When it comes to analytical subjects like Lean Six Sigma, TQM, Statistical Methodologies, Project Management, employers prefer to consider candidates who have attained a qualification certificate from an accredited institution.
What about a candidate who has completed a course and presents a participation certificate to the interviewer?
Many professionals do not know the difference between a Qualification certificate, a Participation certificate, an Accredited institution and a Non-accredited institution.
A qualification certificate is a document which confirms that an individual has completed a course / training program and has achieved a specific level of competence in the subject.
Qualification certificates are awarded to individuals after they have completed the required number of hours of training, followed by an assessment and can be used to demonstrate a certain level expertise in the given field.
The qualification certificate must include information about the accreditation or recognition of the institute that issued the certificate.
A qualification certificate will be considered as valuable by an employer only if it is awarded by an accredited institution i.e. an organization that fulfils the standards and requirements of a specific certification program. Such accreditations are considered essential for many professional courses like Lead Auditor, Lean Management, Lean Six Sigma, TQM, PMP, etc.
Recognition for such courses is awarded to institutions, by accreditation bodies of international standing, which ensure that the course meets requisite quality and competency standards. Accredited certifications help to demonstrate a high level of expertise or proficiency in a particular area.
Accreditation is important because it provides assurance to students, employers, and other stakeholders that an institution meets certain quality standards and has the necessary resources and infrastructure to provide excellent quality.
A qualification certificate from a non-accredited institute does not carry any weightage in eyes of an employer. Non-accredited institutions have some drawbacks like:
A participation certificate is a document which confirms that an individual has attended a training program or workshop but does not indicate any level of expertise or proficiency. It is merely an evidence that the person has joined or attended a program or at most it serves as a record of attendance.
Certificates that a person receives for participation in Webinars, Seminars, Conferences might help to demonstrate his enthusiasm and self-motivation for learning but do not indicate any level of expertise in the field. Such certificates do not carry much weightage with employers.