Is Workday Certification Worth It?
In today’s competitive job market, professionals are constantly looking for ways to make their resumes stand out. One way to do this is by obtaining certifications in popular enterprise software like Workday. But is getting Workday certified really worth the time and effort required?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Workday certification can be worth it for certain professionals, especially those looking to advance their careers in finance, HR, or other business roles that use Workday software. The credentials can help validate your skills and give you a competitive edge.
Understanding Workday Certifications
Workday is a leading cloud-based software company that provides human capital management (HCM), financial management, and business planning solutions for organizations of all sizes. Workday certifications are professional credentials that validate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in using the Workday platform. These certifications can enhance your career prospects and open doors to new job opportunities in the field of Workday consulting and implementation.
Overview of Workday and its certifications
Workday offers a comprehensive range of certifications that cover various aspects of the platform, including HCM, finance, payroll, and recruiting. These certifications are designed to demonstrate proficiency in specific functional areas and showcase your ability to configure, implement, and optimize Workday solutions for clients.
By obtaining a Workday certification, you can showcase your expertise to potential employers and clients, differentiate yourself from the competition, and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Workday certifications are recognized globally and can greatly enhance your professional credibility in the Workday ecosystem.
Types of Workday certifications available
Workday offers a variety of certifications to cater to different roles and skill sets. Some of the popular certifications include:
- Workday HCM Certification: This certification validates your knowledge and skills in managing human resources processes using the Workday HCM module.
- Workday Financial Management Certification: This certification focuses on financial management and accounting processes within the Workday platform.
- Workday Payroll Certification: This certification demonstrates your expertise in configuring and managing payroll processes using Workday.
- Workday Recruiting Certification: This certification is for individuals who specialize in talent acquisition and recruitment using the Workday platform.
These certifications are available at different levels, such as Associate, Professional, and Advanced, allowing individuals to progress and specialize in their chosen areas of expertise.
Cost and time investment required
Obtaining a Workday certification requires a financial investment, as there are fees associated with the certification exams. The cost varies depending on the level and type of certification. Additionally, candidates are required to invest time in studying and preparing for the exams.
It is important to note that Workday certifications are not easy to obtain. They require a solid understanding of the Workday platform and hands-on experience in implementing and configuring Workday solutions. However, the time and effort invested in obtaining a Workday certification can pay off in terms of career advancement and increased job opportunities.
For more information about Workday certifications and the benefits they offer, you can visit the official Workday Education and Certification website.
The Benefits of Getting Workday Certified
Are you considering getting Workday certified? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, obtaining a Workday certification can bring a multitude of benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages of becoming Workday certified.
Validates your Workday skills and knowledge
One of the primary benefits of getting Workday certified is that it validates your skills and knowledge in using the Workday platform. Workday certifications are recognized by employers as a measure of your proficiency in various aspects of Workday, such as human resources, finance, and payroll. By obtaining a certification, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary expertise to effectively utilize Workday’s functionalities.
Makes you more marketable to employers using Workday
As more and more organizations are adopting Workday as their preferred HR and finance system, the demand for professionals with Workday expertise is on the rise. By obtaining a Workday certification, you differentiate yourself from other job candidates and increase your marketability to employers who use or plan to implement Workday. It serves as a testament to your commitment to staying current with industry trends and your dedication to professional growth.
Opens up new career opportunities
Having a Workday certification can open doors to new career opportunities. Many organizations require or prefer candidates with Workday certifications when hiring for roles such as Workday consultants, analysts, administrators, or implementation specialists. With a certification in hand, you become eligible for a wider range of job opportunities and can explore diverse career paths within the Workday ecosystem.
Higher salary potential
Workday certifications have been shown to have a positive impact on professionals’ earning potential. According to a study by PayScale, individuals with Workday certifications earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. This increase in earning potential can be attributed to the high demand for Workday professionals and the specialized knowledge and skills demonstrated through certification.
Downsides to Consider
Time and money required for training/exam
One of the downsides to consider when pursuing Workday certification is the significant investment of time and money required for the training and exam. Becoming certified in Workday involves completing a comprehensive training program and passing a rigorous exam. The training program can take several weeks or even months to complete, depending on the level of certification desired. Additionally, the cost of the training and exam can be quite high, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Certification must be renewed every 2-3 years
Another aspect to consider is that Workday certification is not a one-time achievement. In order to maintain your certification, you will need to renew it every 2-3 years. This means that you will need to invest additional time and money into staying up-to-date with the latest changes and advancements in Workday. It’s important to factor in the ongoing commitment required to maintain your certification when considering if it is worth it for you.
