I have held positions in a variety of areas where it would be appropriate to take specialized training and take a certification test in that particular area. Examples of this are Project Management and Business Analyst certifications.

There are also many national and international associations that we professionals have at our disposal. I have never been prone to joining these formal associations and while I have held many high level positions in project management and business analysis, I am not certified. I have actually done formal trainings to organizations on the principals of project management yet I am uncertified.

I have never felt it was necessary to get a formal certification in the areas that I work in. It certainly has not had a negative impact on my career but lately I have been wondering if there might be some value to joining an international association, and getting formal training and certification in my areas of expertise.

Are certifications common in your field and if so, are you certified? I’m interested in other people’s thoughts on the subject.

Discuss…