by Guest Author, Kevin Blasko
Are professional certifications the key to advancing your career or just a distraction? A recent survey in the internal communications field offers lessons for professionals of all stripes. Discover the pros and cons of certification, and learn how to decide if pursuing one aligns with your career goals.
Many professionals consider professional certifications as a way to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace for talent.
From recent grads to executives with decades of experience, interest in certification programs and courses – many backed by leading higher education institutions – is at an all time high.
According to one recent analysis, the market for certifications programs will increase 38% over the next five years, with as many as 75 million users worldwide by 2029.
Professional certifications can provide a third-party validation of one’s skills and knowledge. And, they can influence how employers assess a jobseeker’s education credentials.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking professional certifications and licenses in 2015 to better understand their impact on employment. In 2023, 2.5% of the civilian labor force had a professional certification (and no license). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations with the highest level of workers with certifications that year were:
- Computer and mathematical
- Life, physical, and social science
- Community and social services
- Legal
- Healthcare
In addition, in some fields, there appears to be a link between attaining a certification and earning more. For example, among professional project managers, those with the PMP certification report 33% higher median salaries than those without.
Are they really worth it?
A recent survey and analysis in the internal communications field offers clues. For many years, comms experts have secured credentials like the Communication Management Professional (CMP) or the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification to gain industry knowledge and best practices, and meet internal comms peers. Plus, communications professionals also pursue these and other certifications to gain an edge when applying for internal communications jobs.
However, these programs and others don’t come cheap, requiring a significant investment in time and money. Moreover, many veteran comms professionals argue the best way to gain mastery over the range of internal comms topics is through work experience and mentorship with peers.
Getting certified to communicate
According to the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), professional certifications can “elevate your career and help keep your skills fresh and applicable,” provide an opportunity to “demonstrate your knowledge and expertise” and help you land your next big opportunity or perform at a higher level in your current role.”
The GCCC offers two certifications:
- Communication Management Professional (CMP): This certification is designed for individuals “established in their careers as communication managers and looking to demonstrate their competence.”
- Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP): The GCCE offers this certification for “highly skilled professionals practiced in providing strategic communication advice and counseling to an organization’s leadership.”
In addition, the UK’s Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) offers several qualification programs accredited by Solent University, including two programs for experienced professionals, a master-level program, and a “fast track” learning program for people new to internal communications.
What professionals think
A recent survey of internal communications professionals revealed a nuanced view on the value of internal comms certifications (source):
- The majority of respondents (35.9%) considered certifications “Not important”
- A significant portion (30.8%) viewed them as “Beneficial”
- Only a small fraction (5.1%) deemed certifications “Essential”
- A considerable number (28.2%) believed the value “depends” on various factors
These results paint a picture of a field where experience often trumps formal certifications, but where the right credentials can still offer advantages in certain contexts.
In the survey, professionals shared varied perspectives on the role of certifications in their careers:
- Experience Reigns Supreme: “I have worked for major companies in very senior roles and most of the leaders around me have eschewed certs in favor of experience or formal degree programs,” one respondent noted, highlighting the premium placed on practical knowledge.
- Freelance Edge: For independent contractors, certifications can be a differentiator. As one freelancer shared, “I think it will help me progress in my career and in getting more qualified leads.”
- Personal Pride vs. Employer Indifference: “It feels like an honor to share that I’m a certified communications professional. But my current employer didn’t seem to care,” revealed one certified professional, adding, “I think (hope) the value might come from future employers/job opportunities.”
- Learning and Networking: Some see the primary value in the journey rather than the destination. “I think the value is in the learning and the exposure to peers,” commented one participant.
- Mixed Reception: The field appears divided, with some leaders dismissing certifications while others find them valuable. “I’ve spoken with comms leaders who have said it’s a waste of time. Courses to upskill are encouraged, but formal certs are unnecessary,” shared one respondent. Conversely, another noted, “Having certification definitely helped me land a recent client, who referenced it directly.”
- Niche Requirements: In specialized areas, certifications can carry more weight. “Some change management roles list PROSCI as a desired qualification, but rarely as required,” observed one professional.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
When considering pursuing a certification, it’s essential to ask yourself: “What are you solving for?” If you’re aiming for a significant career leap, be aware that many employers view certifications as a “nice to have” rather than a necessity. There might be more effective paths to achieve your goals.
However, if your objectives include expanding your skill set, networking with peers, or gaining a structured overview of the field, certifications can offer tangible benefits. They can provide a framework for professional development and potentially open doors to new opportunities, especially in niche areas or when dealing with clients who value formal credentials.
While experience remains the cornerstone of success in internal communications, certifications can play a supporting role in career development. They’re not a magic ticket to advancement, but they can offer learning opportunities, networking potential, and in some cases, a competitive edge.
Whether you choose to pursue a certification or focus on gaining hands-on experience, remember that continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in the dynamic field of internal communications. Stay curious, seek out diverse experiences, and never stop honing your craft – certified or not.
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About the author: Kevin Blasko is a communications expert who publishes Strictly Internal, a free weekly newsletter sharing internal communications jobs and insights.
