Rule #17. Certificates are a Must.

Average number of certificates to get the next promotion = 11. 

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Think certificates don’t matter? Think again.

I recall one of the interviews a few years ago where the person I was supposed to manage asked me about the professional certifications and programs I’d accomplished. After 11 years of a fast-growing career, I suddenly felt embarrassed—I didn’t even have an HR degree. My bachelor’s was in Information Security, and my second degree was in Global Trade. I still got the job, but that question stuck with me for a long time.

Later, I came across research in the IT sector in North America that indicated the average number of certificates needed to get the next promotion was 11. Then I found Harvard research showing that 11% of people who complete their programs get a promotion or a raise. So yes, your great skill set ideally should be vetted and stamped with a professional certificate these days. And still, that might not guarantee any job or raise. Don’t forget it.

Let’s break it down. Certificates serve as tangible proof of your skills, knowledge, and commitment to professional growth. They’re not just pieces of paper—they’re a way to differentiate yourself in a crowded field. In many organizations, having the right certificates can be the deciding factor between staying in your current role or moving up the ladder.

Recent research in North America confirms this shift, showing that employers increasingly value certifications and digital badges, sometimes even more than traditional degrees. The demand for skills is evolving faster than ever, and certifications are becoming a critical indicator of an employee's capability and readiness for new challenges.

What’s my advice for individuals? Follow your intuition. Certificates can have a big impact on your future, but remember, nothing is guaranteed. If you decide to go for it, choose a program you’ll actually enjoy! Behind that shiny gold stamp, the most important part is the knowledge and practical skills you gain. Keep learning, keep growing, and let those certificates add on to your confidence —but don’t rely on them alone.

Even regular training sessions within a company should come with a certificate that you can proudly post on LinkedIn. No joke—this is becoming a standard expectation. In fact, it's no surprise that during nearly every demo, we get questions about the certification capability of our tools.

Why? Because certifications have become a valuable asset in career development, serving as both proof of skill and a tool for personal branding. Posting these certificates on LinkedIn not only showcases your commitment to continuous learning but also makes you more visible to recruiters and employers who value certified skills. It’s a win-win: employees get to enhance their profiles, and companies can demonstrate the effectiveness of their training programs.

So, trainers, it’s clear—if your training program doesn’t include a certification option, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to motivate and recognize your team while also enhancing their professional presence online.