PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Apr 10, 20231

What Is Professional Certification?

A voluntary process through which an individual documents their command of a body of knowledge (BOK)

Formal process to identify and acknowledge those individuals who have met a recognized standard – frequently an exam covering the BOK – as determined by a committee of subject matter experts

Body of knowledge (BOK) is the pre-determined competency standard (skills and knowledge) necessary to perform a specific job, function or task

Value of Certification

For Employers– Verifies level of employee competency– Facilitates employment decisions and shortens

training time for new hires– Ensures common level of proficiency across

globally dispersed teams – Demonstrates employer’s commitment to

competence– Increased confidence in employees’ abilities;

ongoing enhancement of knowledge and skills– Improved internal/external stakeholder satisfaction– Efficient use of organizational resources

© Holmes Corporation / IEEE

Value of Certification

For the Individual– Increases and/or validates skills and knowledge– Demonstrates pre-determine level of competence

identified as essential for solving problems in real-world applications

– Personal accomplishment; enhances credibility and professional reputation

– Demonstrates high level of commitment to the field of practice; supports continued professional development

– Increases opportunities for career advancement– Meets employer or governmental requirements

© Holmes Corporation / IEEE

Why is IEEE Exploring Professional Certification?

Strengthen the IEEE brand by positioning IEEE as a leading source for professional certification

Extend the IEEE brand by reaching nontraditional IEEE members and customers

Create a possible new source of revenue

Apr 10, 20235

Why is IEEE Exploring Professional Certification? (cont.)

Support IEEE’s Strategic Plan and Envisioned Future– “growth and nurturing of the profession…”

– “to be essential to the global technical community and to technical professionals everywhere…”

– “industry professionals and employers will value IEEE as a major resource to achieve success…”

– “IEEE will improve the professional competencies of students and professionals through education . . . “

Apr 10, 20236

Certification Center Responsibilities

Centralize the development of new certification programs

Establish a common development model and business framework

Offer certification business guidance and advice regarding certification industry standards and best practices

Provide project management services

Determine if professional certification is a viable business for IEEE

Status of Certification ProgramsCurrent – Computer Society

CSDP (program is live) CSDA (program launched in ‘08)

– Communications Society WCET (program launched in ‘08)

Development Stage– Biometrics (BOK established, defining exam specifications)

Research Stage– Chip Design (Market assessment delivered late ‘08)– Systems (Market assessment in progress)

Early Discussion Stage– Reliability Engineering– Service Innovation (in cooperation with IBM)