What Is A Professional Qualification?

A professional qualification is a credential earned through education, advanced career training, and experience. It demonstrates a person's skills and knowledge in specific fields and roles. A working professional can earn a higher salary, stay updated on the latest industry trends, and become recognized as a competent professional. So, let’s see what is a professional qualification and how to get one.

Understanding Professional Qualifications

We have learned that professional qualification meaning obtaining specific skill-oriented training that certifies a person having the knowledge, skill set, and abilities to perform particular tasks or jobs. You can do a professional qualification in a variety of methods, including:

• Formal Education
• Advanced Training Programs
• Workshops
• Vocational Training

Differentiating Professional Qualifications From Academic Degrees

Academic qualifications are a theoretical approach to gaining knowledge and skills. On the other hand, professional qualifications are a practical-oriented approach to learning specific skills. Although people sometimes confuse professional qualification with academic qualification, several differences are there between the two.

Academic qualifications are conducted by schools, universities, and colleges. But professional qualifications by professional associations and vocational institutions.

Key Benefits of Obtaining Professional Qualifications

Obtaining a professional qualification has many benefits for students and working professionals. Some key benefits include:

• Improved career opportunities: Many regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare, require employees to have professional qualifications.
• Enhanced skills and knowledge: Professional qualifications will provide you with enhanced skills and expertise in your field of study and help you stay updated on the latest trends and industry best practices.
• Industry recognition: Advanced professional qualifications will help you be recognized as an expert in your field.
• Higher salaries: Employees with advanced professional qualifications tend to earn more than those without.

Types of Professional Qualifications

Industry-Specific Certifications

Industry-specific certifications are qualifications designed to showcase your ability to perform specific jobs or tasks in the workplace. Following are some examples of industry-specific certifications:

• Project Management Certification: This certification shows you have the knowledge and skill set to design and manage an entire project. It can include crafting the projects, establishing a timeline, and managing tasks.
• Cybersecurity Certifications: It shows you have the training and knowledge to protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks.
• Marketing Professional Certification: With this certification, you can demonstrate your skills to develop and execute marketing campaigns.

Advantages of Industry-Specific Certifications

Here are some benefits of industry-specific certifications:

• With a project management certification, you can gain advanced knowledge and develop skills in project management. As a result, you can design and implement a project in a more efficient way.
• A cybersecurity certification will allow you to work in dynamic digital platforms and networking. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge to protect the cyberspace.

Regulated Professionals Qualifications

These professional qualifications are required by the law in some specific professions. They are awarded by government agencies or professional associations and are strictly regulated by the government. Following is a list of professional qualifications in regulated industries:

• Medical professional qualifications: These qualifications are required for doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals to practice medicine and work in the healthcare industry.
• Accounting qualifications: These professional qualifications are required for people who want to work or advance in the field of accounting and audits.
• Engineering Certifications: These professional certifications are required for engineers who want to gain specific knowledge and skills in particular areas of engineering.

Academic-Based Professional Qualifications

Some academic qualifications are also considered professional qualifications. They are designed in such a way that students can learn both theoretical aspects and practical knowledge of the subject. Academic-based professional qualifications are generally offered by universities or colleges. For example, an MBA degree.

There are many differences between a degree and professional qualification. For example, a degree is more general in nature and provides students with a broad understanding of a subject. On the other hand, professional qualifications are more specific and prepare students for particular jobs.

Some of the most common examples of academic-based professional qualifications include:

• MBA: It is one of the most common and popular academic-based professional qualifications. Students gain the knowledge and skills to manage and run a business.
• Law Degrees and Legal Profession Qualifications: A law degree is another example of an academic-based professional qualification. It teaches theoretical aspects of law and practical skills like presenting cases in the court of law.

Pursuing Professional Qualifications

Eligibility and Requirements

The eligibility and requirements of professional qualifications can vary based on what qualification you want to pursue. Some may require students to have a certain level of education and experience, while others may want students to pass an assessment test.

However, to become a certified professional, you must identify which qualification you want to pursue. Then, you have to know the eligibility requirements for the qualification. You may have to take several assessment tests and pass them by studying the course content. Finally, apply for the certification and pay the required fees.

Here are some regular requirements for professional qualifications:

• A certain level of education. 
• Some experience in the related field.
• Specific skills in related areas.
• Letters of recommendations
• A portfolio of work.

Training and Preparation

Professional qualification training is available across various fields of study. These qualification courses are an excellent way of learning the required skills and knowledge to ace the job you are eyeing. However, while choosing a program, you must ensure that it is relevant to your job.

The best way to train and prepare yourself for a qualification depends on the course content and your study plans. You will have a number of ways to prepare for certification exams, including:

• Reading study materials thoroughly
• Taking mock exams
• Getting help from instructors or peers when necessary.

Accreditation and Recognized Institutions

When you choose a professional qualification course, you have to make sure that it is accredited and recognized by the right authority. That’s because not all courses and providers are of good quality. Having an accreditation is an indication of quality.

There are several organizations worldwide that provide accreditation to professional qualification providers. Some most well-known organizations are:

• The Project Management Institute or PMI
• The National Commission for Certifying Agencies or NACCA
• The International Organization for Standardization or ISO

Advancing Your Career with Professional Qualifications

How Professional Qualifications Boost Employability

Professional qualifications are great ways to boost your employability due to many factors. They show employers you have the right skills and expertise necessary to perform a specific job. You can also demonstrate that you are committed to your career and willing to invest your time and energy into developing new skills.

Professional qualifications have become very crucial for today’s job market. Most, if not all, employers are now looking for job applicants with certain professional qualifications relevant to the jobs. This is especially true for jobs in regulated and industry-specific jobs.

Earning Potential and Career Progression

It is a fact that people who have professional qualifications earn higher salaries than people who don’t. With professional qualifications, you acquire certain skills and expertise, which will help you land high-paying jobs. So, your earning potential will be much higher if you have professional qualifications.

It is also true for career progression. Sometimes, you need certain professional qualifications to get promoted to a senior role. Again, having these qualifications will help you get a job in a related field where you can apply your skills and expertise.

Staying Updated with Evolving Industries

The workplace around us is constantly evolving, and a professional qualification will help you stay relevant in the job market. Since these qualifications are processes of continued learning, you will be able to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.

With Continuing Professional Development, you can keep learning new skills and knowledge to stay updated. You can do it by taking courses, attending conferences and workshops, or reading journals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Degrees Considered Professional Qualifications?

Yes, some degrees are considered professional qualifications. You will find different types of professional qualifications. Usually, master's degrees are known as professional degrees, such as MBA, LLM, MEng, and postgraduate diplomas.

What are Some Examples of Professional Qualifications?

There are several types of professional qualifications for students and working professionals. Some of the most popular ones include Certifications, Diplomas, Licenses, as well as degree professional qualifications like MBA and LLM.

What Makes a Professional Qualification Different from a Certification?

A certification is a specific type of professional qualification awarded to individuals who meet certain standards of skills and expertise. A professional qualification, on the other hand, is a broad spectrum that can include degrees, certifications, diplomas, etc.

How to Choose the Right Professional Qualification for Your Career?

To choose a suitable professional qualification for your career, you must select one relevant to your job. Plus, ensure the course is accredited by reputed organizations and its content covers all the necessary topics.

Conclusion

Professional qualifications are exceedingly crucial in today’s job market, as they can boost your chance of employment and fast-track your career growth. I’m sure knowing what is a professional qualification will encourage you to obtain them. Why not? They will ensure your career growth and success.