So, you are certified professional, what does it actually mean and why is it important?.

Diana reunited with her old university friend, James, a decade after they had graduated from the same course. Despite having lost touch since graduation, Diana had come across James's LinkedIn profile, revealing an impressive array of certifications acquired over the past five years.

Over coffee, Diana seized the opportunity to inquire about James's certifications, wondering how they had enhanced his professional performance and career progression. Cognizant of the potential sensitivity of her inquiry, she hoped not to offend James, considering the financial investment often associated with certification courses.

However, Diana, valuing emotional intelligence, decided to ask the question, as she believed James, certified in Emotional Intelligence, would appreciate the direct approach.

"James, I need to ask you a question," Diana began. "I've been curious about the numerous certifications on your LinkedIn profile. What does it mean to be a certified professional, and is it important?"

Observing James's reaction closely, Diana sought to gauge any offense or emotion. In response, James explained that certifications typically involved short training programs, lasting five to seven days, with examinations administered at the end. He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, as failure to meet the required pass mark would result in non-certification.

Diana found James's explanation intriguing, contemplating that the ability to recall and remember the course content was crucial for certification—an approach reminiscent of her own academic experiences.

James further shared his strategic approach of obtaining certifications in various areas to position himself for potential promotions. Intrigued by this conversation, Diana, upon returning home, delved into further research on certifications, discovering global standards that differed from James's description. One certification body, for instance, required a post-learning capstone project to demonstrate practical skills.

This revelation left Diana questioning the true nature of certifications and prompted her to investigate definitions and legal requirements for professional practice post-college education. She discovered the term "licensure," where professionals were legally obligated to complete a specified course to obtain a license to practice.

In her research on certifications, Diana unearthed valuable insights. She learned that certifications were third-party attestations of an individual's knowledge or competency level in a particular field, granted by authorities such as professional societies or private certificate-granting agencies. Most certifications had expiration dates, necessitating ongoing education for renewal.

Diana concluded that certifications marked the beginning of building expertise and gaining professional peer respect. She recognized that being certified meant embracing responsibility for adopting best practices in the profession and contributing to the field's knowledge. Diana emphasized that certification wasn't merely a paper received but was supported by the application of knowledge in the workplace and one's contribution to the profession.

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