The value of a nationally-accredited certification, now and into the future

A nationally accredited certification serves as proof of one’s mastery and technical excellence in a certain field.

Having IT certifications not only show your comprehensive knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in the industry – they also display your dedication to fostering a professional, highly-skilled career.

Below, we delve into the benefits of acquiring such training; both for you and your employer, and its role in the future of Australia’s workforce.

Build your industry credibility

A prime benefit to getting IT-certified is the professional credibility it builds. Having a certification badge demonstrates your commitment to industry excellence and drive for continued career development; both attractive characteristics for potential employers.

According to a study by CompTIA, 93% of employers find it challenging to fill open IT job roles with the right, properly-trained candidates. With a nationally-accredited certification, managers can rest assured that you possess the current skills and knowledge to carry out company tasks with the utmost quality. After all, it’d be hard to question the merits of a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) or a Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security).

Research further shows that certified professionals allow hiring managers to fill open roles 25% more quickly. It’s a win-win for both parties!

For those currently employed, earning such certifications can also help them gain promotions or raises. CompTIA’s research shows that 90% of employers agree that such credentials are more likely to get your promoted, compared your non-certified peers.

Diversifying your certifications also provides you with career flexibility. By building your credibility across the IT field, you’ll be better equipped to “switch gears” should new opportunities strike. According to Microsoft-certified senior database developer, R. Brooks – this serves as the ultimate “anti-career rut”, keeping one’s knowledgebase well-rounded as they pursue various pathways in their industry.

Advance your career

As mentioned, getting certified may just be your ticket to a long-desired promotion. With the new skills you’re equipped with, such training often leads to better work performance – resulting in greater business efficiency, and thus, happier employers.

As such, accreditation helps you climb the corporate ladder with greater ease, with opportunities for earning higher pay. Microsoft-certified technologists, for example, earn 15% more than their uncertified counterparts.

Though a far older statistic, IBM professionals from 2010 earned an average of $5,242 more with an IT or project management certification – compared to those without such credentials. Since accredited training has only grown more prevalent since (94% of HR managers expect its importance to further rise in the next two years), these numbers are likely higher today.

Additionally, being certified helps you network more effectively with other industry professionals. Plenty of network events and conferences are managed exclusively by training vendors, helping those of similar skills and credentials connect and learn from other experts. Cisco, for example, keeps their professionals updated on their latest seminars, tradeshows, and online events – perfect opportunities to update their industry knowledge and interact with like-minded pros.

Other certifications are obtained through membership of specific IT committees, such as the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Helps you keep up with the times

The ICT landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging by the year. The Australian government spends hundreds of millions in ICT research and development, with around $402 million spent between 2016-2017 (expenditure between the 2017-2018 period is yet to be released).

As a result, our tech industry grows at a rapid pace; delivering new job roles and career opportunities with high skill demands. Investing in certification can help keep you updated on these new trends and developments, maintaining your employability and competitive edge in the IT market.

Not only does this training make you a more knowledgeable, productive member of your field – it also gets you up to speed on new practices and better ways of responding to unexpected crises or incidents. Most instructor-led IT programs additionally involve hands-on tasks, letting you to experiment and familiarize yourself with new technologies in a safe environment.

According to Deloitte, 67% of employees believe that continuous upskilling helps their skills stay relevant and credible in their current industry. Plenty of vendors also require their trainees to recertify after certain timeframe, keeping their credentials current and on par with modern trends.

Improves your company’s credibility, productivity, and general worker happiness

Finally, investing in certified training – whether your own or that of your workers – not only benefits your career development, but the rest of your workforce and overall brand.

Nationally-accredited skills effectively boost your company’s image, showing they hire quality workers with high-standard proficiencies. Managers who value employee training successfully build their business’ credibility, boosting customer loyalty, trust, and industry reputation.

Thus, on top of enhancing your career skillset, certification also provides your clients and customers with better quality service, allowing your employers to reap greater profits.

Certification also boosts general worker happiness and motivation; an advantage for everyone in the workplace. Research shows that such training increases employee retention, saving company downtime and the extra costs of rehiring. It also reduces absenteeism, spurs workplace inspiration, and builds on worker confidence. Such enhanced productivity is infectious, contributing to a business’ global sense of well-being.

This is due to the recognition certification provides; something all workers crave for their hard work and efforts. According to the WorkHuman Research Institute, there is a high ROI for regular workplace recognition, with 82% of employees more engaged and 79% working harder.

Furthermore, such credentials often grant titles of achievement to those who obtain them (i.e. CEH or “Certified Ethical Hacker”), boosting one’s professional image.

What does the future hold?

IT certification evidently comes with plenty of worker and employer benefits, with the industry acknowledging the rising need for training and reskilling its current workforce.

The IT field is set to create an additional 100,000 jobs by 2024, with more than 90% of Australians requiring a basic level of digital work skills within the next five years. With the government dedicated to strengthening the vocational education and training (VET) sector through its $585.3-million-dollar Skills Package for Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow, IT certifications are bound to gain more traction and relevance in the field.

Studies also suggest greater focus on flexible, online learning options – with 78% of IT workers preferring to study through online training modules. In their 2019-2020 budget, the government has also committed $62.4 million over four years to invest in the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of workers – crucial foundations to have before pursuing more advanced digital skills.

According to LinkedIn’s 2019 Workforce Learning Report, employers intend to spend more time “closing skills gaps” and researching tactics to improve worker engagement; these including workforce development strategies.

With a rising awareness of in-demand IT skills, increased government investment in IT training, and employers placing higher priority on upskilling their workers – IT certifications are only set to grow in both industry and general workplace importance in the years to come.

Get the accreditation you need today!

Being a certified IT professional helps open new doors of career opportunity, while contributing to the productivity and reputation of your business.

With cybercrime a growing risk in Australia’s IT industry (costing companies millions of dollars annually), Lumify Learn offers individuals with a Certified Cyber Security Professional course – a program comprised of three certifications in the field of cyber security. Those interested can equip themselves with nationally-recognised skills to pursue security roles in rising demand, or simply sharpen their current skillset to keep them ahead of their competition.

Best of all, it’s delivered 100% online, helping you train according to your personal needs and schedule.

Gain the certification you need to stand out in the IT industry – and enquire with us today.