Certifications vs. Competency: A Guide to Understanding the Difference

As you navigate the complexities of workplace health and safety, you may have come across the terms “certifications” and “competency” being used interchangeably.

However, these two concepts are not one and the same.

In fact, understanding the difference between them is crucial for ensuring compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.

In this guide, we’ll probe into the world of verification of competency, exploring what it means to be truly competent in your job role and how this differs from holding a certification.

Understanding Certifications

What Are Certifications?

If you’re looking to demonstrate your expertise in a particular field, certifications are a great way to do so.

A certification is a formal recognition that you have acquired the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform a specific job or task.

Importance of Certifications

Certifications play a vital role in the verification of competency across various industries.

They ensure that employees possess the required skills and knowledge to perform their job roles safely and efficiently, adhering to workplace health and safety standards.

This formal process provides employers with the confidence that their workforce is competent and capable of handling their roles without compromising safety.

In regions like New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), and Victoria, the verification of competency (VOC) is especially crucial in high-risk industries such as construction, where a high-risk work licence is a legal requirement.

The VOC process includes a formal VOC assessment, where a competent person evaluates skill levels using standard assessment instruments and methods.

This assessment process might involve units of competency, gap training, and refresher training to ensure employees maintain current skills.

Certifications are not static; they require ongoing training and assessment to ensure that competency levels remain current and in line with current industry regulations.

Types of Certifications

Defining Competency

What Is Competency?

In simple terms, competency refers to the ability to perform a job or task to a certain standard.

It involves possessing the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to carry out a specific role or function safely and effectively.

Importance of Competency

Why is competency so critical in high-risk industries like construction?

In these fields, the stakes are high, and a lack of competency can lead to serious accidents and even fatalities.

How do we ensure that workers are up to the task?

In Australia, courses such as the Work Safely at Heights course are designed to verify that workers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely at elevated work platforms.

But is completing a course enough?

Verification of Competency (VOC) is a crucial step in maintaining workplace safety.

In regions like NSW, QLD, and Victoria, the VOC process involves a formal assessment of a worker’s competency, checking their skills against industry standards.

Why is this process necessary?

Regular VOC assessments help identify any gaps in skills and provide opportunities for additional training, such as refresher courses or gap training, ensuring that workers remain competent and up to date with current industry regulations.

What does the VOC process entail?

It typically includes pre-employment competency checks, ongoing assessments, and training courses that focus on units of competency relevant to the job role.

This formal process involves a competent person conducting the assessment, using various methods to evaluate skill levels and ensure that workers meet the required standards.

How does competency affect safety?

Workers with verified competencies are trained to handle equipment safely, adhere to workplace health and safety standards, and respond effectively to emergency situations.

This training not only protects the workers themselves but also contributes to a safer overall work environment.

Assessing Competency

Competency assessment involves evaluating an individual’s ability to perform a specific task or job role.

This can be done through various methods, including refresher training, gap training, and formal VOC assessments.

Assessing competency is an ongoing process that requires employers to regularly evaluate their workers’ skill levels and provide additional training as needed.

This not only ensures compliance with industry standards and legal requirements but also helps reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

Verification of Competency (VOC)

Verification of Competency (VOC) is a formal process that assesses an individual’s ability to perform a specific job role or task to the required standard.

It involves evaluating an individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience against a set of predetermined criteria, such as industry standards, unit of competency, or method of assessment.

Verification of Competency (VOC) Process

Competency verification involves a series of steps, including pre-employment checks, refresher training, and gap training, to ensure that workers are competent to perform their job roles.

The process typically begins with an assessment of the individual’s current competency level, followed by the identification of any gaps in their skills or knowledge.

For instance, in the construction industry, VOC assessments may involve evaluating an individual’s ability to operate elevated work platforms, use protective equipment, or demonstrate control measures to mitigate risks.

The assessment process may include a combination of written tests, practical demonstrations, and direct supervision to ensure that the individual meets the required standard.

Benefits of VOC

Ensures Safety: VOC verifies that workers are capable of performing their job roles safely, particularly in high-risk environments. This helps reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

Identifies Skill Gaps: Through VOC assessments, employers can identify gaps in skills or knowledge. This enables targeted additional training, refresher training, and gap training to address these deficiencies.

Legal Compliance: In many regions, including NSW, QLD, and Victoria, VOC is a legal requirement. It demonstrates that employers are meeting their obligations to ensure workplace health and safety.

Improves Competency: Regular VOC assessments help maintain current competency levels, ensuring workers are up-to-date with industry standards and regulations.

