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\n\t\tOpinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.\t<\/p>\n
You\u2019re ready to get ahead in your industry, land a big promotion or lock in a role. But how can you prove that you deserve more money and responsibility?<\/p>\n
Many professionals are stuck, trying to decide if they need to pursue a specific credential to advance in their field. I\u2019ll go ahead and spoil the ending \u2014 you absolutely need a concrete way to prove your competence in an increasingly competitive job market.<\/p>\n
But should you put your time and money into obtaining a license or studying for an industry-specific certification? There are considerations to weigh for both in understanding what makes the most sense for your career goals.<\/p>\n
Think of a license like the floor of your career, while certification is the ceiling. Licensing is all about public safety. Industries that require licensing need to ensure that anyone working in the field has a basic level of knowledge and skill to keep people safe and operate within a defined scope of practice.<\/p>\n
A certification usually comes with lower stakes, but can be equally as expensive and time-consuming to obtain as most licenses. A certification signals to the market that you\u2019re a better-prepared, more specialized expert than others with the same degree or license.<\/p>\n
If you wanted to work as a drug addiction counselor, for example, you would first need a state-issued license for clinical practice in social work or professional counseling. From there, professionals can pursue additional credentials in addiction or substance use disorder counseling. Licensure establishes the legal right to practice, while certification signals specialization, advanced training or expertise within a field.<\/p>\n
If you want to move into a specific industry, start with a license. That\u2019s your entry into the field and a baseline requirement. Nurses, electricians, social workers, teachers and cosmetologists need a license to begin working in any of these fields.<\/p>\n
Once you have a license or if you\u2019re interested in advancing in a field that doesn\u2019t require one, certification would be the next goal. Only commit to pursuing certification if you feel confident it\u2019s worth your time and money, because it will take a lot of both.<\/p>\n
Earning a credential is one of the best ways to highlight your grit, tenacity and time management. It\u2019s proof that you are both committed and knowledgeable, two highly desirable traits in a team member.<\/p>\n
When you have the license, degree or experience to work in your chosen field, choosing to become certified will help you stand out. Just make sure you\u2019re in it for the long haul before you kick off your certification pursuit. It\u2019s not worth the investment if you\u2019re not going to stay in the field or follow through with passing the required exams.<\/p>\n
Too many smart, capable professionals end up unemployable because they set their sights on a field without being aware of the initial licensing requirements. Before you start debating between a license and a credential, make sure you understand the requirements for the job you want.<\/p>\n
Licensing is often a heavy, slow process. I see a lot of professionals who realize too late, after spending years getting a license, that everyone in their field has a license, and it\u2019s not enough. They need a certification if they want a chance of standing out.<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s take a further step back for a minute. Prior to starting any work toward a license or certification, it\u2019s crucial that you commit to the prep and exam process. The road to higher credentials is littered with failing scores.<\/p>\n
I know firsthand how painful it is to spend months studying only to fall short. When I worked in aerospace, I failed the fifth and final exam of a massive certification not once, but twice \u2014 by a single point both times. I was single-mindedly committed to this certification (and the raise my manager had not so subtly dangled, contingent on passing) that I figured out a better way to study and passed with points to spare on my third attempt.<\/p>\n