Why Is Voluntary Professional Certification Important In Career Development?

Voluntary professional certification is an integral part of my career in executive management. Professional associations grant such accreditation to competent people in a particular industry or occupation (McKillip, 2000). To qualify, an individual must prove that he or she has completed the necessary coursework and gained experience in the field over a stipulated period. Although it is a voluntary course, it will prove my professional credibility and expertise; hence, I should select the program that is most suitable for my career plan.

Since I plan to pursue a career as an executive in project management, I have chosen several professional certifications that I can enroll in. One of these recognitions includes Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI), which is a gold standard in my career. The certification will validate my competency in this field and create a demand for my skills internationally. I can also acquire a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), which will confirm my adequate project management knowledge, terminology, and process to work in this sector. Besides, I can apply for certification from the International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level A, B, C, and D (Project Management Institute, 2019). The qualification will improve my prospects to work internationally as an executive project manager. Any of the certifications will improve my chances to be recognized in the field.

The project management profession has various voluntary certifications that I can pursue depending on my career objectives. These recognitions will add value to my career prospects and provide an edge when competing for the same opportunity with other project managers. They will also assist me in becoming part of organizations and professionals to learn the best practices in my career.

References

Project Management Institute. (2019). Certifications. Retrieved from https://www.pmi.org/certifications

McKillip, J. (July 2000). Voluntary professional certifications: Requirements and validation activities. Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.siop.org/tip/backissues/TipJuly00/09McKillip.aspx