Corrections_Today_November_December_2020_Vol.82_No.6

Professional Development

Professional Development Update

The value of certification

By Doreen Efeti and Cindy Gomez

C ertification is important in professional development in any career path. A certi - fied professional portrays a level of education, validation, and recognition in their discipline. At the American Correctional Association, we offer corrections professionals the op - portunity to set themselves apart and challenge themselves by becoming certified through ACA’s Corrections

role. Certification is beneficial to the individual, the agency/jurisdiction and the correctional population. Certifica - tion assures stakeholders that a person is competent and professional. Certified professionals have a leverage that can be used to propel their career advancement and increased financial benefits. The value of certification to a person demonstrates personal accomplishment, career advance - ment, competency and increased prestige. A certification validates specialized knowledge, provides accountability, and foster up-to-date skills in training. Seeking a profes - sional certification is a commitment in continuous learning and a career investment. Certified professionals have a leverage that can be used to propel their career advancement and increased financial benefits.

Certification Program (CCP). The purpose of certification is to provide an effective and reliable program for corrections professionals to recog- nize their education, knowledge, and professional expertise. Certification provides professionals with personal growth, career advancement and professional recognition. The CCP assesses the knowledge, skills and ex - perience needed to perform a specific

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86 — November/December 2020 Corrections Today