Are Certificates Worth it?

[rebeccal]

I'd like some feedback. How much do you think employers value certificates?

I'm considering getting a supervision certificate at my local community college. I can test out of 2 out of the 3 classes. The third class is only offered online -- at a cost of about $700 for 3 credits. (This is counting tuition, fees, and a textbook.)

I'm in a new (very minor) supervisory position at work and felt getting the certificate would be "nice" and would be a minor milestone on my way to a degree. I also plan to get a CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) certificate in May of next year. The CAP certificate seems like a no brainer because it will actually save money.

I'm struggling with whether or not it is worth the $700 for the online class needed to complete the supervision certificate.

My motivation for the certificates include:

1. Small accomplishments on the way to a bachelor's degree will provide a sense of accomplishment/motivation.

2. My lack of education is somewhat of a hindrance at my job. A part of me thinks that if I can show I'm making progress toward my degree, they will look on me more favorably and perhaps be more likely to advance me/increase pay even before I get the degree.

Any thoughts?

Rebecca

[marianne202]

My recommendation would be to talk to your supervisor or HR manager about the certificates. Some employers will pay for certificates in specific jobs. When I worked for an insurance company they paid for us to get various certificates even though they were not directly related to the job I was doing, I could obtain them and they would pay for them. I didn't get any pay increase nor did it affect my job position. I have worked where certificates or certification were important, but didn't increase my pay or responsibility. I think it is very specific and I would say don't spend your money until you know it will be of some benefit. If you can put that money and time towards your bachelor's degree it may be benefit you more.

[rebeccal]

Marianne,

Thanks for your input.

At this time, my company doesn't have any sort of tuition reimbursement benefit. When I told my boss I was going back to school, he really lit up and told me to go tell the HR director. He later told me that he talked to the HR director about them giving me some time and $$ to pursue my education, but since there is nothing like that in place right now, and since it seems to take forever for anything like this to be done there (and since budgets are also tight), I don't think it will happen any time soon.

Another thing is that management is a big part (about 25%) of the CAP exam, so although I wouldn't actually get a management/supervision certificate, the CAP certificate definitely covers supervision. I do think the CAP exam is worth it because it is worth 29 credits and including all the study materials, membership to the IAAP and the exam, cost less than $650.

Thanks again for sharing your experience and thoughts with me!

Rebecca

[bawhitsett]

I agree 100% with Marianne, if there's not going to be a definite benefit to obtaining the certificate I'd use the money towards pursuing the degree. Will mean a lot more down the road.

[marianne202]

Rebecca it is great that your boss is willing to help you out. I would keep on HR and even present them with your plan along with all the pricing info and start dates. Sometimes that helps them move along faster if they know they have a deadline to get you the money. As in instructor, please keep in mind that even though CAP will give you 29 credits, most if not all of them will probably not transfer into a degree program. Very rarely, does this type of credit equate to college transfer credit, so don't count on it getting you closer to completing your degree. Even if the information is degree related, it probably won't transfer. Most applied science or applied technology credits don't transfer, even if the program tells you it will. Just make sure you check with your college advisor so you know exactly what will and won't transfer. I would hate for you to be disappointed if you planned on those credits going towards your degree. I would also recommend that you verify the pass percentage on the certification exam with your level of experience and training. Some programs tout a quick bootcamp training or prep course but in actuality it isn't enough to pass the exams without extensive practical experience, but they very rarely tell you that. I wish you the best of luck along your journey.

[rebeccal]

Marianne,

Thanks for another well thought out response. Tough decisions! The deal is that I don't yet have an advisor. I plan on getting my degree through EC, but haven't yet enrolled due to cost. I do know the 29 credits for the CAP exam are the ACE recommendation and that others have used them for EC. What do you think?

I do think it will be a tough exam, but there is a lot of study material on the IAAP forums, so that, along with the other materials and a lot of hard work will hopefully be enough to pull it off.

I'm not very far into this journey, so really appreciate people like you who have gone before me.

Off to work now. . .

Rebecca