Thread by @TundeTASH

Still contemplating on getting that CERTIFICATION?

- Here are reasons why you should make up your mind.
- Here are 20 certifications that pay well in Canada (some require experience, while some do not).
- Here is how a certification set me aside in a new environment.

Thread.

First, there are perhaps two primary reasons motivating you to want a certification: Career growth or More pay.

Whichever it is, you are on the right path.

Also, remember that no certification comes easy. They require hard work and in many cases ample time of study to pass

Competitive Advantage:

One first thing a certification in your field does is to give you competitive advantage. A certification to you should be what an Oscar is to an actor, as it sets you aside.

Once you have it, your value in the labour market changes for good.

Increase Your Earning Potential:

Truth is, a certification will increase your pay by 20 - 40%.

This is because most recruiters understand the higher costs associated with specialized training and are willing to pay for employees who have industry certifications.

Updates Your Knowledge and Skills:

Truth is by acquiring new and updated industry information or certification, you can refine current work habits that may be causing inefficiencies or quality issues with your output while increasing your competencies.

See it as Energy Booster.

Professional Credibility:

Certifications demonstrates that you are committed to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards, and are made for continued learning.

These merits go a long way in boosting your professional credibility & prestige within your own network.

Self Confidence:

With certification comes increased self confidence, knowing that you are a subject matter expert. Your knowledge is not merely by experience or OTJT.

When you set a goal and achieve it, you gain confidence. This spills over in all aspects of your life too.

Lastly, a certification helps to put a cape on your experience.

Yes, experience is the best teacher, but a certification might just be that super power that'd make your career go 'boom'!

Some programs / certifications listed can be completed in 12 months or less, require no work experience or education beyond high school, and can prepare you for careers with healthy incomes:

1. Web designer: Avg. pay: $54,995
2. Telecommunications Technician: Avg. pay: $54,995

3. Flight attendant: Avg. pay: $49,920
4. 911 dispatcher: Avg pay: $47,840
5. Dental assistant: Avg Pay: $45,760
6. Drafting technician: Avg pay: $53,102

These are the top paying certifications that require experience and education:

7. Human resources: CHRP, CHRL
8. Business analysis: CBAP
9. Financial planning: CFP
10. Accounting: CMA, CGA, CPA,
11. Payroll: PCP
12. Information security: CEH, CISSP
13. Project Management: PMP

14. Cloud architecture: CompTIA Cloud+, MCSE
15. Software development: MCSD
16. Network administration: CCNP

17. Info Security: CISM, CRISC
18. Project Management: CompTIA Project+
19. Cloud Computing: AWS Certified Solutions Architect
20. Finance: CFA

As indicated earlier, certifications sets you aside and puts some sort of radar on you.

A radar which notifies recruiters anywhere in the world that this person is employable.

When I moved to Canada, I had folks who originally came here to study Human Resources Mgt tell me to switch to Public Support Worker because no one would employ me. I did not listen and also did not blame them as it was a reflection of their own experience.

In many cases, experience is very good and so is education, but a certification puts you at the top of the pile. While I was on internship in one of Canada's top employers, The Cooperators Insurance, one goal I set for myself was to become a certified professional.

It payed off.

Finally, thing is, you are competing with hundreds of thousands of folks in the labour market. You think anyone cares about how good your name sounds or where you are coming from?

It's the extra mile you have gone that counts, and that's what certifications do.