Not a guarantee of job or higher salary
While having a Workday certification can certainly enhance your resume and make you a more marketable candidate, it is important to note that it is not a guarantee of landing a job or receiving a higher salary. While many employers may value Workday certification and consider it a plus, there are other factors that come into play during the hiring process. Ultimately, your skills, experience, and fit for the role will be the determining factors in whether or not you are offered a job or receive a salary increase.
It’s important to weigh the downsides against the potential benefits when considering if Workday certification is worth it for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your career goals, the demand for Workday professionals in your industry, and your willingness to invest the necessary time and resources into obtaining and maintaining the certification.
Who Would Benefit Most from Certification
Finance professionals
Finance professionals who are responsible for managing financial data and processes within an organization would greatly benefit from becoming Workday certified. By obtaining this certification, they gain a deep understanding of how Workday’s financial management modules function and can effectively utilize its features to streamline financial operations. This certification demonstrates their proficiency in areas such as financial accounting, budgeting, and reporting within the Workday system. With the increasing demand for professionals with Workday skills in the finance industry, being certified can give them a competitive edge in the job market.
HR professionals
HR professionals play a crucial role in managing an organization’s workforce and talent management processes. Workday certification provides them with in-depth knowledge of the Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) system, enabling them to effectively manage employee data, recruitment, performance management, and other HR-related functions. This certification validates their expertise in leveraging Workday’s HCM features to optimize HR operations and enhance employee engagement. As companies increasingly adopt Workday for their HR needs, having this certification can open up new career opportunities for HR professionals.
IT professionals administering Workday
IT professionals responsible for administering and maintaining the Workday system within an organization can greatly benefit from obtaining Workday certification. This certification equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to efficiently configure, customize, and troubleshoot the Workday platform. It covers areas such as security, integration, and data management, enabling them to effectively support the organization’s Workday users and ensure the smooth functioning of the system. Workday certification demonstrates their expertise in managing and optimizing the Workday platform, making them valuable assets to any organization using Workday.
Consultants implementing/customizing Workday
Consultants who specialize in implementing and customizing the Workday system for organizations can greatly benefit from obtaining Workday certification. This certification validates their expertise in configuring and customizing the various modules of the Workday platform to meet the unique needs of different organizations. It covers areas such as business process configuration, report writing, and data migration, enabling them to effectively guide organizations through the implementation process and ensure a successful deployment of Workday. With Workday being widely adopted by organizations across industries, consultants with this certification are in high demand and can command higher rates for their services.
Tips for Getting Certified
Choose the right certification for your goals
When considering getting certified in Workday, it is important to choose the right certification that aligns with your career goals. Workday offers a variety of certifications, such as Workday HCM, Financial Management, and Adaptive Planning. Research each certification and determine which one will provide the most value and relevance to your current or desired job role.
Use Workday training resources
Workday provides a range of training resources to help you prepare for certification exams. Take advantage of these resources, which include online courses, webinars, documentation, and user guides. These training materials are designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Workday functionality and best practices.
Get hands-on Workday experience
While studying the theoretical aspects of Workday is important, it is equally crucial to gain hands-on experience with the platform. Consider taking on Workday-related projects at your current job or explore volunteer opportunities that allow you to use Workday in a practical setting. This hands-on experience will not only reinforce your knowledge but also give you the confidence to tackle real-world challenges.
Take practice tests before the exam
Before sitting for the certification exam, take advantage of practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Workday provides sample questions and practice exams that mimic the format and difficulty level of the actual certification exams. Taking these practice tests will help you familiarize yourself with the exam structure and increase your chances of success.
Remember, getting certified in Workday can greatly enhance your career prospects and open doors to new opportunities. By following these tips and dedicating time and effort to your certification journey, you can increase your chances of success and reap the benefits that Workday certification offers.
Conclusion
In summary, Workday certification can certainly be worth the investment for professionals using Workday software regularly or looking to advance their Workday careers. The credentials validate skills and can improve hiring prospects and salary potential. However, certification requires a non-trivial investment of time and money. Carefully consider which certifications match your career goals and experience level to get the most value out of the process. With proper preparation, Workday certification can pay dividends on your resume for years to come.
