The Online Certification Debate
Is Online Certification Really the Way to Go?
It's always great to have some “paper” under your belt and online certification offers everyone with an Internet connection an easy and convenient way to do just that. But is online certification really beneficial? Does it really hold any weight with potential clients or employers? The answers may surprise you.
The Bah-Humbugers
From the day online certification was offered the were naysayers who insisted that online certifications weren't worth the paper (or virtual paper) they were written on. After all, anyone can say they are you, log onto the site and take the tests for you, right?
And what about employers or clients? Why even bother paying for online certification when no ones going to take it seriously? Well, these naysayers are now eating crow because online certification is indeed becoming something that is respected (if not highly respected) among the business community.
The Growing World of Online Certifications
Not only is online certification great for your resume, but it's being used by employers to test and certify their employees. And if you think it's just mom and pop businesses using online certification companies, guess again.
Brainbench.com, one of the leading online certification websites, caters to clients like Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Wells Fargo and even NASA.
What It's Going To Cost You
The big question that some consumers still debate is whether or not online certification is worth the price. The answers to that question isn't always cut and dry.
The cost of online certification really varies depending on who's doing the certification and what you're being certified for. Some online certification is free, other certifications can cost hundreds of dollars.
Is It Worth It?
Whether or not it makes sense to fork over the dough really depends on what you plan on doing with the certification.
If you want to build your resume but don't have the time to go back to school, online certification can definitely be a stepping stone. It can also be useful if you want to move ahead at work. However, if you're trying to compete with those who have their Masters, online certification might not be on par just yet.
My suggestion? Take a look at the online certifications available, see what's right for you and weigh the cost against the benefits. Whichever one outweighs the other wins.
And remember -- online certification is not the same as an online degree. There are, however, scams in both online certification and online degree opportunities. Read the ScamBusters.org article on distance learning scams to make sure you're protected.