The best certification program – 8 Parameters to consider

There has been a surge in the number of companies (Online & Offline) offering specialized programs and certificate courses in finance and Banking, Digital Marketing, Big Data, Analytics & Enterprise software.rnSo, how do you select the correct certification? You don’t want to end up with the wrong choice – losing precious money, time & landing up with no value.rnBefore you set out on the hunt for the right fit for you, make sure to answer these questions:rn1. What’s your purpose of getting a certification? Which one or more of these, apply to you? • I wish to add a CV differentiator. • I’m just joining a new role and want to start off wellrn• I’m starting an MBA, and want a good foundation in my area of interest (e.g. Finance)rn2. Basis the above, what topics and concepts do you wish to learn? rnHaving a clear purpose, will help you narrow down your choice.rnOnce you have these questions answered – all you need are the parameters below, to choose the right one.rn1. Credibility of the certification:rnSome good indicators of the credibility of a certification course, are:rn1. The number of years the certifications have been in existencern2. The alumni – people who have taken up the certifications previouslyrn3. Reviews on Google and Quorarn2. Program Coverage: rnGo through the Certification courses in banking outline of the program and make sure, your criteria are met.rn3. Industry Recognitions/endorsements: rnOften overlooked, a co-branding or endorsement by leading companies, in that area, on your certificate adds tremendous credibility. Make sure you check all the recognitions and endorsements of a company, before signing up.rn4. Course Authors: rnAre the courses written by faculty – who were faculty all their life? (or) the courses are written by senior industry practitioners? Remember, your interviewers are practitioners. Your faculty are usually not. This is a key factor. It ensures the courses build the functional skills, you need.rn5. Length/duration: rnIs it going to take 6 months, one year? Do I have that kind of time? Will a focused, short term course be better?rn6. Your pace and place, or a center? rnA call you need to take, basis the time you can dedicate. And if you wish to learn at your own pace, or are comfortable with a ‘one size fits all’ pace.rnAlways take a demo of the course you are looking to purchase, thereby reducing the chances for an error in judgement.rn7. Examination methodology: rnA lot of credibility of any certification ( banking certification courses) lies in the way the certification exam is conducted. That’s where free online courses like Courser, lose out. A participation or completion certification is of no use on your CV! Always look for a quality certification, that’s a result of a monitored third-party examination – written at dedicated testing centers. (Surprising how monitored examinations always have a lower pass percentage?) rn8. Cost to Benefit Ratio (ROI): rnLast but not least, the cost to benefit ratio for a certification program is a crucial factor to make the decision. Free isn’t great, but a high cost isn’t either. Look for a certification that offers good value.