CommentsFiled Under: , , , , , , , , , Industry Certifications Are Complete BS Posted by Erin Blaskie on December 14th, 2009 at 8:00 am

Before you jump to comment, I’m talking about these industry certifications that pop up whenever a trending or new industry is created.  Ie: the virtual assistant certification program, the social media guru certification, etc.

These certifications are complete BS depending on WHY you are doing the certification.

If you are doing the certification because you feel you HAVE to in order to get clients in your industry… STOP.

Here’s the thing – all of the companies that are popping up to create certification programs are MAKING MONEY on you taking the certification.  They are smart entrepreneurs who realized that there is no governing body on who can create a certification program.  There is no one organization appointing individuals to be THE center for certification.  So, they decided to take advantage of people coming into an industry by saying, “People won’t hire you unless you are certified.”  Beth Harte makes some great points here in her blog post.

Let me also mention that most certifications will run you anywhere from $1500-3000… For information you can find on GOOGLE or on other people’s blogs for FREE.

Not only that but I have never had a client, in the five years of doing business, ask me if I was certified to do my job.  A piece of paper saying you went through a certification program is NOT enough proof for people.  They will want to see your work.  Testament to what you can actually DO instead of just what you’ve learned.  Having a certification is not your golden ticket to new client land.  Trust me.

Instead, focus on building your portfolio.  Find clients, do work for them and put together your best work in a showcase.  Show off what you can do.  If you don’t have any magical skill sets worthy of a portfolio, spend your money on training instead.  Certifications are going to include a lot of out-dated theory BS (much of which you can Google for free) but training won’t.  Training is going to show you PRACTICAL application of the skill set required to be a leading player in your industry.

If you are doing the certification because you WANT to and doing so will make you feel more confident in your industry, I can see your point. However, I return back to my training comment.  Get training on things that will result directly in you making more money.  Build your portfolio and spend your money on creating a beautiful website to showcase your work from.

A lot of people I see drop thousands on these certification programs but then go Scrooge-like on other parts of their businesses (ie: their website) which is so counter-productive.  I guarantee you will lose business because of a horrible website but you won’t lose business if you don’t have a certification from a non-certified, non-governing body in your industry.

However… these are just my opinions.  What do you think?

  • I think there are two types of certification programs out there (at least for VAs). One type places emphasis on training and learning new skills (and the "certified" part is just a little self-esteem booster and a way to charge a bit more for the training program).
    Then there is a very different type of certification that requires "proof" of being in business (aka website) and not much else and doesn't offer anything in return for VA's money other than a tweet or two (with a link to certification program's site and not to VA's website).
  • reneemoore
    Erin, I agree with you. I just received an invitation to one from a well known guru in the industry. I was pretty shocked because I felt that it was a gimmick to make money. everything the person was offering in the course was something that was taught in one of their e-courses for 6X as much. And as you mentioned all of that can be found online for free.
  • RobStewart
    Here is my problem with certifications. I work in the I.T. field, and there are some certifications that are valid and do prove that you are knowledgeable in your field. My problem lies with the fact some employers see these certifications as the be all and end all of knowledge. Oh, you don't have xyz certification? Oh you must not be qualified. Even though you might have been doing the exact same job with a reputable employer for many years.

    I think one thing that is not brought up a lot is that Certifications more or less make you the exact same as everyone else out there. There is no certification for soft skills and personal traits that put certain people ahead of the pack. Things like creativity, leadership, people skills, enthusiasm, drive, things that really put an amazing employee ahead of an average employee are overlooked, because some people can't get over a simple piece of paper they haven't gotten for whatever reason.

    It is something that I really hope changes sometime in the future, there are needs for certifications in many fields, but not every field.

    But, that is just my opinion.
  • Mary Havlicek
    Erin, I think you are spot-on with this post. Certification is just business for its creators. When looking at these programs, you need to ask: What true credentials do they have? Why should their certification mean something to anyone outside of your industry, even within it? They run the same program time after time, but are they updating it with new information each time? And even after the program ends, considering that new information will come out and evolve, will they keep those that have already completed their programs updated and current? Is there further certification, or renewals? Or is it just a one-time thing? After all, especially with social media, things change practically daily - are they keeping up or, as you said, continuing to spit out outdated BS?

