Struggling to Fill Job Openings, HR Executives Look to IT Certifications as a Valuable Resource, CompTIA Study Reveals

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Mar 17, 2015, 11:17 ET

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Human resources (HR) executives increasingly recognize IT skills certifications as a valuable differentiator in assessing job applicants and a strong indicator of future on-the-job success, according to a report released by CompTIA, the IT industry association.

Finding the right candidates to fill job openings remains a challenge. A net 93 percent of HR managers reported having ongoing challenges in matching the skill sets of candidates to the job openings in their organizations, CompTIA's HR Perceptions of IT Training and Certification revealed.

But the study also shows some tools are increasing in value as differentiators. For example, two-thirds of HR executives said IT certifications are very valuable, compared with just 30 percent three years ago. A net 94 percent of HR executives expect the importance of IT certifications to grow over the next two years.

"Professional certifications, designations demonstrating an individual's validated competency in particular aspects of technology, have long been a cornerstone of the IT workforce," noted Amy Carrado, director, research and market intelligence, CompTIA. "But the unique role of certification in the IT field has long been a mystery to many HR and business executives unsure of their true value. Our study indicates that is changing."

HR professionals believe having IT job candidates with industry certifications saves time and resources in evaluating applicants, ensures a candidate's credibility and demonstrates that they have a baseline set of knowledge. But the benefits to the employer don't end when the certified IT pro is hired.

"HR executives also said certified hires get up to speed more quickly; are more likely to stay with the company long term; have a higher likelihood of being promoted; and generally perform better than non-certified IT staff," Carrado noted.

Professional Development Policies
Organizations are fairly split on their level of support for professional development of employees. Nearly half (47 percent) have a formal professional development program with an established budget, while 46 percent of employers indicated professional development is handled on a more informal basis, though they cover some expenses. The remaining organizations either recommend professional development without covering expenses (5 percent) or provide no support (2 percent). The HR department is typically responsible for the professional development budget.

Nearly all employers (98 percent) recommend at least one type of training for IT employees to improve their IT skills. Half of HR managers said off-site instructor-led training is encouraged. Organizations also use on-site instructor-led training, conferences, IT certifications and tuition reimbursement as part of their employee development programs. Large organizations – those with 500 or more employees – especially recommend IT certifications (63 percent).

The complete report HR Perceptions of IT Training and Certification is available at no cost with a simple registration at http://www.comptia.org/resources/hr-perceptions-of-it-training-and-certification.

CompTIA is the voice of the world's IT industry. To learn more visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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SOURCE CompTIA