Do employers value certifications differently from university grades?
Employers may assess certifications and university grades as different types of information. Grades can indicate performance in completed coursework, while a certification can serve as evidence of knowledge or skills in a particular field. How much either is weighted depends on the industry, role, the certification’s relevance to the work and difficulty, and the employer’s hiring approach. Practical experience, achievements, and explanations in an interview may also be considered.
Key points
- Grades can provide information about performance in completed coursework.
- Certifications can provide evidence of knowledge or skills in a particular field.
- A certification’s relevance to the work, difficulty, and recognition may affect its evaluation.
- Practical experience, achievements, and interview explanations may also inform hiring decisions.
Things to check
- Required certifications and the treatment of grades differ by industry, role, and employer, so applicants should check job postings and official company information.