The emerging global economy has given way to the business world’s move towards international markets. Globalisation coupled with rapid change in technology, legislation and other socio-economic factors has unleashed a tremendous impact on the art of managing people in the industrial environment. It is therefore now an established fact that knowledge and expertise gained at any stage of professional life become obsolete after four or five years. This is where certifications come in.

“Certification” should not be mixed up with “certificate”. Whereas certificate is just a token of participation granted to an individual for attending a programme, certification is granted after qualifying and by appearing in an experience-based exam.

The exam also has prerequisite criteria in terms of professional education and experience. The certification is not infinite; rather it is valid for a limited time period (three to five years usually). Also, it is awarded by a globally-recognised professional body with the certified person getting authorisation to put letters after his/her name. In order to recertify, the person has to ensure continuous professional development and stay abreast with the latest tools and techniques of the respective profession and provide evidence to this effect as per the laid down criteria. And unless the person is recertified, he/she is automatically decertified after expiry of the certification validity date.

In the Human Resource (HR) profession, there are a number of institutes worldwide that offer globally-recognised certifications. These include Human Resource Certification Institute (US), which offers Global Professional in Human Resource (GPHR), PHR and SPHR certifications; Worldatwork (US), which offers certification in compensation management; American Society of Training and Development, which offers professional certification in learning and performance and Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (UK) that offers various HR certifications.

The certifications are recognised worldwide as a symbol of expertise of a professional. They also carry plenty of advantages for the holder. Passing the certification is symbolic of the fact that the concerned HR professional has mastered the core HR knowledge and expertise required to handle HR management.

Certification is a public recognition of professional achievement and an aid to career advancement because organisations believe that certified professionals give them competitive advantage. Business leaders find certified HR professionals more motivated and knowledgeable of the profession. They believe that certified HR professionals create a positive impact on the financial performance of an organisation. Hiring organisations therefore distinguish between certified and non-certified professionals.

It is due to such inherent benefits and rising interests that HR professionals in Pakistan are endeavouring to upgrade their competencies through certifications. But since there is not much awareness on distinction between certificate and certification, professionals may get confused or even cheated regarding the matter. Although there are a few service providers within the country that render genuine facilitation in preparing for the certification exam, there are also some unscrupulous training firms taking undue advantage of this trend. Branding their normal training courses as certification programmes, they are here to mislead the people.

Although it is acceptable to run a preparatory course to facilitate people in their preparation for a certification exam, it is still essential that the resource person/trainer be certified himself.

So coming across any such offer of HR-related certification, it is advisable to seek clarification on the following accounts:

• Is it a certification preparatory course?

• Is the resource person certified himself?

• When and where is the exam going to be held?

• Who will award certification and what is the professional credibility of that body?

• Is it globally recognised?

• What is the validity of the certification being offered to you?

At the same time, social responsibility expects of all training service providers to properly educate the people regarding their training so that they are not enticed by the programme due to having incomplete information.