EducationUpdated Jan 2026

Should I Get a Professional Certification? A Values-Based Decision Framework

You're considering a professional certification to advance your career. But certifications cost money and time, and you're not sure if yours will actually make a difference or if it's just credential inflation. You're trying to determine if this investment will pay off.

Key Takeaway

This decision is fundamentally about Career Advancement vs. Knowledge Acquisition. Your choice will also impact your financial return.

The Core Values at Stake

This decision touches on several fundamental values that may be in tension with each other:

Career Advancement

Your desire to progress professionally. Consider whether this certification is actually required or preferred for your target roles.

Knowledge Acquisition

Your interest in learning regardless of credential. Some certifications teach valuable skills; others are just tests.

Financial Return

The expected ROI of the certification. Research whether it actually leads to higher salaries or better opportunities.

Time Investment

The hours required for preparation. Consider whether that time might be better spent on other career activities.

Credibility

How the certification is perceived in your industry. Not all certifications carry equal weight.

5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before making this decision, work through these questions honestly:

  1. 1Do job postings in my target roles specifically request this certification?
  2. 2Have I talked to people in my field about whether this certification matters?
  3. 3Is there data on salary increases associated with this certification?
  4. 4Could I learn the same material without pursuing the formal certification?
  5. 5Is this certification respected or considered a check-the-box credential?

Key Considerations

As you weigh this decision, keep these important factors in mind:

Whether the certification is required or just nice-to-have in your field
The certification's reputation and value in your industry
Total cost (exam fees, study materials, prep courses)
Time investment for preparation
Recertification requirements and ongoing costs
Whether employers actually pay more for certified professionals
Alternative ways to demonstrate the same competencies

Watch Out For: Credential Inflation Assumption

We assume more credentials are always better. But hiring managers care about what you can do, not how many certificates you have. Some certifications are highly valued; others are noise. Research whether your specific certification moves the needle before investing.

Make This Decision With Clarity

Don't just guess. Use Dcider to calculate your alignment score and make decisions that truly reflect your values.

Download on the App Store

Frequently Asked Questions

Are professional certifications worth it?
It depends entirely on the certification and your field. Some certifications (PMP, certain IT certs, CPA) are genuinely valued and can increase earning potential. Others are credentialing mills with little value. Research specifically whether YOUR target certification is valued in YOUR field.
How do I know if a certification is respected?
Look at job postings in your target roles—is the certification mentioned? Ask professionals in your field. Research the certifying body's reputation. Check whether the certification requires actual competence (rigorous exam, experience requirements) or just attendance.
Should I get certified or get experience first?
Usually experience is more valuable, but it depends on the field. Some certifications are only meaningful with experience backing them. Others can help you break into a field. If you can get relevant experience, that typically beats a certification for credibility.
Will my employer pay for certifications?
Many employers have professional development budgets that cover certifications. Ask HR or your manager before paying yourself. Even if not formally offered, you can sometimes negotiate certification support. Getting employer buy-in also signals the certification is valued.

Related Decisions

Should I Learn to Code?

Coding seems like a superpower that could open doors to new careers and opportunities. But you're not sure if you have the aptitude, if it's too late to start, or if you should invest months of effort learning something you might not enjoy. The tech industry's promise beckons while imposter syndrome holds you back.

Should I Take an Online Course?

An online course promises to teach you something valuable—a new skill, a new field, personal enrichment. But you've maybe started courses before and not finished. You're wondering if this investment of time and money will actually lead somewhere or just become another abandoned tab.

Should I Go to a Coding Bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps promise to transform you into a developer in just weeks or months, opening doors to high-paying tech careers. But they're expensive, the job placement claims seem too good to be true, and you're not sure if you're the right candidate or if the industry has become saturated.

People Also Considered

Similar decisions in other areas of life:

Accept a PromotionRelocate for a JobSwitch to Management

Sources

← More Education decisions|All decision guides