Certifications? Do you have any?

[susans]

Certifications?  Do you have any?    What are your views on CAP CPS, MOUS, VA Certs or other certification?   Are they fluff or full of substance?

[itsme_calista]

I have the MOUS and must admit that it's come in very handy.  I'm about the embark on the NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Levels 3 & 4 in Business Administration.

I'm a firm believer in updating skills, continuing professional development and see it as a necessity these days.  If I hadn't then updated skills then the typewriter I learned on would have put me out of a job a long time ago.

Whether they are full of substance I don't know, my employers certainly hadn't heard of MOUS, so I guess that they are only worth what employers know and want! And what you can impress them with at interview.

Callie

[chipmunk]

In regards to the VA certifications, I don't think they mean much.   I am sure there are a few out that are good but I am not sure which they are!    It seems there are a dime a dozen different VA certifications and I think that actually hurts rather then helps.   As for the MOUS, I think that is an excellent way to show an employer you are knowledgeable in a given software.    

[laurafmcdermott]

In my area, MOUS is not very well known, and I've never seen it advertised for in job postings.  I've toyed with the thought of getting my CAP, but I'm still working on finishing my bachelors degree and need to finish that before I take on any other studying or exams.  I'm coming now to a crossroad in my career, as I've returned to administrative work after several years in human resources.  I'm trying to decide whether to continue in admin or go back to HR.  That decision will drive whether I consider the CAP or the PHR (HR certification).

To answer the question, I think any certification that an employer can research will show that one has a committment to continuing education and staying current in the field.

[msmarieh]

I have a number of certifications -

IAAP: Certified Administrative Professional, Certified Professional Secretary

Software: Microsoft Office Specialist Master Level (fyi, they dropped the "U" a while ago), Certified Internet Webmaster Designer

From Toastmasters: Competent Toastmaster, Advanced Toastmaster - Silver, Competent Leader

I am planning during the next year or two to complete my Microsoft Office Specialist certification for 2007 and also possibly Professional Registered Parliamentarian. I am also planning within the next year or two to return to school to pursue my Bachelor's degree (I currently have an Associate's degree).

Are they worth it? Ultimately a certification's tangible value is based upon external recognition and few employers keep up on certifications. Many certifications are not only not well known by the employers, but our peers don't recognize them either. HOWEVER, for those of us that are good at selling our skills, they are an excellent point to bring up during job interviews and performance reviews. I know that my certifications have helped my career path in myriad ways, not least of which is because they can prove my skills and demonstrate that I am continually learning and challenging myself and seeking ways to add value to my company (and yes, that's pretty darn close to a direct quote from my cover letter for job interviews).

In addition, the real value of certifications lies in their intrinsic value - the satisfaction of a goal accomplished, the self-confidence that comes with the process, the knowledge acquired, etc. Certifications are well worth pursuing, even if there is no financial benefit to doing so.

I believe that your brain starts atrophying when you stop learning new things. You need to keep yourself mentally active and challenged, whether through certifications or taking classes for new skills or reading books or whatever.

Marie

[gee4]

O Levels
A Levels
LCCI Diploma
MOS

Most employers still haven't heard of MOS (formerly MOUS) but once you explain what it is, they realise you know what you are talking about which is good at an interview, and is impressive.

In recent years, having faced redundancy though, I have come to realise it's not about what you have on paper that counts, it's experience, and if you can back this up with evidence it usually means a lot more.  Having said that I believe without my experience AND qualifications, I wouldn't be where I am today nor would I have worked for some well-known companies.

[suis]

Toastmasters has a certification?  I am thinking of going to Toastmaster's.    I have no certifications but have always thought they would impress my those I work for, or if I was to have to fine a new job.   Someday I may take one, probably the MOUS.  

[queenbean]

I have an HND in Secretarial Studies, and a BA (Hons) in Business Administration.  I agree that experience is probably more important than a qualification, but I needed both to land the senior role I'm in now.

QB

[iqps210510]

I have a BSC in Biology, LCCI Private & Executive Secretary's Diploma (and various RSA and LCCI secretarial skills certificates - typing, audio, shorthand, IT etc), and the European Computer Drivers Licence.

Plus a long list of individual training certificates for specific software packages, manual handling, first aid, etc.

A

[Jackie G]

HND in Secretarial Studies with languages;  various RSA and SVQ (now SQA) certificates;  5 Highers and 8 O Grades from school.

Jackie, Peer Moderator
www.iqps.org

[msmarieh]

Toastmasters has a number of certifications. They have two tracks - one for giving speeches and the other for leadership. The two merge at the top with the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) certification.

Marie

[Atlanta Z3]

CPS (just recertified)
Word and Excel part of MOS core level
Paralegal

I have had to explain what a CPS is in almost every interview, I wouldn't say it has added anything to my credentials.  One of my co-workers even makes jokes about me being a Certified Professional Something.  I haven't noticed much reaction either way on MOS certification, I think at this point it is expected that MS Office software knowledge is known - proof not necessary.
On a side bar I think what put me over the top for my current position was a power point presentation that I gave the interviewer during my interview.  It was an overview of my skills, and included scanned versions of my certificates.

[matg]

I have OCR NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, Customer Service and IT.  I've just completed ECDL and the BCS Level 2 Certificate for IT Users.

I'm a firm believed in liflong learning and am always looking for new ways to continue my professional development.  I also have the OCR Level 3 Award in Assessing Candidates Using a Range of Methods, which allows me to help others achieve their NVQs.

I'm currently working towards the HND in Business (Human Resources) which I hope to take to degree level.

Qualifications are important but there's a lot that only experience can teach you.