When you first enter the field of technology, it can be overwhelming. What certification should you get? Do you need to have a certification to advance your career? How do you know which ones are worth your time and money? These are all questions that many new professionals may ask themselves when they enter the tech field. The reality is that having a technical certification can help boost your career in several ways. Whether it’s advancing your career at an existing company or looking for a job with another company, certifications can give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of getting your certification in technical management, as well as some advice on what type of certification is right for you.
What is a Technical Certification?
A technical certification is a type of credential that denotes proficiency in a particular technology or field of study. Depending on the specific certification, you may learn about the fundamentals, best practices, and applicable standards and regulations in your industry. Some certifications also require you to pass a hands-on exam, in which you demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge you gained in the coursework to a real-world scenario.
The types of certification you can pursue vary widely, but can include software, hardware, and engineering specialties. You may study such topics as system design, coding, regulatory compliance, and project management. Although many certifications are valid only for a certain period of time, they can be beneficial throughout your career.
Why Should You Get a Technical Management Certification?
Technical management certifications open up new career opportunities for you. Many of these certifications are vendor neutral, meaning that you can use the knowledge gained from the exam to work with a variety of different systems. This gives you more flexibility when you’re looking for a new job, as you don’t necessarily have to find a company that uses the same systems as your current company.
Many large companies prefer to hire managers who have a technical certification because it shows that you’re knowledgeable about how the systems work and can troubleshoot when an issue does arise. This adds value to your position as a manager and shows that you’re an asset to the company.
Start with a certification that matches your current skill set. Invest in a certification you know you can achieve, and use it to advance toward more challenging certifications later in your career.
Which Type of Technical Management Certification Is Right for You?
Knowing which type of certification is right for you will depend on your goals and current skill set. If you want to advance your career, then a technical management certification may be right for you. If you have a few years of experience in the field, then a vendor-neutral certification may be the right choice for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to technical management certifications.
The Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) certification offered by the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) is designed for management professionals who “wish to gain an in depth understanding of the management of information technology in the modern corporation.” The certification covers business frameworks, IT frameworks, software, database management, information systems, corporate IT strategy, corporate governance, risk, finance, and management of technology personnel. GAQM offers an e-course that takes 30 to 35 hours on average to complete that you can take prior to taking the exam.
Each type of certification has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Certification gives employers added confidence in staffing From a hiring perspective, I don’t see any downside to certification. Certification provides added confidence in staffing, whether you’re hiring project managers or Six Sigma black belts or other professionals. However, certification is NOT a substitute for education, experience or skills. In fact, most certifications REQUIRE evidence of your education and experience. Certification doesn’t mean that a company can skip the resume, the interview, reference checks, etc. that are essential in hiring. All things being equal, who would you hire — a certified professional or a non-certified professional of equal capabilities? Certification provides an added level of confidence.
The Benefits of Having a Technical Management Certification
There are many benefits to having a technical management certification, including:
- An increase in salary
- According to the Payscale Salary Survey, managers with certifications earn an average of $72,444 per year, which is $9,000 more than non-certified managers.
- Greater promotion potential
- Advancement opportunities are often open to managers, so having a certification can help you climb the career ladder.
- A greater chance of being hired
- Employers want to hire candidates who are experienced and qualified, so having a certification can help you stand out from the crowd.
- More job opportunities
- Vendors often host certification events, so you may have the chance to network and meet new people who can help advance your career.
The Downsides of Getting a Technical Management Certification
While there are many benefits to getting a technical certification, there are a few downsides as well, including: – It can be expensive – Certifications can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. If you have a tight budget, then it’s important to do some research and find a good deal on a certification.
- It can take a long time
- Depending on which certification you choose, you may have to study for several months before sitting for the exam. Make sure you plan your certification accordingly to make sure you don’t fall behind at work.
- It might not be relevant to your current job
- While your certification can help you climb the career ladder, it may not be immediately relevant in your current job.
Make sure you continue to be a valuable employee in your role and use the certification to advance your career in the long-term.
Bottom line
The bottom line is that a technical certification can help you advance your career in a number of ways. It can help you gain a higher salary and promotion potential, as well as open up more job opportunities. Depending on which certification you choose, it can also show that you’re knowledgeable and experienced in the field. While certifications can be beneficial to your career, it’s important to make sure that you’re committed to getting the certification. It can take several months to complete the coursework and pass the exam, so make sure that you have enough time in your schedule to complete it.
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