3 reasons a WHS qualification just makes sense

In an increasingly competitive job landscape, more and more professionals are looking to stand out from the crowd. For health and safety professionals, one of the best ways to enhance your workplace marketability is by securing a certification or qualification in your industry.

By taking an online course and validating your skills, and learning some new ones along the way, you can not only solidify your spot in your current position but open up opportunities for future career advancements – including a bigger paycheck.

Crunching the numbers

According to a 2015 survey conducted by a variety of US organisations including the the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, workers with certifications in safety earned nearly $22,000 USD more than those without certifications. For health and safety professionals, certifications accounted for an increased salary of over $30,000 USD.

“The results from this industry survey highlight the positive impact that having a license or credential can have on an individuals’ professional development and overall compensation,” said American Industrial Hygiene Association Executive Director, Peter J. O’Neil.

Though these numbers are from a US study, Australian health and safety professionals follow a similar trend, with certifications generally being associated with higher positions and higher paychecks

PayScale, the world’s largest database for professional salaries, shows an uncertified safety officer’s reaching a maximum of $91,699 whereas a certified safety professional can see salaries as high as $150,000.

Looking beyond the numbers: The value of online certifications

While the promise of a higher salary is certainly enticing, the benefits go beyond the paycheck. And when professionals choose to seek out these qualifications through an online medium, the ease of completion makes getting certified even more enticing.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why an online WHS qualification just makes sense.

1. Cost and time conscious: As a professional, your time is most likely stretched thin. Online certification provides thorough training in a way that is mindful not only to your busy schedule but also your wallet, explained Huffington Post contributor Tomas Laurinavicius.

2. Validation of skills: Certifications provide a recognised validation of your skills. While you may have experience to back the claims on your CV, a certification or qualification course can help prove to employers that you have a specific set of skills which have been tested by clear industry standards.

3. Innate proof of ambition: A professional that seeks out qualifications or certifications in their field exudes an admirable sense of ambition. Getting a certifications proves you are serious about your career path and are willing to the onus to advance your knowledge. This translates impressively to employers and peers in the professional environment.

Health and safety professionals with the relevant qualifications can enjoy increased employed recognition, a flexible learning environment and a gratifying validation of skills.

You’d be hard-pressed to find reasons a qualification wouldn’t make sense for your professional advancement.

Getting a qualification with AlertForce

Online courses are a great tool for professionals, yet you shouldn’t just pick any provider. In order to reap the full value of online qualifications you need more than just a static course. AlertForce prides itself on providing all its students with a mentor to help see them through the duration of their learning experience.

With a 97 per cent completion rate, we help ensure our clients not only finish their course but get the most they can from the materials. To get started on your qualification today, sign up for one of the many AlertForce courses today!