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July 16, 2007
Professional certifications
One of the first things I learned about when I started writing about the home-building industry was professional certifications offered by trade associations. I immediately jumped on the bandwagon; I'm something of an education junkie, and these programs made a lot of sense to me. After all, most other professions have some kind of official thumbs-up for those who really know what they're doing.
But in talking to builders and remodelers over the years, I've gotten feedback that the certifications aren't worth the time and trouble. I always take such comments with at least a grain of salt. And I have to say I don't know too many people who used to have a certification but let it lapse for some reason.
What is your take as a construction professional on the value of certification? Does it make a difference to your customes? If you have one, do you use it in marketing and sales? What do you see as its greatest value -- or maybe its lack of value? Let me know.
Posted by Marjie O'Connor, HGTVPro.com Staff at July 16, 2007 9:49 AM
Comments
The certifications and if they are useful or not depends on the trade or what ever and if it is relevent to the job you do. For instance, in the plumbing industry here in Texas we have certifications for medical gas and backflow prevention. As a residential service plumber these cerifications have virtually no meaning since it is someones house and not a hospital or dental office and the backflow would only be if you want to service the valve that was installed for the irrigation system.
Posted by: dan at July 17, 2007 10:11 PM
I am a retired sheet metal worker who spent 38yrs in the trade.I specialized in architectual sheet metal from fabrication to installation and repair , I did steeples in the summer and hvac in the winter.After my 4 yr apprenticeship I accumulated 9 different certifications for journeyman from welding ,fabrication ,rigging and safety etc. I told all my men that in the trade the more you know the more you will work its as simple as that .They also afforded me retirement at 55 Since retirement I also attended a Home Inspector course to become a certified Home Inspector.
Posted by: mike wegman at July 18, 2007 6:49 AM
I think it depends on where the inquiry for your services is coming from. If it is someone who is looking at your work or from a recommendation by another customer, I think that most people don't care about the certifications.
On the other hand, if someone is looking through phone book or on a website, having the certifications next to your name reassures them. I think that it is a matter of how much information they have to make their decisions.
Good work examples trump everything else in the decision making process, but I think having one or two certifications under your belt helps.
Posted by: James Slusher at July 18, 2007 10:31 AM
Hello, education at any level improves your ability to do your job well. It is important to get the classroom work which will enhance your savy in the marketplace. I see my post grad. certification work and product knowledge work imparative to staying current and profitable. I have learned so much, and still have so much to learn. Everyday someone thinks of something inovative and life style applicable. It take time and you can become a certification junkie - as in all things - keep a balance - sally
Posted by: Sally Erickson Bornschein, CAPS at August 14, 2007 8:16 PM
