4 Certifications That Will Grow Your Career was originally published on Firsthand.
Many companies offer their employees career growth opportunities, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also make your own efforts to grow your career. Here are four of the best certifications that will help you become a more desirable professional and advance your career.
1. Project management
Project managers are in high demand, and those with Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications top the list of those in demand. PMP is usually designed for professionals with more experience, while CAPM is for those with less experience in managing projects. The majority prefer to go for the PMP certification because it immediately boosts their resume and chances of getting hired. If you hold a degree from college, the requirements for this certification include =4,500 hours of product leadership experience, 35 hours of PMP certification training, $500 in fees, and passing a 200-question exam. There are other requirements for those still in college and those not in college yet.
2. Supply chain
Many employees are getting certifications in the supply chain field these days because supply chain knowledge and experience is in very high demand. Some of these certifications are Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD). For most supply chain certifications, you must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, have one approved certification, complete at least three years of related business experience, and pass an exam that costs about $1,000. Though this is a steep fee, the rewards are endless, with big companies coming your way once you make your certification public knowledge.
3. Human resources
While there are courses (and majors) in human resources management in colleges, anyone can still go in for a certification course in human resources management without having taken an HR course before. However, if you want potential employers to absorb you as one of their employees in their HR department, you must demonstrate to them that you have taken the initiative to pursue such a line. There are several certifications in HR but most recruiters are on the hunt for those with Professional in Human Resources (HR) certifications or the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation. So, you should consider these if you want to pursue or grow a career in human resources.
4. Business analyst
Another in-demand certification to consider is the business analyst certification. Professionals with these certifications work with companies to analyze processes, products, services, and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The most sought-after business analyst certification is the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). For this, you will need to complete at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience within the last 10 years, have at least 35 hours of professional development credits in the past four years, pass a 120-question test, pay an application fee of $125 and about $400 in additional fees, and maintain your certification by earning at least 60 continuing education credits within three years of the certification date.
Mathilde Leroux is an experienced career advisor. She assesses personal characteristics, skills, and interests via individual interviews and group work by providing appropriate help and advice.
