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Final Project:
Certification in the Training & Graphic Design Industries
The first thing that needs to be analyzed is the difference between having a certificate vs. being certified. Usually the words are used interchangeably. Dictionary.com (2002) defines certified as, "endorsed authoritatively as having met certain requirements" or "holding appropriate documentation and officially on record as qualified to perform a specified function or practice a specified skill".
A Certificate is defined as "A document issued to a person completing a course of study not leading to a diploma...A document certifying that a person may officially practice in certain professions."
However, Gwynnen Evans, (Training, 1998) program manager of education at the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) looks at the two differently. "A certificate program is designed to provide an understanding of the field. It is distinct from a certification because there is no comprehensive exam at the end of the program to demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge." Evans goes on to say certificate programs are "a professional-development opportunity, not a professional designation."
With the differences of the two words in mind for the training industry, which programs offer certificates and which programs certify their learners?
Another aspect of certification is whether or not the certification is vendor-neutral. Vendor-neutral programs usually have some type of governing body who evaluated the certification process. Vendor-specific programs tend to be geared more towards the IT industry. Companies such as Microsoft, Lotus, Adobe and Macromedia offer certification in their specific software programs or hardware standards.
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