Management certifications are a hot topic these days. There are so many different certifications available so it can be hard to decide which ones to pursue or whether it’s worth pursuing them at all. Some would argue that certifications improve your chances of being hired or promoted while others would argue that nothing can replace real-world experience. Getting these certifications can be a costly, time consuming, and effort-consuming process that so many wonder if getting certified is even worth all the trouble. Like everything else, there are pros and cons associated with getting these leading management certifications. To help you decide whether or not it is right for you, we’ve put together a list of some of these pros and cons.
Pro: Recognition
One of the biggest advantages of getting a management certification is the fact that you will be recognized for your efforts. You may be the most knowledgeable person at your organization, but people may not recognize you as an expert without that certificate. People tend to think very highly of these certifications and you will instantly be regarded as more knowledgeable if you have them. In some cases, being certified can even earn you recognition across the globe.
Pro: More Money
Some surveys suggest that professionals who receive certain certifications can earn up to $30,000 more per year than industry professionals without that same certification. This is a huge selling point for many managers looking to advance their careers. Since some companies place a huge emphasis on certifications, they may be willing to pay higher salaries to those who are willing to get them.
Pro: Better Opportunities
Organizations are always looking for managers who have knowledge and experience with the daily functions of a business, and management courses offer tips and information about how to manage a business in an organized way. If you obtain a management certification, this can make your resume appear more lucrative and can open up more opportunities for you. Some companies will even require employees to obtain certifications, while others simply encourage it. Either way, having a management certification can help you land better job opportunities and can also increase your chances of being promoted. From a hiring perspective, certifications also provide an added level of confidence.
Pro: Knowledge
Learning is an ongoing process and it’s important to your career to stay up-to-date with current industry trends. Obtaining certifications is a great way to increase your knowledge of the industry and help you gain a deeper understanding of specific aspects of your position. Not only do companies appreciate your knowledge, but they are impressed when a candidate shows they are willing to continue learning and they are serious about their profession.
Con: Time
Obtaining a certification can be burdensome for some because of the time it takes to complete the course. While some courses may be offered online, others may require in-person attendance and it can be difficult to find the time to fit this into your busy schedule. Certifications can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete and for some, the time it entails is simply not worth it.
Con: It Doesn’t Replace Experience
Some would argue that a certification simply proves that you have a good short-term memory. Basically, you can take a class and remember the right answers to get certified but this is not necessarily an indication of your true ability. There is a common misconception that people who are certified are more knowledgeable than those who are not but this is simply not true. It’s one thing to recall information in order to pass a course and it’s quite another to be able to apply that knowledge on the job. What really makes someone valuable is their ability to put their knowledge to use in real-world situations.