5 Reasons to Consider Getting a Trade Certification
When people think about career advancement, college degrees often dominate the conversation. Many simply think that the path toward a financially rewarding career passes through post-secondary education in an institution of higher learning.
However, trade certifications offer a powerful—and often overlooked—path to success. Going this route can be more desirable, moreover, for people who don’t want to spend too much money on a degree and too much time in a classroom.
Skilled trades such as electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and automotive repair are in high demand, and certification can open doors that experience alone may not. If you’re not sure whether a trade career is for you, there are other trade positions you can train for quickly. For instance, you can earn a forklift certification online inexpensively and within a single day. You can get your foot in the door and, if the trades appeal, add to your skill set and advance.
Whether you’re entering the workforce or changing careers, here are five reasons to seriously consider getting a trade certification.
1. Increased Job Opportunities and Employability
One of the biggest advantages of earning a trade certification is improved job prospects. Many employers prefer—or require—certified workers because certification indicates proper training. If you earn a certification, there’s an assumption you have specific skills and abilities.
In competitive job markets, certification helps candidates stand out from other competitors. It signals to employers that you meet industry standards and can hit the ground running right off the bat rather than require a lot of time to get up to speed.
2. Higher Earning Power
Trade certification often leads to higher wages. Certified professionals tend to earn more than their non-certified counterparts because employers value proven expertise and reduced training costs. By investing in your future by pursuing a trade certification, you can potentially earn more.
In many trades, certification is a stepping stone to becoming a licensed professional or business owner. You can get a big return on your certification investment.
You don’t have to get a four-year college degree to enter a career that’s financially rewarding.
Many people have the mistaken idea that the only way to make real money in the workforce is to first get a college degree and then get a high-paying job. While that’s one way to go about making a good salary, it’s not the only path to a financially beneficial career. You can also make a lot of money in the trades. It’s about acquiring the right skills and climbing the ladder of success.
3. Faster and More Affordable Career Entry
Compared to traditional four-year degrees, trade certifications typically require less time and money. Some people hate the idea of spending tens of thousands of dollars and essentially living in classrooms for years on end just to get a college degree.
You won’t have to do that if you get into a trade. Earning trade credentials faster than earning degrees means getting into the job market sooner and incurring less student debt.
For those seeking a career change later in life, moreover, trade certification offers a practical, efficient way to pivot without starting over academically or financially.
4. Demonstrated professionalism and credibility
Certification enhances professional credibility. In customer-facing trades, credibility is especially important. Homeowners and businesses are more likely to trust certified professionals with complex or safety-sensitive work. Certification can also support marketing efforts for independent contractors or small business owners by building confidence with potential clients.
Beyond external perception, certification often requires ongoing education or renewal. This encourages professionals to stay current with industry changes and best practices.
5. Greater Career Flexibility and Long-Term Stability
Trade certifications offer flexibility in changing economic conditions. Skilled trades are consistently in demand, and certified workers often have the option to work for employers or start their own businesses.
Certification can also make it easier to relocate or work across regions, as many credentials are recognized nationally or internationally. This mobility provides additional security and options as life circumstances change.
Trade certifications offer a direct, practical route to meaningful careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career, getting a trade certification can open doors, build confidence, and position you for lasting success in the trades sector.
