Whether you are a professional like myself seeking to advance your portfolio or a working adult trying to make ends meet, earning certifications is essential and the way to go. It helps keep our skills current, fresh and improved.

There are so many reasons why having up-to-date certifications is vital in the work world. For starters, it is a great way to show your employer or potential employers that you are committed to your job and are always looking for ways to improve your skills. In addition, it also demonstrates that you are always keeping up with the latest trends and technologies within your industry.

Investing in your professional development by earning certifications is a great way to keep your resume looking sharp and impress potential employers. It can also help you land a promotion or raise at your current job. And, if you’re ever laid off or find yourself out of work, having certifications on your resume will make you a more attractive candidate for new jobs.

There are a variety of certificate programs available for working adults, so it’s important to choose one that is relevant to your field and career goals.

Which certifications are most in demand?

  • Human Resources Certifications (PHR, SPHR, SHRM)
  • Project Management Certifications (PMP)
  • Sales Certifications (Challenger Sales, Spin Selling, Sandler Training)
  • Help Desk/Desktop Analyst Certifications (A+, Network+)
  • Network Certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE)
  • Software Certifications
  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot’s Inbound Certification
  • Google Certifications (Publisher,  Analytics, AdWords, etc.)

These are only a few of the most popular certifications that employers are looking for today. However, there are many other certs out there to land the job or promotion you’ve been seeking. The best way to find out which certifications are in demand is to speak with a career coach, a college advisor, or within your professional network.

What certification programs are best for business professionals?

There are a variety of certificate programs available for business professionals, so it’s important to choose one that is relevant to your field and career goals.

Here are a couple more in-demand certification options to consider if you are a business professional:

  • Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
  • Professional Certificate in Team Leadership
  • Marketing certifications
  • Business analyst certifications
  • Supply chain certifications
  • Skilled trade certifications
  • Accounting certifications
  • Computer network certifications
  • Healthcare certifications

Are business certificates worth it?

Yes, a business administration certificate is worth it for many students. Earning this credential helps you get better at your job and advance in your career. In addition, if you are the “employer,” aka the business owner, certifications will not only make you better, but they will help you to grow your business more effectively and efficiently. For example, my boss is Google AdWords Certified, as we are a digital marketing firm. With his specific certifications, we are better positioned to land the clients we want and get the budgets we need to keep the business running.

Certification demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. These merits can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network, with your current clients, and when pursuing new business opportunities or bidding on projects.

Let’s talk more about that Google AdWords Certification. The Google Ads/AdWords Certification is a professional accreditation that Google offers to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced aspects of Google Ads. Achieving this certification means that you have demonstrated live account experience and a passing knowledge of online advertising best practices.

The Google AdWords Certification is recognized as one of the most difficult to obtain, as the exams are notoriously challenging. The certification is divided into two parts: the Fundamentals exam and one of six advanced exams on topics such as Search Advertising, Display Advertising, Reporting and Analysis, and more. You must pass the Fundamentals exam before you can attempt any of the advanced exams.

And even though I have worked in the marketing industry for more than twenty-five years, have a boss who holds a Google AdWords Certification, and has written many digital marketing books, I had no idea how difficult this certification is to obtain. It gives me a whole new appreciation of what we do at our agency.

Which Google certificate is most valuable?

Winner for the best overall Google certification course is the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate offered by Coursera. It wins a top spot because, within six months, a learner with no degree and no experience has the ability to obtain the skills necessary to get an entry-level job in the project management field.

The Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) certification is one of the most popular and valuable Google certifications as well. Google Analytics is a free web analytics tool that provides insights into your website traffic. The Google Analytics IQ certification shows that you understand the basic and advanced concepts of Google Analytics.

What is a certified business professional?

The Certified Business Professional (CBP) Program is an international industry credential that validates and develops business professionals. A typical candidate is a professional in pursuit of excellence and is committed to exceeding all business professional standards.

The International Business Training Association (IBTA), helps businesses and individuals gain the necessary credentials to help them meet and exceed the current international business standards for the CBP Certification. According to the IBTA, the benefits of CBP Certifications are:

To Businesses

  • Adds credibility to your business
  • Enhances productivity and performance levels
  • Establishes best practices
  • Causes greater customer satisfaction
  • Increases your skilled workforce at reduced training costs
  • Provides you access to a network of global industry and subject matter/domain experts
  • Offers a simple and reliable program for recruitment and staffing

To Professionals

  • Expands expectation of credentials
  • Establishes a career differentiator among peers and adds credibility
  • Confirms a working knowledge of business and technology skills
  • Enhances employability
  • Proves professional achievement
  • Provides business foundation to pursue additional corporate career paths

Certificate Programs for Working Adults

In conclusion, when considering whether or not a certification is valuable to your financial future, it is essential to consider what the credential represents. A certificate from a well-known and respected institution can open up doors of opportunity that might not have been available without the certification. And it does not matter if you have a college or high school degree; certifications can give you the extra edge to get ahead in today’s competitive job market. Plus, they’re usually quick to obtain!