Supports Training Programs: VOC results guide the development of tailored training programs. This includes formal training, training courses, and further education to enhance employee skills.

Enhances Supervision: VOC helps establish the level of supervision required. By ensuring workers are competent, employers can reduce the need for direct supervision and rely on workers’ skills.

Meets Insurance Requirements: Compliance with VOC can also fulfil insurance requirements, demonstrating due diligence in managing workplace safety.

Boosts Confidence: VOC provides employers with confidence in their workforce’s ability to handle equipment and perform tasks safely, thereby fostering a safer work environment.

VOC Requirements Across Different Regions in Australia

Tips for Choosing the Right Certification

Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Research certification options that are recognised by your industry and employers.
• Evaluate certification providers based on their reputation, experience, and accreditation.
• Consider the level of industry recognition and the benefits it provides.
• Look for certifications that assess your current competency and provide a pathway for continuous improvement.
• Check if the certification meets the legal requirements and industry standards for your job role.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Certification

Types of Competency-Based Assessments

Differences Between Certification and Competency in Workplace Training

When to Focus on Certifications

Entry-Level Positions

Certifications can be crucial for entry-level positions, especially when practical experience is limited.

They provide a foundational understanding of industry standards and job requirements, which is vital for building expertise.

For instance, in fields like construction, entry-level certifications can cover basic units of competency and equip you with the knowledge needed to handle elevated work platforms and other equipment types safely.

Role-Specific Certification

Certifications tailored to industry-specific requirements, such as those for operating elevated work platforms, are crucial.

These certifications often involve a detailed assessment process and training course process that address specific units of competency, ensuring workers are equipped to handle equipment safely and effectively.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Certifications can significantly enhance career advancement opportunities by showcasing your dedication to professional development.

They indicate to employers your willingness to engage in additional training and maintain current competency levels.

For roles involving high levels of responsibility, such as direct supervision or implementing control measures, specialised certifications are often necessary.

Advanced certifications can validate your ability to perform specific job roles and handle complex tasks. For instance, achieving a certificate of competency in a specialised area or a high-risk licence can be a decisive factor in securing positions that require higher skill levels and adherence to stringent industry standards.

When Competency Matters More

For certain industries and job roles, competency matters more than certifications.

In these cases, it’s not enough to simply hold a certificate or qualification; you need to demonstrate that you can apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Complex or High-Risk Tasks

There’s no room for error when working with complex or high-risk tasks, such as operating heavy machinery or performing elevated work platforms tasks.

In these situations, competency is crucial to ensure workplace health and safety.

Employers need to verify that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform these tasks safely and efficiently.

Soft Skills and Personal Attributes

One of the most critical aspects of competency is demonstrating soft skills and personal attributes, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

These skills are necessary for effective collaboration and decision-making in the workplace.

Complex operational roles require a range of soft skills, including leadership, adaptability, and time management.

Employers need to assess your ability to work effectively in a team, manage conflicts, and prioritise tasks to achieve operational goals.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Competency requires staying up to date with current industry regulations, new equipment, and emerging trends. Refresher training and gap training are necessary to maintain current competency levels.

Understanding the importance of continuous learning, many training organisations offer formal training courses and assessment processes to help you stay competent.

Industry Perspectives: Employers’ Views on Certifications and Competency

According to a survey, 83% of employers consider certifications an imperative factor when making hiring decisions.

This is because certifications provide a standardised measure of an individual’s skills and knowledge, giving employers confidence in their abilities.

Competency-based hiring practices focus on assessing an individual’s ability to perform specific job tasks.

This approach ensures that employees possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the job requirements.

The Future of Certifications and Competency in the Workplace

Certifications will continue to play a vital role in the workplace, but there’s a growing emphasis on competency-based assessments.

As you navigate the changing landscape of certifications and competency, it’s imperative to understand the importance of verification of competency in NSW, QLD, and Victoria.

Value lies in adopting a combination of certifications and competency-based assessments.

Keep in mind that certifications and competency are not mutually exclusive.

Final Words

So, now that you’ve understood the difference between certifications and competency, it’s imperative to ensure that you’re meeting the verification of competency requirements in your state, whether it’s NSW, QLD, or Victoria.

Note that having a certificate of competency is not enough; you need to demonstrate current competency in your job role through regular refresher training and gap training.

By doing so, you’ll not only meet the legal requirement but also ensure a safe working environment.

Take the next step and explore our training courses to stay compliant and competent in your industry.