More than Alphabet Soup: These Certifications Can Be a Game Changer
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” – Red Adair
There’s often some skepticism about the value of a professional certification. The uncertainty might be warranted – it’s not always clear how a certification can improve you or your teams ability to succeed. After interviewing a few individuals in the field of disaster recovery, these are the certifications that I think stand out the most.
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
I am a little biased on this one. I’ve been a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) since around 2012 and think this certification has really been a difference maker in my own career. The CFM, a certification provided by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), is a truly unique certification. The CFM is a national certification focused on the roles and responsibilities of a floodplain manager. Studying for and passing the CFM exam elevated (no pun intended) my knowledge of floodplains, community planning, mitigation techniques, and disaster recovery generally. I highly recommend that individuals in disaster recovery – especially construction managers, engineers, or planners – learn more about the ASFPM and consider a CFM.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is one of the most well known in the industry. AICP, a certification of the American Planning Association (APA), is an intense certification process that requires significant time and experience in the field of planning to achieve. AICP holders are recognized for their excellence in planning and adding the AICP certification can be a significant boost to your career or your team’s planning capability.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is managed by the Project Management Institute. PMP is a rigorous management-oriented certification that enhances the ability to manage teams, processes, and business priorities for certificate holders. It is one of the most sought-after certifications, especially for individuals who are more often managing teams and projects and not strictly performing planning services.
These are just three of the most common certifications found in disaster recovery. Consider one, or if you’re particularly ambitious, all of these certifications if you’re looking to enhance your understanding of one of these subject matters, take a step forward in your career, or improve the skills of your team.