There are certifications that must be renewed on a regular basis. For example, if you earned one of the many certifications sponsored by Microsoft, the certifi- cation is only valid for one specific version of software. When the next version is released, you must take another exam to be certified for the update. Other certifications require regular continuing edu- cation classes to ensure individuals are current with up-to-date information in the profession. These classes are known as continuing education for which continuing education units (CEUs) are earned. If you are a teacher, your school system may require that you earn a speci- fied number of CEUs every year to keep your teaching certification up-to-date. Some certifications are not subject-specific but attest that the individual has employability skills. These certifications confirm that the person who earned the certificate possesses the skills to be a contributing employee. The focus of these certifica- tions is on workplace skills. Individuals who earn this type of certification have demonstrated they possess the qualities necessary to become an effec- tive employee. Complete 2-4 Certification Options, pg 39 CONNECT TO YOUR CAREER Benefits of Certification Hundreds of applications are submitted to employers each day for a limited number of open positions. Many criteria are used to screen these submissions, and certification has become one of them. For employers, certification takes the guesswork out of determining whether a candidate is qualified for a position. Anyone can say that he or she has a skill, but a certification confirms it. The certificate earned proves the holder met the required qualifications. Employers no longer have to rely on a candidate’s evaluation of his or her own skills. For the employee, certification offers many of the fol- lowing advantages: • Certification is often voluntary. Those who seek it demonstrate ambition and dedication to a career. • Certification provides personal achievement and accomplishment. Working to be recognized in your career area results in a sense of pride. • Certification may give you priority when interviewing for jobs as well as when being promoted on the job. • Certification may increase your salary. Some companies offer higher salaries for those who are certified. Becoming certified in your career area can allow your résumé to stand out from others. Hundreds of job seekers applying for the same position may all have similar work experience and education. However, cer- tification proves that you have the skills needed on the job, and this distinction can put you at the top of the list of acceptable candidates. Research certification options in your chosen career field or areas of inter- est to decide if a certification is right for you. There might be many available in your career field. Conduct- ing research can help you decide which is best for you and your career plans. Certifications look great on a résumé, and earning cer- tifications can help an individual gain valuable skills that can transfer to a career. The table in Figure 2-2 depicts how academic skills can be transferred to a career. How to Earn Certification To earn certification in a specified area, it is important to prepare for the exam you select. There are several ways to accomplish this goal. One way is to take formal test-prep classes that cover important topics tested on the exam. These classes are usually offered at local colleges, universities, and businesses. Some classes are offered online. Be prepared to pay a fee for attending these classes. The materials used in these classes are specifically developed to prepare individuals for the exam. The organization offering the certification may also pub- lish training materials used for exam preparation. Flexibility is the ability of an individual to alter personal actions as a situation requires. Flexibility is necessary in the workplace as situations do not always go as planned. Employees who do not adjust their behavior based on the situation can create obstacles in the workplace. Employees who are not flexible could, some day, find themselves unemployed. Soft Skills Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 30 Chapter 2 Soft Skills