5 Ways Trade Certifications Can Help Your Job Prospects

Trade certifications are among the best ways to boost your job and career prospects.

While a traditional college education is undoubtedly an asset, more employers than ever seek practical skills that can translate into quantifiable results in the workplace. 

Trade certifications that validate technical competencies related to plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, welding, and information technology have become among the strongest ways that people can set themselves apart in a crowded field. 

Whether you're looking to enhance your marketability or simply future-proof your career, here are five ways trade certifications can improve your employment prospects.

1. They Prove You Have Verified, Job-Ready Skills

Earning a trade certification will prove that your skills meet a specific industry standard. Employers need not second-guess whether you understand the basics or if you can hit the ground running without requiring hand-holding and constant supervision.

A general degree from a college or university will provide general knowledge, whereas a trade credential will point to specific competencies that you can easily monetize through a good job. You don’t have to spend a ton of time earning a trade certification either, since, for example, you can complete a forklift operator certification in a single day. 

Because employers want workers who can contribute immediately, certifications can give businesses confidence in knowing they’re hiring the right people. Hiring managers will have confidence that you're fully capable of stepping into the role on day one. In many industries -- particularly the technical and hands-on trades --  a certification may mean more than anything else on your résumé.

2. Certifications Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired Faster

When companies are short-staffed or seek to replace skilled workers urgently, certified applicants go right to the top of the pile. Being certified means you’ll require fewer resources, less supervision, and far less onboarding. 

Employers with tight deadlines or heavy workloads will likely select candidates who already have proven qualifications in the industry.

It becomes an even more significant advantage in trades that are experiencing worker shortages, which pretty much encompasses most of the mechanical, electrical, and construction-related fields. 

Even if you're new to the trade, having the right certification can often cut your job search time dramatically. In some trades, certification isn't just an advantage -- it's practically a ticket to immediate and gainful employment.

3. Certifications Often Lead to Higher Pay and Better Advancement Opportunities

Trade certifications can also positively impact your salary. In most instances, workers with recognized technical certifications usually earn better wages than those without such designations because of the value proposition certifications offer businesses.

A licensed electrician or certified automotive technician, for example, is paid far better than someone in the industry who lacks those important credentials.

Besides a much higher starting salary, you can also leverage certifications to get coveted promotions. As you gain more certifications and experience on the job, you’ll open up more and more opportunities to advance in your chosen trade.

4. They Build Confidence With Employers -- and Customers

A trade certification doesn’t only give credibility. It also helps build trust with clients, customers, or even co-workers. The assurance of knowing that a technician is certified gives customers a sense of security about the quality of the work. Customer trust will lead to repeat business and more word-of-mouth referrals.

Certification also indicates professionals are more apt to know about and follow safety regulations and avoid making mistakes that delay projects or require costly repairs. Furthermore, certification reflects discipline. It’s a sign of one's commitment to the trade.

5. Certification Keeps Your Skills Updated

Updated curricula, continuous training modules, and renewal requirements keep the certified worker up-to-date with the latest industry standards. That means you're less likely to fall behind and more likely to remain competitive. 

When workers constantly refresh their expertise, they can transition into different positions or switch into new job fields as openings appear. A mechanic who earns a hybrid-vehicle certification, for instance, can benefit as the market increasingly focuses on electrification. Similarly, an electrician earning a certificate in smart-home systems may break into a burgeoning, profitable niche.

Trade certifications pay off over the short and long terms. They establish credibility, expedite the hiring process, increase your earning potential, and keep your skills current. If you’re serious about accelerating your career, pursuing a trade certification makes sense.