Certification is the recognition of individuals who meet predetermined standards as defined in terms of skills, abilities and knowledge. It is a voluntary process and, as such, the value of the program must be established in order to ensure that individuals desire the certification and that employers, in turn, value the credential. To maintain the credibility of a certification credential, there must be a third party assessment of an individual’s skills, knowledge and abilities. Recertification, a periodic renewal requirement, is another integral part of the certification process where an individual must demonstrate continued competence in their profession, often with a combination of set practice hours and continuous learning.
Unlike certification, licensure is a mandatory requirement for regulated professionals. Licensing structures exist to ensure that those practicing an often high-stakes occupation possess the knowledge and skills to do so safely and effectively. Certification plays a similar role for occupations not regulated by governments and often functions as a necessary qualification for professional advancement.
This post is based on content from 'ABC's of Certification' by Human Resource Systems Group, Ltd.
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