More and more organizations are choosing professional certification over hiring new employees as their primary strategy for addressing skills shortages—and they are already seeing measurable business results.
According to the latest Pearson study, 78% of employers identify certification as their top investment in workforce development. This is not a coincidence, but a deliberate decision: for many companies, it is faster, more cost-effective, and more efficient to develop and validate the competencies of their existing teams than to recruit new specialists.
Why does it work?
The research shows that the value of any technology depends on how well the team knows how to use it. Certification helps ensure that employees have the knowledge and skills needed to gain real value from these tools.
Companies are also thinking strategically: 9 out of 10 business leaders believe that the role of professional certification will continue to grow over the next 3–5 years.
What do professionals think?
From the employees’ perspective, 70% consider upskilling critical to keeping their jobs, while 69% see it as essential for professional growth and career satisfaction.
In other words, both employers and professionals have reached the same conclusion: validated competencies are no longer a competitive advantage—they have become a necessity for both sides of the labor market.
What does this mean for you?
If your organization is looking for a way to strengthen its team without increasing headcount, or if you want to remain competitive in today’s job market, professional certification is one of the most effective solutions available.
ACPM programs provide exactly this type of validated qualification, focusing on practical skills that can be applied in the workplace immediately after completing the program.
Source: Pearson 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report.
