Professional certification, trade certification, professional designation, it is known by several names, but what does certification really mean? What significance is there in getting a certification on some field of study or another? How different is it from a diploma? Is it practical or better to have one? How does it help you get ahead in your career?

These are perhaps only some of the things you have been asking yourself concerning certifications. To start with, let us define what a certification (or "qualification" as it is sometimes referred as) is.

What is it?

Similar to a diploma, a certification is a designation given to a person after completing a certain specified training or study. To have one indicates that you are qualified to perform a job.

Exactly what that job is depends on the type of qualification or designation you took up or have. For instance, a certified medical assistant has a qualification on medical assistance while a certified home inspector has qualification to conduct a professional home inspection. In any case, the certification indicates that you have a specific set of knowledge, skills, or abilities in the view of the certifying body.

Who gives Certification?

Professional certifications are usually given by professional bodies and corporations. In a way, it is similar to a license. The only difference is that while a license is required by law, certification is generally voluntary.

Note however that there are some institutions that refer to certification as licensure. Also, note that some designation bodies, as in the case of some business organizations, are directly related to the designation. For instance, a software firm may offer to certify individuals as competent to use its products. One example is this is the Microsoft certification, which the Microsoft Company offers to IT individuals.

How do you obtain one?

A person can become a certified professional after completing a set of training sessions and passing an exam. There is a difference, however, between a professional certification and a general designation. In the first, post-nominals are not usually granted. That is, you do not get that coveted "CE" suffix after your name like master is degree holders do (e.g. Jane Doe, MA). On the other hand, if what you have is a professional certification, then you may still get that post-nominal as an indication that you have completed training and are qualified to perform the job.

Is there a need to renew them?

As to renewability, there are two types of certifications those that may be renewed periodically and those that last a lifetime. Although it is more common in regard to licensure, sometimes as part or whole of the renewal of an individual is certification, the individual must show evidence of continual learning, or continual education. This may be done by earning continuing education units (CEU).