Get a certification

A certification lets you remain in the work world during retirement without necessarily being employed in a full-time job, while at the same time supplementing your income. Whether you develop a familiar interest or want to dive into something brand new, certifications are valuable during retirement because they often take less time to complete than a degree. You can earn some certificates in as little time as a couple of months. Certifications also tend to cost less than a degree program.

While your career experience may be highly relevant to the work you want to do in post retirement, obtaining a certification not only helps you build upon your current knowledge of a topic but it gives you a credential that you may need at this point in your post career. You would want to determine what kind of activity you will be seeking and then determine if in fact a certification is necessary. Even if it isn’t, it can give you a competitive advantage in landing an opportunity.

It could be helpful to browse job listings for positions you might be interested in to see whether there is a particular certification that is required. Then research the entity(ies) that offer the certification; it may be available through a local school or online association.

Things to consider:

• Is the program accredited by a respected accreditation agency?
• Does the program work with your schedule?
• Consult with officers from affiliated professional associations.
• Consider if a company you would want to work with/for offers an accreditation.

There are typically multiple certifying agencies within any given certification functional area. Some are going to be more recognized and credible than others. Naturally you would want to get the most notable agency to certify you.

Many certifications are valid only in or by the state in which they are granted. Others are valid nationwide. And often these considerations are evolving with changing laws and regulations. You would want to make sure the certification or certifying agency is recognized where you want to use it or work related to it.

A certification indicates that you have studied and been tested in a particular area, and are typically issued by non-government agencies. Licenses are granted by government entities. Certifications say you are knowledgeable in a particular area; a license says you are permitted to legally practice in that profession.

It depends on the nature of the work you want to do at this point. If you’re entering a new field, it may either be required, or give you a leg up in landing an opportunity. Beyond that, it provides personal and professional growth while keeping you current on skills and knowledge in that particular area. Employers like to see evidence of continuing education, even if the certification you pursue is a free online certification course.