Based on a recently completed study of the value automotive service technicians assign to certification, this session compares and contrasts previous research from empirical data gathered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. While there have been many “value of certification” studies conducted, most studies have focused primarily on perceptions from healthcare and Information technology markets. Workers in skilled trades have been largely ignored. Understanding the perceptions of this audience has the potential to guide meaningful messaging that defines certification as an alternative to traditional four-year degrees. This session will address whether findings from value of certification studies across diverse employment fields are generalizable.

The session includes a brief meta-analysis of previous value of certification studies summarizing pertinent findings related to job satisfaction, job performance, and is most importantly, economic benefits for certificants.

The findings from this research demonstrate dramatic benefits of certification within skilled trades, perhaps stronger than have been quantitatively demonstrated among certificants in other job roles. Initial findings included: higher earning potential, a clear career progression path; a higher job tenure reducing turnover costs; and providing a recognizable standard of competence in a field that has historically ranked high in consumer complaints.