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Best career specialist certifications

Career specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an career specialist to employers. However, not all career specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a career specialist are Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP), and First Aid Certification.

Below is a list of the best career specialist certifications. Obtaining an career specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

8 best career specialist certifications

1. Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF)

Global Career Development Facilitators (GCDFs) help people meet career goals by providing career facilitation and guidance. GCDFs work alongside professionals with more extensive training in government employment agencies, schools, universities, corporate human resources departments, private consultancy firms, and many other settings.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

2. Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)

IPMA-HR strives to encourage excellence in public sector human resources, promote continuous learning and develop the next generation of leaders. To that end, IPMA-HR offers two internationally recognized certification programs to the public HR community: the IPMA-CP and the IPMA-CS.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

3. First Aid Certification

Designed for individuals with a duty to respond to emergencies, this program combines discussions, video and hands-on training. Real-life rescue scenarios reinforce decision-making skills. Free quarterly refreshers. Course covers how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying website
First Aid Certification
Course that help you to prepare for certification
First Aid
udemy
4.3
(1,797)

4. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Nurse Assistant

5. Certified Manager Certification (CM)

The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

6. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor

Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying organization
National Safety Council
Course that help you to prepare for certification
First Aid & CPR - An in Depth Guide to CPR, AED and Choking
udemy
4.8
(452)

7. Medical Assistant

The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...

8. Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP)

The CWDP credential after a person's name indicates that he or she is part of an elite group of individuals who have been nationally certified as satisfying rigorous standards of skill, education, experience, ethics and commitment to professionalism.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

What is the best certification for a career specialist?

The best career specialist certification is Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). The Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) is awarded by the Center for Credentialing & Education, Inc. the advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this career specialist certification:

  • To become a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), you don't need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 5 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for career specialists?

The most in-demand career specialist certification is Global Career Development Facilitator based on all active job postings. Having this career specialist certification will give you access to more career specialist jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a career specialist career and salary?

The Global Career Development Facilitator certification will help you to secure a career counselor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A career counselor's average salary is $41,511 whereas career specialists make an average salary of $45,299.

Best certifications

The most common combination of career specialist certifications include: Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP), and First Aid Certification.

Online courses for career specialists to earn certifications

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