In the disability field, if you don’t have certification, you might as well be working in a different industry altogether from the rest of your colleagues. Luckily, the certification process isn’t hard to pass! In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about certification in disability, why it’s important, and how to earn your certificate 4 in disability.
What Is A Certificate IV?
A Certificate 4 in Disability is a designation earned by taking training courses and passing exams. Earning a certificate indicates that you have obtained adequate training to work as an occupational therapist assistant. A state license may be required to practice, but it’s not a requirement for a certificate itself. In most cases, a Certificate IV can lead to employment opportunities at lower levels than would be possible with only an associate degree or diploma from an accredited school of occupational therapy assistantship, though it does take several years of schooling and hands-on training. Some students choose to pursue advanced degrees or certificates, while others feel ready for entry-level work after graduation from their program.
What Are The Requirements?
As far as becoming certified in disability is concerned, you must first gain your certificate 4 and then complete a training course that will qualify you to work as a disability services office. This is important to remember: It is not enough to simply gain employment with a company or agency. You need to be registered as disabled so that those around you can verify it. And also, remember: The certification isn’t something that’s ever done; it’s something for which constant maintenance must be carried out.
How Will I Be Assessed?
An approved assessor will assess you. If you are found to have a permanent impairment that falls under one of the eligible impairment groups, your application will be referred to DASS for further processing. You may be asked to provide more information or attend an interview at the DASS office.
Certificates Are Valuable
Becoming certified in disability can increase your employment prospects. An employer is more likely to hire someone with a certificate since they assume that person has been rigorously vetted by an official third party and therefore is more trustworthy than someone without a certificate. Becoming certified also increases your earning potential. According to Payscale, jobs involving certificates pay $3,000 to $5,000 more than other positions on average. That’s 10% to 20% extra, which adds up quickly if you plan on working for many years. And lastly, obtaining a certificate tells employers you’re serious about your career and will work hard to get ahead.
What Does It Mean When Someone Is Certified?
Once you are certified, you are given a level of certification that is based on your skillset. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recognizes different levels within each occupation, allowing employers to choose between people with differing skill sets and certifications. Individuals must meet certain education and experience requirements before being considered for certification by an accredited third-party agency or institution. There are many benefits to being certified, which makes it important for individuals who want to work within an occupation to seek certification as soon as possible. These benefits include:
- Increase Employment Opportunities
- Becoming certified allows individuals access to more job opportunities than those who are not certified.
- Employers see that certified employees have specific knowledge or skills that other applicants do not possess.
