Do civilian certifications help you get a job?

Maj Randall Mauldin — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 14:14:30 -0500

When transitioning from the military, people find it hard to understand what we did while serving our country. Several certifications exist that tell potential employers our qualifications with a few letters like Project Management Professionals (PMP) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

Do you think people should pursue civilians certifications?

Which certifications will land a job?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 2:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 14:59:41 -0500

Some career fields automatically grant (or require) civilian certs. I'm told aircraft maintainers get a cert that comes in handy if they go into civilian aircraft maintenance (A&P?). Some Cyber career fields get a CompTIA cert (usually Security+ or A+) that they're required to maintain to stay in the career field.

I'm not sure if it's military-wide, but the AF allowed for a specific amount of TA to pay for one certification.

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Nov 18 at 2013 4:18 PM

SGT Chris Birkinbine — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 16:18:49 -0500

PMP in my opinion is probably the most important certification you can get if you are looking to get into any form of project management in the civilian world. That certificate with your military experience written in terms of projects added on to Veteran preference and you will be a forced to be reckoned with in government positions. In industry, you should do well too so long as you can interview well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 4:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 16:26:10 -0500

Sir,

Yes they do. I was able to obtain work as a marine electronics technician after my Army service by passing the tests for the following three licenses and endorsement from the Federal Communications Commission:
1. General Radiotelephone Operators License (GROL)
2. Ship's Radar Endorsement
3. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Maintainers License

Any certification that's directly related to your military experience will definitely be a plus.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 4:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 16:45:13 -0500

Sir,

Of course I whole heartily believe that SM should peruse civilian
certifications. Being an IT professional I am required to have at least one
certification before leaving AIT. I base my Army career off of what the civilian
job market is looking for. That way I know that I have the OTJ skills and the
certification to back it up. Did I mention that I have NOT paid out of pocket
for the 4 certifications I have and my GI bill is still intact.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 20 at 2013 1:42 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:42:51 -0500

Sir, I have a SM who competed the PMP cert, and it has opened doors almost immediately. I also know for those of us in the seagoing world there are a number of professional certifications that can be earned through the military that are either immediately compatible with or lead to certifications in the maritime industries.

Response by LT Peter Gallagher made Nov 20 at 2013 7:28 PM

LT Peter Gallagher — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:28:13 -0500

I've worked in pharmaceuticals (operations and strategy) for 10 years after the Nuclear Navy. It was hard at first to translate my skills in corporate-speak. I completed a few courses in my first area (related to Project and Process Management certificates) and that gave a 3rd party point-of-view on my pre-existing skill.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 8:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:55:00 -0500

I do believe that certifications give an employer the sense that you at least are familiar with the terminologies and procedures of a license and especially something like OSHA certifications. So yes, but I would be careful and do research on the certification and who is likely to accept it.

Response by LtCol Brent Norquist made Nov 22 at 2013 12:42 AM

LtCol Brent Norquist — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:42:40 -0500

Randy, I have noticed in my latest job search that at least half of the supply chain and project management positions that I have applied for have indicated a preference for individuals with certifications (CPSM, PMP, CSCP, ect...).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2013 11:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 11:37:06 -0500

Randall,

My response is best presented in a column that I wrote in 2011, see below link as a follow-on to Those Extra Letters–Just Alphabet Soup, or Chicken Soup for Your Career? in February 2010, by George Yarusavage.

http://www.parcelindustry.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=23C6283BD51B46348B616C079EEB2E21&nm=Miscellaneous&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2013 11:58 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 11:58:21 -0500

Yes I believe that certifications will land you a job. Since IT security is on the incline CISSP is a big one. The other one for almost any job is PMP.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Apr 16 at 2014 7:37 PM

SFC Stephen Hester — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:37:57 -0400

If your Officer or Enlisted MOS has corresponding civilian certifications then you should pursue them. Civilian hiring managers may not have an clear idea of what you did on active duty but a certification helps to put your job into terms that they can understand.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 12 at 2014 12:37 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:37:20 -0400

Definitely pursue the certs, CEUs...continuing education units, and licensures in civilian industries.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 11:04 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 11:04:19 -0400

Yes, I would highly recommend civilian certifications that will give you instant credibility with employers for your specific specialty. In addition, most are sponsored by professional societies or organizations where you may find employment assistance at the chapter, regional or national level by becoming an active member. May I recommend a free subscription to Military Advanced Education magazine which comes out monthly as an excellent resource for what you can do to enhance yourself at http://www.kmimediagroup.com/mae

Military Advanced Education

KMI Media Group - military technologies magazines

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Dec 7 at 2019 5:36 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 17:36:47 -0500

It will depend on the industry. Construction, IT Design & Development, Human Resources, Manufacturing...
The PMP tends to be the most adaptable as we always do some type of project regardless of the job.

Response by Cathy Miclat made Apr 16 at 2020 4:15 PM

Cathy Miclat — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 16:15:09 -0400

I 100% believe in industry certifications for transitioning military. Aside from validating your experience and expertise, it helps you convey your experience in terminology the civilian world will understand; on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in conversations.