FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE NON-BOARD GRADUATES IN PURSUING PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Abstract

The existence of professional certification plays a significant role in shaping career opportunities, particularly for non-board graduates who do not undergo licensure examinations. Understanding the impact of professional certification on employment prospects can provide valuable insights for developing a comprehensive guide for future business program graduates. However, research on the relationship between influencing factors in pursuing professional certification and employability remains limited. This study seeks to examine the factors that influence non-board graduates from higher education institutions (HEIs) in Quezon City to pursue professional certification, with the aim of providing insights into career advancement opportunities for entry-level graduates. The study utilized a quantitative-descriptive approach to examine how professional certifications contribute to enhancing career opportunities, particularly for non-board programs. Using convenience sampling, the researchers selected 20 alumni from business programs who had obtained professional certifications to participate in the data-gathering process. After reviewing the gathered data, the researcher identified a significant relationship between the factors influencing the decision to pursue professional certification and its impact on the current employment of non-board graduates from Bestlink College of the Philippines. The analysis revealed that alumni agreed accessibility to training and resources significantly enhanced the skills and knowledge required in their present jobs. Survey results also indicated varying beliefs and perceptions regarding different aspects of pursuing professional certifications. These findings highlight the need to develop a structured and comprehensive guide for entry-level graduates to pursue certifications aligned with their career goals. To boost the confidence of non-board graduates in the job market, several actionable strategies and recommendations have been identified. First, students should maximize their time in college by obtaining professional certifications while the assessment coverage is still fresh in their minds. Additionally, they should pursue certifications aligned with their future career objectives to make efficient use of both time and assessment fees. Lastly, careful planning of one’s desired career path is essential. By adopting these strategies, non-board students can better navigate the challenges associated with pursuing professional certification.