It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill. ~ Wilbur Wright
There has been debate about which is more important when seeking a
job. Some say its “skill” while others
say its “certification”. What exactly is
“skill” and how does it differ from “certification”? Are they mutually
exclusive or equally important? Should you acquire “certification” before “skill”
or “skill” before “certification”? To address this issue burning in the mind of
seekers, let’s dive into the discussion by determining the difference between
“skill” and “certification”.
I love the way the Business Dictionary defines both terms. Skill
is defined as “an ability and capacity
acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to smoothly and
adaptively carryout complex activities or job functions involving ideas (cognitive
skills), things (technical skills), and/or people (interpersonal skills).” The same dictionary defines Certification as “formal procedure by which an accredited or authorized person or agency
assesses and verifies (and attests in writing by issuing a certificate) the attributes,
characteristics, quality, qualification, or status of individuals or organizations,
goods or services, procedures or processes, or events or situations, in
accordance with established requirements or standards.”
In summary, a “skill” could be said to be a trade that you have learned, while “certification” is a public attestation by an independent body
that indeed you have mastered that skill.
Skill is considered relevant in every job role, formal or
informal. Skill sometimes could be
referred to as competencies that candidates are expected to possess to be
successful at a role. Skill is what determines if a candidate is a fit for the
role being filled. Interviewers would want to assess each candidate against the
skill set for the job role in order to determine if the candidate can actually
carry out the tasks required in the role being filled. Some examples of general
skills that candidates are required to posses are:
Communication – Are you
good at writing, listening and speaking?
Problem solving – Are you good at troubleshooting? Do you think
‘outside the box’ when analysing problems?
Team work – How well do you work with others? Do you listen
and accept other people’s ideas? Remember that the people you work with are your
team mates; you’re all working towards the same goal and team work will help
you to get the best possible results.
Planning and organising – Are you good at managing your
time? How do you cope when you’re busy? Are you capable of juggling through several
tasks?
Interpersonal skills - Are you a people person? Think
about how you have built relationships in the past, because getting on with
your team is key to career success, happiness and achievement.
Certification without skill will get you nowhere. Skill is required at
all levels, as this is evidence that one is a perfect fit for the role being
considered for. As you gain experience, and grow in your career, certification
becomes equally important as a public evidence of your competence.
For instance, when starting your career, skills will get you to the
door step, however, certification will enhance your chance. I have come across people who possess some
certification and at the end of the day do not have the right skills. When it
comes to certification, my advice would be to search out reputable and
recognized professional bodies that assess skills or sometimes called
competencies, as this will ensure that when you secure the certification, it
will be a true test of your capacity to deliver on the job role.
Acquire the skill required for your career progression, then get
certified!
"Acquire the skill required for your career progression, then get certified" key word for me. Thank you for this article.
ReplyDeleteCertifocation proves you can do a certain tadk or job even if you dont know it.
ReplyDeleteCertification proves you can do a certain task or job even if you dont know it
ReplyDeleteCertification is a testimonial to your knowledge; Skill is a confirmation of your abilities!
ReplyDeleteAn erstwhile coach of the super eagles had the skills of a footballer and also highly certified as competent coach by the Apex Football governing body but he struggled to win matches simply because he had not acquired the necessary skills to execute from the technical bench.
To get to the apex of our career we must acquire the necessary skill and also the qualification i.e. certification.
ReplyDeleteIn the Micro finance industry to be the Managing Director you must know the market which is the skill and be certified by chartered institute of bankers.
Certification is knowledge helps in making sound and analytical judgement highly biased by academics.
ReplyDeleteSkill is making decisions using cummulative experience gained over time after making realistic assessments. This is at timed aided by use of practical tools and lessons learnt.
A hybrid is fine. But skills is better especially when implemented through a process of strategic project management.
Well said!
DeleteA truly enlightening article, both are important but without a doubt its first for me skills followed by the certification. The certification caps up your competencies(skills)
ReplyDeleteThis is an eye opening article,certification must come after adequate skills have been acquired. Thank you sir!
ReplyDeleteVery insightful
ReplyDeleteFood for thought! Acquire the skills before certification. Truly, skills/competencies will enhance you and show you were you are good at while certification in that field will help you gains mastery mastery and crown your skills. Good write up.
ReplyDeleteVery insightful...
ReplyDeleteThis is becoming the best blog ever visited.
What do you have to say to the fresh graduates (corp members) who decided to acquire professional certificate before ending their NYSC without say any skills?
I recommend certifications that measure experience and the application of concepts learned. However, if you do have one of those that measure the content of the study material (theories), my recommendation is for you to seek practical experience, even if its as an Intern, as this will enable you defend your certification, and prove your worth to any organisation.
DeleteSkills speak more for individuals on the job than certifications. Skills determine performance not certifications. Three important qualities of a professional are Knowledge, performance and personal skills. These show a two against one index as certification is majorly a proof of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteCertifications are however highly recommended especially to entry/mid level applicants and workers for employment edge. But getting certifications without necessary skills will end in corporate disgrace, to the HR that employed the fellow and the fellow himself as this will ultimately result in termination of appointment.
Very educative post, it might be difficult to isolate each word since both are intrinsic in practicality. However, SKILL is the real VALUE ADD and the real raw material any labour must possess. Certification only declares in formal sense that an individual has the capacity/skill to perform a particular duty. However, employees have failed in defending their certifications with respect to skill. Skill in this sense shows its superiority over certification. We must also note that skill is practically oriented and certification is theoretically oriented(case study). I like to know what an employee can do(value add) than what certification he/she has. Although we are certificate bias in this part of the world.
ReplyDeleteOlagunju Omotola David. ACIPM, ACIA
I am particularly glad with the kind of comments this blogpost has been generating. Please keep them flowing.
ReplyDeleteReading through the comments so far made, I felt the need to state that there is a difference between "certificate" and "certification". The two are not exactly the same. "Certificate" measures knowledge while "certification" measures skill. This is likely going to be a discussion for another day.
Alot of people have the certificate but no skill.
ReplyDeleteSir, the present Nigeria believe in certificate that they will learn on the job.
Skills it is for me.
ReplyDeleteWithout skills your certificate won't take you far.A great lesson for me.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Job ads that need ACCA or ACA before applying for any job. Where would they have gotten the skills before getting certified? This is a problem in Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo i messaged Mr Emmanuel because i was frustrated at work..my learning curve had stopped and i wanted to resign and go face my certifications, amazing thing was that all he replied was NO and this link....i wondered as i opened the link...but on reading it...my anwwer was staring in my face...Thank You so much...Mr Emmanuel......its truly skills first
ReplyDelete