Are Private Certifications Invading Honorable Trade Professions?

The rise of private certifications in traditional trade professions has sparked a heated debate in recent years. While some view these certifications are valuable additions to the industry, others see them as unnecessary intrusions into time-honored crafts. This concern is particularly acute in fields like welding, where private certifications have proliferated rapidly.

The Case for Private Certifications:

1. Standardization: Proponents argue that private certifications help establish consistent standards across the industry.

2. Consumer confidence: Certifications can provide assurance to customers about a professional's expertise and knowledge.

3. Continuous learning: Many certification programs require ongoing education, keeping professionals up-to-date with industry developments.

4. Career advancement: Certifications can open doors to new opportunities and higher-paying positions.

5. Opens the door to Welders and Welding operators allowing them to expand their technical (Craft) training

   
   

The Case Against Private Certifications:

1. Tradition vs. commercialization: Critics argue that these certifications commodify skills that have traditionally been passed down through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

2. Financial burden: Obtaining and maintaining certifications can be expensive, potentially creating barriers to entry for newcomers.

3. Overemphasis on theory: Some argue that certifications focus too heavily on book knowledge rather than practical skills.

4. Profit motives: There's concern that some certification bodies are more interested in generating revenue than improving the profession.

5. Allows partially and unskilled individuals dominant roles over skilled trades and Engineers, thus presenting high risk to corporations and customers around the world.

   
   

Examples from the Welding Industry:

The welding industry provides clear examples of how issuance of private certifications have become a lucrative business in their own right. Organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and The Welding Institute (TWI) offer a range of certifications. While these often provide valuable training, the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining them can be substantial. For instance:

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

• ASME certifications for pressure vessel and boiler welders

• TWI Welding Inspector certifications

  
  

These certifications, while potentially beneficial, have raised questions about their necessity and impact on the welding profession. The profitability of these programs comes from initial certification fees, recertification requirements, training materials, and in some cases, membership fees.

The Middle Ground:

While the debate continues, many industry professionals advocate for a balanced approach. They suggest:

1. Recognizing both traditional apprenticeships and modern certifications

2. Ensuring certification programs include hands-on components

3. Making certifications optional rather than mandatory

4. Involving experienced or engineering subject experts in developing certification standards

5. Stipulating a period and level of professional involvement specific to the craft for which the certification is aimed.

   
   

Conclusion:

The impact of private certifications on trade professions is complex and multifaceted. While they offer possible benefits in terms of standardization and professional development, care must be taken to ensure they complement rather than replace traditional methods of skill acquisition and recognition in these honorable professions.

The welding industry serves as a prime example of both the benefits and concerns surrounding private test or inspection certifications. While certifications can often be acheved in exchange for a few short weeks covering subject matter instruction and test fees, the individual is then considered by many employers to be more of a subject expert than that of craft trades, journeymen and even engineering grades.

As this debate continues, it's crucial to find a balance that maintains the integrity and accessibility of trade professions while adapting to changing industry needs. The goal should be to enhance these honorable trades without creating unnecessary barriers or devaluing time-honored methods of skill development.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

Have you experienced the impact of private certifications in your field?