I’ve thought long and hard about the value of certifications and memberships with organisations like Isaca and CompTIA and the others. My experience is limited to these two, but there’s obviously others like ISC2.
So what value do we get from the certifications, what value do we get from the association membership, and is it worth it?
Starting with association membership. The costs are hefty and they’re annual. However, there are resources offered in return. Take Isaca, they offer discounted certifications and material (which is somewhat self-serving), and they offer members reports and other resources that otherwise would come with a cost. That material is good quality.
Now to talk about certifications. They offer a method to show a competency that experience can’t easily do. They can be used in addition to – or in place of – degrees and diplomas. They ensure study is focused on a well-thought objective or body of knowledge.
And the pathway. A certification proves a competency, but it can also be used as a destination (rather than just validation of existing competency) for the student to use as a goal. Continuing with that last point, a student could start with little knowledge of the certification topic, study, take the exam and reflect on a significant journey. This is a good point to raise the matter of the vocabulary. This is particularly true with Isaca exams. They introduce a vocabulary used in business that typically at the upper end. The executive and senior management level. Using phrases like “measure towards”, “aligning with” and “risk informed” that are not typical of general staff. The value of sharing a vocabulary with those you want to work with should not be underestimated.
So how would I supervise the above? Certifications offer a new vocabulary. They ensure other can quickly identify the competency of the holder. They ensure a focused learning journey. They assure the holder of their progression and can build self-confidence. They show current and relevant topic knowledge and mastery.
But are they worth it? I would say yes, if they’re in-line with the professional journey of the certification holder.