Private-issued certificates flood the market, corporate HR remains skeptical

Job applicants are increasingly acquiring various certificates as they hope to obtain differentiated spec to get hired. However, critics say many certificates are not of actual help.

According to the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, the number of private-issued certificates registered as of Monday reached 17,289 types. The figure has continuously increased since the government introduced private certification registration system along with the revision of Framework Law on Qualifications in 2007.

Private sector issued certificates are classified into private registered certificates and private certificates of official approval. The former can be introduced when an institution, group and individual apply for it to a related agency. The government approves registration without special screening unless it is directly linked to the public’s life, health and safety, which has been attributed to a sharp rise in the number of certificates.

Consequently, the market is now flooded with similar types of certificates. When one certificate becomes popular, others are registering similar ones by making similar training courses. For example, there are 1,460 types of private certificates related to psychology consultation, such as psychology counselor through music, smile expert and teacher for smile and dance.

Some certificate issuers are taking advantage of the current difficult situation to get jobs. Certificate issuing institutions are luring job seekers saying they guarantee employment. False and exaggerated ads like “employment 100 percent guaranteed” are enticing job seekers and in turn earning money through training textbooks sales, course fees and exam fees.

In this dire job market, job seekers have little choice but to try to acquire as many certificates as possible. However, this is giving another burden to them. According to part time information site Alba Cheonguk’s survey of 810 job seekers on the current state of private education for employment, 66.3 percent spent money the most on private education institutes for language exams and to acquire certificates.

HR staff at companies raise question on the effectiveness of private certificates. “We don’t give additional scores to applicants who have earned private certificates, and don’t refer to them if they aren’t actually related to job duties,” said a HR employee at a domestic conglomerate.