certifications for higher education professionals

certifications for higher education professionals

The Importance of Certifications for Higher Education Professionals

1. Introduction to Certifications in Higher Education

First and foremost, certifications and credentialing programs are an attempt to ensure a standardized quality of service. They are externally developed and administered and, when valid, indicate a professional standard level of knowledge and/or skills. In some cases, certification may be a requirement to practice in that industry. In higher education, certification may set benchmarks for practice, knowledge, or skills. It might also provide an opportunity to enhance professional identity and satisfaction, give competitive professional advantages, and enhance marketability and desirability for their efforts. Subscription managers and professionals who wish to advance in their career or acquire new skills may pursue certification to set themselves apart from their peers, provide ID, associated benefits, and generally validate knowledge. We will explore further the pros and cons of individual certification options and list some of those available from professional associations. Since higher education is so broad, the chances of finding a certification that suits one’s interests and professional development are high. The challenge, we surmise, is to find one or a few that will add value as gatekeepers for learning and networking for the investment of time and capital.

Certifications, particularly in the higher education sector, have exploded in popularity as industry professionals seek ways to validate their knowledge and skills in their fields. Higher education is no stranger to the idea of certification or credentialing, but the current popular surge carries with it an interesting intersection of private business and organizational commitment. Often, we are left wondering who determines the qualification criteria and how are they determined? Are these certifications worth obtaining and displaying?

2. Benefits of Obtaining Certifications

Employers and job candidates are also increasingly recognizing the value of relevant certifications across multiple industries. For those professionals new to the higher education industry, an association certification can provide necessary, industry-specific education in addition to skills you have obtained in other fields. And outside of the industry, certification of one’s skills in a specific occupation has proven valuable in hiring for many employers – demand for certified staff is increasing for both individuals and businesses. Certifications also can provide a level of credibility to employers about an employee’s skills. A certification could help differentiate between two similar candidates vying for a position. Certification training validates an employee’s expertise and specific skills – by third-party standards. Voluntary certifications are the first part of a career path, benefits of which will expand with future certifications.

There is a seemingly endless list of benefits associated with obtaining a certification, and chief among them is the opportunity for career advancement. Employees who hold certifications demonstrate a proficiency in their field that sets them apart from those without the credentials. Additionally, the specialty topics and focused skills that certifications provide can set an employee ahead of the competition for a higher-level position. Certification training can also lead to a competitive benefit in the form of new skills. Many professionals obtain certifications as a way to freshen up their skills and job worth as new topics become important in their fields.

3. Popular Certifications for Higher Education Professionals

Overall, professionals in HEMS and HR higher ed concentrations could benefit from certifications as there is little to no negative preconceptions regarding certifications. Ideal HR candidates for certifications are transitioning out of the HR field with zero to five years of experience. Also, professionals in higher ed would benefit from certifications that convey their abilities in practical HR applications like “fund of knowledge areas,” which would better complement their career trajectory. As professionals working in higher ed or HEMS change, certifications could also help HR professionals stand out within a sea of professionals in similarly focused functions.

Certified Administrative Professional and Organizational Management Certification from International Association of Administrative Professionals. The Society of College and University Planning (SCUP) offers a variety of certificates to emerging leaders and experienced professionals. One of the most practical and marketable is Meetings Professional. The Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) provides financial aid professionals and resident education professionals with certificates that are portable to most college and university campuses. Examinations for these certificates are currently provided on-campus and at affiliated meetings. The National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) offers training and certification for professionals working in the various auxiliary services of higher education. These four certification offerings can be completed in person or online. Those who successfully achieve certification validate their knowledge, skills, and abilities and continue to distinguish themselves in the field of higher education.

Adult and higher education is a diverse and dynamic field that often requires current practitioners to have specialized expertise. Certifications can be an attractive option for professionals who want to stay current with industry and fundamental changes, seek promotion in their field, or are making a career change. They are usually less expensive than obtaining another degree and can usually be completed in a shorter amount of time. Hiring committees in adult and higher education are likely to recognize and value most, if not all, of the certifications discussed below.

4. How to Choose the Right Certification Program

After researching colleges and university websites, you won’t need to look for the list of appropriate certifications, they do an excellent job of listing these on their websites. With careful study, it becomes evident which certifications are considered valuable in this field of professionals, as they are listed by some schools with comprehensive lists. Although these endorsements may alter in their worth, they’re still an outstanding start for prospective certifications. It’s important to pick a certification that meets your needs and organization’s requirements. If you are new or want to work in a specific capacity, begin by examining the job positions in which you are involved. Look for a profession you’d like to perform there which doesn’t need years of expertise if you’re a beginner. You should also consider choosing a certification that is accepted by the entire industry if you want to differentiate yourself. Some institutions have more than one certification to show that a higher level of symbolic knowledge or expertise has been achieved.

There are a lot of terms floating around the higher education industry involving continuing education. Let’s start by distinguishing the fact that in this article, we’re using the term ‘certifications’ to exclusively refer to industry-specific certifications that apply to a definite program or area at an institution, not to faculty with terminal or advanced degrees or not to complex certifications such as NAEYC, NECHE, or specialized accreditations that apply to entire institutions. Instead, the certifications we are discussing here often apply to individuals working within higher education, although some programs offer additional certifications or may be better certifications to have obtained. As you begin to think about which certifications might help you get where you are going, start by doing a little reconnaissance work. You can begin by asking any of your mentors about their opinions and then checking out the websites.

5. Case Studies and Success Stories

A husband and wife already had a thriving independent college planning, preparation, and funding office. Since joining Creative College Solutions™ as a licensee in 2007, however, they have expanded their services and more than doubled their business. They cited two reasons for the explosion in their business. When asked about the appropriate channels to reach the public, they listed “Certification and Professional designation (sic), such as the CCPS™ of which I am a graduate, to show consistency and credibility of services.” A licensee, investment advisor for 12 years, and twice published author was already using the foundations of the CFS® teachings to counsel families and stand out in their area. At the time she signed with us in March 2006, she had already been a CFS® since November 2005, and it influenced her decision to sign with us. This is what she told us: “I am in the process of obtaining my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Degree (sic) and to be quite honest, it is not giving me anything new in my practice as a CFS. The reason I am pursuing the CFP is for personal reasons and so my clients can address me as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, as it is probably more recognized than CFS. I was a bit unsatisfied with the frustration of the effort it took to achieve the CFP when I initially thought it would advance my practice tenfold.” In contrast, “When I was reviewing the CCPS™ course, I found myself frustrated at the degree of new and helpful information I was learning. That is why I chose to affiliate with MoneyTrax, and that was a year ago.”

Our experience validates positive research findings on the benefits of certifications in our business. Some certifications require a high level of experience or intensity. For instance, the Certified College Planning Specialist™ (CCPS) requires a minimum of 5 years of industry experience before a candidate can attempt the certification exam. Still, we have helped many people move ahead more quickly than they might have otherwise by obtaining applicable certifications. A few examples also show how certifications can provide training value, in addition to just carrying recognized cachet.