What goes through your mind when you see something like this? The effect on me is to question the individual’s expert status. Questions pop into my mind, such as, “What is this person compensating for?” or “Can one truly be an expert in 16 categories?” or worse, “How meaningful are the certifications that I don’t recognize?” In this case, I know and have heard the speaker before and know the speaker to truly be an expert. But would I be inclined to listen to the speaker if all I had to go on were the list of certifications?
Certifications generally fall into two rough categories. Technical certifications attest to expertise in a particular subject area. They usually involve completion of a course of instruction and demonstration of the ability to meet minimum standards in performing the task. This type of certification can range from something as simple as a certificate for completing training to actual certification against a standard. Professional certifications tend to be more broad in scope. They are generally granted by a professional society with a certifying body and are based on a combination of education, experience and knowledge. Professional certifications are normally the only ones that make use of post-nominal letters (the alphabet soup after your name).
Let’s be clear: One type of certification is not “better” than another. The importance of the certification depends on the industry in which you work and the audience you are trying to reach. Using designations from ASIS International as examples, if I am looking to safeguard a facility, I may be more interested in someone who holds a certification as a Physical Security Professional than someone who holds a Certified Protection Professional designation. However, if I’m looking to develop a full program, the reverse would be true. Similarly the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) designation is of more interest to my corporate clients than the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) rating. For public sector clients, the reverse is true. In the academic world, the emphasis is on your degree, the highest designation being a Ph.D.; technical certifications carry little weight.
Anyone who spends time in any industry will accumulate a number of certifications. They are good things that enhance your skill set and provide professional development. But you don’t need to put them all on display all the time. Consider what is important to the people with whom you are working and limit yourself to that, if you must. But remember that in the end you are judged not by the initials after your name but by your actions and your perceived expertise.