    If improvement is needed, training is the way to go. Even coaching or mentoring can help. I can't tell you how much I've learned just by reading blogs and doing some research... all for free. Talk to others and don't be afraid to ask questions. I have never had anyone ask me if I'm a certified VA. Most don't even know such a thing exists, so if they saw the badge on my site, it wouldn't mean much to them. Educating yourself, keeping up with the ever-constant evolution of information and talking to others will keep you in the loop, and probably ahead of the certification game.
  • Excellent comment Mary. I agree with everything you've said here.

    The best thing for people to look at is continuous training with organizations who are there for their participants / members and who are keeping up-to-date (and keeping you up-to-date) without charging you a small fortune every time something changes.

    In the meantime, consumers need to be more aware that some institutions merely exist to turn a profit. They just put a sleek look to the face of it and claim to be the expert... Sigh.
  • You are exactly right when you say you can learn everything from the Internet. I have been a VA since 2004 and I have found that doing a simple Google search is more knowledgeable (and cheaper!) then signing up for programs. If it is more resources you are looking for, then Ezinearticles.com has a ton of great articles that can teach you everything you need to know and more.

    For me, it's not a smart investment to spend even a $100.00 on these certification programs since everyone has their own views of what a virtual assistant really is. If you are going to spend money on programs, then I suggest taking a program at a local college in Dreamweaver or Photoshop since it's a VA skill that is highly desirable.
  • I think also Trina that doing a Google search is much more targeted. Sure, you won't have it all in one place (which is why some people need a really good training program) but dropping thousands is just not realistic for all people.
  • olufunmike
    I feel the same way about certification programs myself. Great write-up
  • Thanks :)
  • Very interesting posting.
    Earlier this morning I posted something on the same topic on my blog. For the longest time I've kept silent on the whole certification and training topic, particularly since I felt that I came to the industry with certain skill-sets and qualification that was enough to sell myself. However, over the years I've come to realize, particularly with new niche areas such as Social Media, certification is great if you don't have the time or inclination to go through the process of self study. As you noted here and I do agree, getting certified to get clients is not the best things. We all need to build our portfolios and I think certification helps make one feel more confident and competent about their ability to offer certain services and job well. Just my two-cents.
  • Hi Carlana!

    Thanks for the comment!

    While I see the value in needing something to boost your confidence, I think the $2-4K it costs to get certified by these "institutions" and "organizations" is over-priced... They are in business too and looking to make individuals feel like being certified is a golden ticket or is required to do a job. It's just not true.

    Solid training is where it's at for both the time/money investment in my opinion.

    Erin
  • I agree with you 100%. I'm not parting with thousands of dollars to get certified. Period. Most of these training are exorbitantly priced and definitely not the way to go. And like you said, solid training is the best option. I really don't like how these big-wig internet marketers are pricing these things and even worse, how so many people are just jumping on the bandwagon and parting with their dollars. I know of a fellow VA who just signed up to for a big name marketer's upcoming training in social media. She's prepared to shell out close to 3K for things she already knows because she's of the opinion that being 'certified' by this individual will lead to an increase in her clientele. The sad thing is, a lot of what they have packaged and are selling can be purchased at fraction of the cost elsewhere and can actually be found free online! Tsk tsk.
  • I have felt the same way about many certification programs, including some created by large companies that build popular operating systems. :) Unfortunately, there are far too many gullible businesses out there willing to hire those who can simply flash a certification rather than prove their worth. Until businesses stop hiring based solely on a piece of paper, the get-rich-quick certification programs will continue to exist.
  • Hi Scott,

    I think that's the hardest part for sure -- seeing the smart marketers take advantage of those who don't know any better.

    There is a huge difference between certification by Joe down the street and by an accredited body and I think people who don't realize that are dropping a lot of money on a useless piece of paper.

    This is why blogging is so powerful. Helps to shed light on situations like this.

    E.
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