Professional Development

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Sep 11, 2024

The Future of Certifications: How Trade Associations Can Modernize Assessments

by Gordon Polovin

Professional development is a critical part of personal and professional growth, and one of the best ways to show your progress is through earning credentials. Whether it’s a degree or a certificate, a diploma or a badge, the more you know… well, the more you grow. If you’re an organization looking to promote growth, delivering continuing professional development and certification can be the perfect match. Here’s where we pick up our series on trade associations. Why do trade associations need certification? The primary reasons are that the association and its members meet legal standards and compliance protocols, conduct their affairs ethically, and build trust with communities or policymakers they lobby and the public. Interested parties want to know how competition, consumer protections, and fair trade practices impact your strategies. So, certifications are a massive step toward creating transparency that fosters trust and credibility. However, it goes further than this: Association membership frequently implies proving skill or talent levels tested by education, experience, or both. It applies particularly to professions such as: Secretarial services. Paramedics Legal assistants. Various artisan fields like plumbers, electricians, and millworkers. Several professions. In short, trade association reputations rise or fall by the output quality its members provide, and certifications are a guiding yardstick for audiences to rely on. Some associations apply for tax exemptions attached to qualifying services or grants and government contributions supporting certified activities (e.g., non-profit work for the underprivileged and special situations). Certifications are a must-have to begin the process of applying for […]

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