Certain Benefit: A Look at Certifications

construction and nursing. The holder of a certification is automatically distinguished from their peers. Employers may be more inclined to invest in employing, promoting or increasing the salary of a professionally certified candidate over another who is not so designated. Customers in certain markets, such as auditing, engineering, and project management may be more inclined to enlist the services of a certified professional over another who has no such designation.

Thankfully, there are local colleges and universities right here in Palm Beach County that either offer a wide variety of professional certification programs themselves or course offerings that prepare applicants to be certified by an external examination body. The following institutions are key among them: n Florida Atlantic University (with the country’s No. 2 rank ed professional development programs): business.fau.edu/executive-education/professional-d evelopment n Keiser University: degrees.keiser- uni ver sity.edu/areas-of-study n Nova Southeastern University: business.nova.edu/degrees/mast er s/business-administration-mba n Palm Beach Atlantic University: pba.edu/academics/programs/index n Palm Beach State College: palmbeachstate.smartcatalogiq.com/e n/current/catalog/degrees-andcertificates n South University: catalog.southuni ver sity.edu/content

The value gained from an education is unmistakable. Obtaining certification that supports your professional presence in the competitive business and employment landscape can be priceless. If you are considering your options for the advancement of your career with lifelong learning, perhaps you will consider pursuing a certification to bolster your professional credentials. An investment in yourself is always a wise move to make.

For a comprehensive list of certifications, visit the Certification Finder at CareerOneStop.com.