBO Partners publishes influential reports, cited by government and other major media outlets.

Icon_Insights.svg

Research and tools designed to uncover insights and develop groundbreaking solutions.