Professional accreditation, also known as professional certification, is a qualification a person requires to perform certain jobs. This is an earned privilege from an overseeing professional body or society. Accreditation may be needed to ensure a minimum level of professional skill to protect the public, or to progress to the next level within a particular field, and a wide range of industries require professional certification.
Accounting, finance, aviation, legal affairs, and project management are just some of the jobs where professional certification is required.
Ongoing professional accreditation
A professional accreditation is administered by a professional body which sets the standard for the industry. There are certain standards or criteria that you must meet and an assessment of your work or an exam is necessary. In some cases, the professional accreditation can be gained as part of a degree, while other professional qualifications are gained as a short course, or post-graduate course.
In some professions, ongoing professional accreditation is required to ensure those working within the industry are aware of new developments in their field. Ongoing training is important in all professions, but is essential in a few, such as the fields of law, medicine, teaching and finance.
Improving your credentials
Becoming certified can help your career as accreditations are highly regarded by employers and clients. Accountants, for example, can study to become chartered accountants, for which there is a higher demand.
A professional accreditation may involve taking several courses, passing an exam and providing evidence of relevant work experience.
Any form of post graduate study or certificate of accreditation can boost your credentials and help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Joining your industry's professional body and becoming accredited will show employers and clients that you maintain high professional standards in your work. Professional credentials are an impressive addition to your resume, business cards or marketing material.
It's also important to remember that you gain more knowledge, experience and maturity and dedication in your field as a result of earning professional accreditation.