Certificationism

Certificationism is a societal emphasis and reliance on formal credentials, licenses, and certifications as primary determinants of competence, value, and opportunity. It prioritizes acquiring specific qualifications over practical experience, demonstrated skill, or innate ability. This phenomenon often leads to credential inflation, where increasing levels of qualification are demanded for jobs that previously required less, potentially creating barriers to entry and disproportionately affecting individuals who lack access to the required educational or training resources. It also may devalue informal learning or practical skills, which are often undervalued.

Certificationism meaning with examples

• The hiring process at Apex Corp has become a prime example of certificationism. They now require a master's degree, even for entry-level positions. It's driving up costs and excluding talented individuals with relevant experience but fewer formal credentials. This narrow focus ignores the demonstrable abilities crucial for the job.
• The education sector is battling certificationism. The push for standardized teacher certifications, irrespective of teaching ability or student outcomes, hinders innovation and ignores individualized instructional skills. The system rewards following a certification pathway, not necessarily becoming an exceptional teacher.
• In the trades, Certificationism is creating skilled labor shortages. Instead of apprenticeships and on-the-job training, many companies now insist on expensive and time-consuming formal certifications. This process delays the practical experience needed and restricts accessibility for potential workers.
• Many employers prioritize certifications over actual performance in evaluating potential candidates. For instance, acquiring Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, no matter how shallow the actual project work, is preferred over proven project management skills and a successful portfolio.