A certification program can be a very powerful tool for your organization,

stakeholders, or profession. Certification provides evidence that an individual

possesses a required level of knowledge or skills related to a job or occupation.

Organizations develop certification programs for a variety of reasons to include

establishing standards for job positions and improving the quality of products or

services provided by certified persons.

But how do organizations – including for-profit companies, non-profits, government

agencies and others – determine if a certification program is right for them? With

more than ten years experience helping organizations of all types develop and

maintain successful programs, Kryterion is well positioned to help your organization

with this decision. The following questions are important for an organization to ask

before embarking on a certification program.

Six Questions to Ask

Before Embarking on a

Certification Program

What are the goals of the certification program?Whether the goals of your certification are to establish standards for the profession,

protect the health and safety of the public, enable employers to identify qualified

candidates, or other reasons, it is important that they be clearly defined and consistent

with your organization’s mission and strategic goals. Part of this step is identifying the

expected outcomes of the program.

What is the demand for the certification program?It is critical to identify if there is a sufficiently large audience that would find value in

your certification. If it is to be offered externally to your organization, others must find

value in the certification program for it to succeed. Common audiences are those

working in the occupation and their employers, customers, partners, and resellers.

It is also important to determine if you have access or can easily obtain access to

this audience to market the certification.

If offered externally, how will the program be priced?Depending on your audience and the perceived value of your planned certification

program, you can estimate the price individuals or their employers will invest to

obtain the certification.

What is the scope of the certification program?Certifications can be broad or narrow in focus, target an entry-level position, or

advanced level of knowledge and skills. The goal of the certification program and

the results of a market analysis can help create the scope of the certification.

Questions to Ask

Does your organization have the resources to develop acertification program?Developing a certification program often requires a combination of internal professional

and clerical staff, and external consultants and volunteers (e.g., subject matter experts).

There are many steps in planning and developing a certification program. Kryterion

can help in identifying these for you.

How will the certification assessment be administered?A myriad of options exists for assessment administration. On the basic level, a paper

and pencil, multiple-choice examination offers a low cost solution but includes many

drawbacks such as: security, administration, and data consolidation. Use of

web-based technology brings benefits of automation, easier access, and the option

of secure, online proctoring.

Of course, there are other decisions that must be addressed in developing a certification program.

These questions are intended to assist you with the initial discussions and preparations.

Next StepsFor more information on creating a certification program for your organization, feel free to contact us.

7776 S. Pointe Parkway West, Suite 250

Phoenix, Arizona 85044

800.580.4032

www.KryterionOnline.com