7 In-Demand Career Certifications and How to Achieve Them

If you have been looking for ways to move your career forward, you may want to get certifications relating to your field. This way, you are more likely to get promoted and increase your chances of a higher salary, better job prospects, or new career opportunities.

In this article, you are going to find information about the seven in-demand certifications, and how you can get them.

7 In-Demand Career Certifications

Earning a certification in a specific field has helped many workers to catch the eye of the employer. Therefore, many professional organizations offer many classes and continuing education opportunities for others as part of the certification process. 

In addition, many of these organizations advise us that these seven career certifications can make a difference on your job application:

• Project management certifications (PMP)
• Business analyst certifications (CBAP, IIBA-AAC)
• Marketing certifications
• Human resources certifications (PHR, SPHR)
• Accounting certifications (CPA, CFA)
• Computer network certifications (CCIE, CCNP)
• Health care certifications (LPN, DA, ST, P)

1. Project management certifications (CAMP, PMP)

Claiming a project manager certification will prepare you for an entry-level job. Therefore, careers in project management continue to be in high demand, especially for Certified Associate in Project Management (CAMP) and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications. The CAMP certification is ideal for those with less experience in managing company projects but still possess an understanding of the field. Whereas a PMP certification is designed for a higher level of experienced people. A PMP certification training can help you grow your career as it reflects your level of skill. With this kind of certification, you can apply to healthcare, publishing, information services, professional services, construction, finance, and insurance.

The general steps of earning these certifications are:

CAMP requirements

• Own a high school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent.

• Complete 1,500 hours of project experience, or

• Take 23 hours of project management education.

• Pass a 150-question exam through Project Management Institute (PHI).

• Pay a fee of $225 to $300.

PMP requirements

Option one, for those with less than four years in college:

• Own a high school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent.
• Have 7,500 hours of project leadership experience.
• Complete 35 hours of education in project management.
• Pass a 200-question exam.
• Pay a fee of $405 to $555.

Option two, for those with a four-year college degree:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Work 4,500 hours leading projects.
• Take 35 hours of education in project management.
• Pass a 200-question exam.
• Pay a fee of $405 to $555.

2. Business analyst certifications (CBAP, IIBA-AAC)

Business analysts use data and information technology resources to increase the productivity, profitability, and efficiency of a company.

There are many business analyst certifications, though popular choices by professionals in this field have been the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or the IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC).

CBAB requirements

• Complete at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience within the last ten years, including a minimum of 3,600 hours in BABOK Guide Knowledge Areas.
• Have at least 35 hours of professional development credits over the past four years.
• Two professional references.
• Pass a 120-question on the CBAP exam.
• Pay a fee of $350 to $450, plus a $125 application fee.
• Maintain your certification by earning at least 60 continuing education credits within three years.

IIBA-AAC requirements

• Complete an 85-question exam.
• No eligibility requirements, except for two to five years of agile-related experience.
• Pay a fee of $325 to $450, plus a $125 application fee.
• Renew certification every three years.

3. Marketing certifications

The marketing industry is competitive, and certification can demonstrate your expertise when applying for a job. Social media and marketing analytics certifications are available from Facebook, Google, Analytics, Hootsuite, and more. Some of the certifications are for free, whereas some others may cost you up to $2,500.

The general certification process requires:

• Completing a training program.
• Pass an exam and pay the required fee.

4. Human resources certifications (PHR, SPHR)

Human resources managers recruit and interview, hire new staff, and manage communication between management and employees. Certification in Human Resources demonstrates that a worker holds essential skills related to communication and hiring practices.

The Human Resources Certification Institute offers two kinds of certifications: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Both certifications require a $100 application fee.

PHR certification requirements

• Four years of experience as an HR professional, or

• Two years as an HR professional with a bachelor’s degree, or

• One year as an HR professional with a master’s degree.

SPHR certification requirements

• Seven years of experience as an HR professional, or
• Five years of experience as an HR professional with a bachelor’s degree, or 
• Four years of experience as an HR professional with a master’s degree.

5. Accounting certifications (CPA, CFA)

Accountants and auditors prepare financial records of a company, including tax statements. Some accountants need certification to get an accounting license and to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certification also shows how much a professional is skilled related to assessing financial operations and auditing companies. 

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers the certified public accountant (CPA) certification, which allows professionals to practice public accounting, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification.

Here are the requirements for CPA and CFA certifications:

CPA certification requirements

• A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.

• Pass all four parts of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants exam.

• Have the education and work experience required by the state.

CFA certification requirements

• A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.

• Enter the CFA program and pay the fee.

• Pass all three levels of the CFA exam.

• Complete professional work experience requirements.

6. Computer network certifications (CCIE, CCNP)

Most companies require network administrators to earn certification in computer system products to ensure a high level of expertise. Moreover, a certification verifies your skills and knowledge in the field. 

Cisco provides networking technology and offers two types of certifications: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

These are the requirements for each certification:

CCIE certification requirements

• Pass the written exam.

• Pass the lab exam with three years of the written exam.

• Pay a fee of $450 for the written exam, and $1,600 for the lab exam.

CCNP certification requirements

• Possess the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CCIE certification.

• Specialize in CCNP.

• Pass the exam relevant to CCNP.

• Pay a fee of $300 for the exam.

7. Health care certifications (LPN, DA, ST, P)

Some in-demand careers in health care are certificate-based and offer advancement in your field of study. If you are looking to pursue a career in the medical field, consider Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Dental Assistant (DA), Surgical Technician (ST), or Paramedic (P).

Here are the requirements to get certified in any of these programs:

• Register for a medical career program.
• Complete the program requirements.
• Schedule your corresponding exam.
• Pay any necessary fee.
• Pass the exam and get the certificate.
• Renew the certification as required.

Conclusion

Getting a certification in any field of study will help you advance either your personal life or professionally. Most people get certificated to meet the specific standards the company or the state requires. However, getting a certificate is not always free. In most cases you must pay a fee for the classes and the exam entrance, and the certificate must be renewed within three to ten years.

Danie

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