Talent development leaders report that having team members pursue and achieve certifications provides exponential benefits that go far beyond the individual learner. To reap the full organizational value of certification, consider these approaches.

1. Encourage team learning.

By building expertise, your team will increase its credibility with internal and external stakeholders. Also, pursuing certification together fosters team cohesion.

2. Promote knowledge sharing.

Urge certification candidates to share what they're learning with each other through teach-backs and team meetings. Forming a team study group increases knowledge sharing and accountability.

3. Support learning efforts.

Provide on-the-job study time, and cover the costs of certification fees and materials.

4. Empower on-the-job learning.

Have certification candidates apply their new knowledge to a project that solves an organizational problem or supports a departmental goal. In some cases, individuals can use that experience to maintain newly earned certifications.

5. Advocate for mentoring.

Advise team members to use knowledge gained through the process to mentor other employees and future cohorts pursuing certification.

Source: ATD webinar, "Employer Panel: Do Employers Value Certification?