HOW TO S E L L C E R T I P O R T C E R T I F I CAT I O N

Emphasize the Increase in Job Performance, Graduation and Employment Rates.

Certification provides important validation of a candidates readiness for higher education or for entering the workforce, as well as verifiable credentials for academic and workforce advancement. Certification is also a great way for candidates to distinguish themselves from the crowd by demonstrating valuable skills required for success in todays digital world. No matter which market you are selling into, your customers will see the benefits of certification.

K12
In todays budget-crunched world of education, certification can open the door for funding in K12 schools. Some of the funding opportunities include Perkins funds, Enhancing Education Through Technology funds, 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds, and Race to the Top funding. But, even more importantly, certification can increase the probability of graduation and post-graduation employment, and prepares students for success, whether in the academic or business world. It validates that students possess the critical 21st century skills needed in todays electronic learning and workforce environments. And, it can allow students to receive college credit in some states, either through testing out or through American Council on Education (ACE) accreditation. K12 institutions benefit from certification because it:  Improves matriculation in schools, better preparing students for higher education, and provides a dual-enrollment mechanism  Makes students employable right away, not upon graduation Gives students an edge when applying to college  Provides a professional development tool for teachers, and a valuable assessment tool

Higher Education
Certification programs can increase the likelihood of graduation, and help prepare students to either enter the workforce upon graduation or while currently in school. Candidates who achieve certification not only have the tools to succeed better in school and beyond, but they receive an immediate credential and valuable distinction over their peers.
Certification can help school administrators be certain their students are digitally prepared for entrance to the school, graduate programs, or specific college courses such as business, communications, IT/computer science, and others. Higher education institutions benefit from certification because it:

Increases retention rates Improves matriculation Places students according to ability Increases career placement and boosts school rankings  Frees professors from teaching technology to focus on their curriculum

89%
 of certified employees do not require additional supervision to perform their duties.* 

3 of 4
supervisors believe administrative support employees proficient in Microsoft Office technology play an important role in setting the standards for the organizations work processes.*

40%
of supervisors report that Microsoft Office-certified employees are a valuable resource to other employees.*

*IDC White Paper sponsored by Microsoft, Preventing Bad Hires, November 2006

43%
of hiring managers said that investing in employee development reduces turnover as it increases job satisfaction and feelings of engagement.**

13.5 months
Average time it takes a new hire to reach maximum efficiency with programs commonly used by a business.***

70%
of certified employees show co-workers how to use a Microsoft Office tool or feature if they think it will help.****

Business and Enterprise

Certification also has a valuable place in the business world: improving employee performance, reducing turnover, and increasing profitability. Companies and departments can ensure that employees or potential employees possess the digital skills required for success. Certification can validate a required level of understanding in multiple jobs, including administrative assistants and customer-facing employees. And, it also increases employee satisfaction and efficiency. This in turn, improves retention and reduces costs and legal risks. Businesses benefit from certification because it:  Augments training departments curriculum with real-world, everyday problem solving skills  Can significantly reduce Help Desk requests as more employees certify on the applications they use  Can ensure a company is ready for deployment of new software, and reduce downtime upon deployment  Provides a benefit to employees at minimal cost: they can certify without having to leave to take an exam

certification in post-prison placement programs because they are given tools that enable them to find regular employment.

Commercial
Certification is an easy add-on sale for commercial testing centers. By adding optional certification to their training materials, they can offer a higher value to their customers, and command a higher price. Certification can also help an organization win a competitive bid that requires validation or credentials at the end of a program. Customers looking for quality service will quickly see the benefits of certification. Because these are world-class exams by Microsoft, Adobe, ETS, CompTIA and Certiport, they carry a lot of clout not only for the candidates who pass them, but also for the testing center. Certification also allows commercial testing centers to tap into funding dollars available to re-skill workers through workforce development funds. Tuition assistance funds are also often available from corporations and government employers.

Workforce Development
Certification provides a valuable means to re-skill workers and prepares them for 21st century jobs. Candidates who have never had an office job will gain validation of their core office skills and enter the new work environment with increased confidence. Furthermore, certification fulfills state mandates for industrybased certifications, which opens up funding opportunities by showing that candidates are using funds from the state to gain valuable knowledge. In correctional institutions, certification can build pride among inmates through demonstrated skills, and dramatically reduce repeat offenses. Candidates also benefit greatly from Use the selling points outlined above to help you sell certification. No matter which market your customers are in, theyll see the power of certification and how it can lead to increased graduation rates, job performance, and employability.

Capitalize on the Benefits of Certification Today

**Preventing Bad Hires: The Value of Objective Prehire Assessment, IDC, 2007. *** The Problem with Employee Turnover, CIGNA Behavioral Health, 2003. **** Post Microsoft Office Certification Survey, Certiport, 2007. 2010 Certiport, Inc. Certiport and logo Reg. T.M., Certiport, Inc. Microsoft Reg. T.M., Microsoft Corp. Adobe Reg. T.M., Adobe Systems, Inc. IC3 and design Reg. T.M., Certiport, Inc. iCritical Thinking and design T.M., ETS logo Reg. T.M., Educational Testing Service. Strata and design T.M., CompTIA and logo Reg. T.M., CompTIA.

www.certiport.com | (888) 999-9830 1276 South 820 East, Suite 200 American Fork, Utah 84003