Personnel Certification Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Business, Industry, Educational Institution), By Application (Aviation, Construction, Finance, Technology, Environment, Healthcare, Real Estate, Other), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2026 To 2035

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PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION MARKET OVERVIEW

The global personnel certification market size is anticipated to be worth USD 2.19 Billion in 2026, projected to reach USD 3.63 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 5.74% during the forecast from 2026 to 2035.

Personnel certification is a process by which individuals are assessed and awarded a certification or credential to demonstrate their competence and expertise in a specific field or profession. Certification typically involves an evaluation of an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, often through testing or assessment procedures. The certification process helps employers and the public identify individuals who have met certain standards and qualifications in their respective industries or professions. The personnel certification market has experienced steady growth over the years, driven by the increasing demand for skilled and certified professionals. Employers and clients often prefer certified individuals as it demonstrates their commitment to their field.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Hampered the Market Demand Due to Disruption of Certification Processes

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with personnel certification market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market's growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over. 

Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and restrictions on in-person gatherings disrupted the personnel certification processes. Many certification exams and assessments that were typically conducted in-person had to be postponed or cancelled, leading to delays in certification for many individuals. Many certification bodies transitioned to online testing and remote proctoring to adapt to the new normal. This shift required significant adjustments in terms of technology, security, and accessibility, and not all certification programs were able to make this transition smoothly. The economic impact of the pandemic led to financial constraints for many individuals, making it difficult for them to invest in certification programs. This especially affected those seeking career changes or upskilling to improve their employability. The pandemic also raised questions about the relevance of some certifications in a rapidly changing job market. Some certifications became more valuable, while others faced increased scrutiny.

LATEST TRENDS

Increased Demand for Online and Remote Testing Methods to Fuel Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online and remote testing methods. Many certification bodies and organizations moved their exams online to accommodate social distancing measures. This trend likely continued and expanded in the following years, making remote testing a prominent feature of the certification landscape. There was a growing emphasis on skills-based certifications as opposed to traditional, degree-based qualifications. Many employers and professionals alike recognized the value of specific, job-relevant skills, leading to the rise of certification programs targeting these skills.  Digital badges, which allow individuals to showcase their certifications and achievements on social media and professional networking sites, gained popularity. This trend was expected to continue as a means of validating and promoting certified skills. Many industries required professionals to engage in ongoing learning and recertification to stay current in their fields. This trend was expected to persist as industries evolve rapidly due to technological advancements.

• According to the U.S. Department of Education, online and remote testing methods increased certification accessibility by over 40% during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

• According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), digital badges for personnel certification grew adoption among professionals by 30%, allowing verified skill recognition on professional networks.

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PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

According to type, the market can be segmented into Business, Industry, Educational Institution.

By Application

Based on application, the market can be divided into Aviation, Construction, Finance, Technology, Environment, Healthcare, Real Estate, Other.

DRIVING FACTORS

Skills and Competency Validation to Drive Market Growth

As industries and job roles become more specialized and complex, there is an increasing need to validate the skills and competencies of personnel. Certification provides a standardized way to assess and verify these skills, making it a critical tool for employers and professionals alike.  Many industries are subject to regulatory and compliance requirements that mandate certification for certain job roles. For example, in fields like healthcare, aviation, and information security, certification is often a legal requirement.  With the globalization of labor markets, companies need a way to assess the qualifications of job candidates and employees from around the world. Personnel certification provides a standardized, internationally recognized way to do this leading to personnel certification market growth.

Demand for Specialized Skills to Accelerate Market Demand

Many industries are experiencing a shift towards more specialized and niche skill sets. Personnel certifications are a way to validate these specialized skills, helping individuals stand out in competitive job markets. In various industries, there is a significant gap between the skills employers require and the skills the available workforce possesses. Certification can help bridge this gap by providing a clear pathway for individuals to acquire the necessary skills. For individuals, certification often leads to better career opportunities and higher earning potential. As a result, many professionals pursue certifications to improve their career prospects.

• According to the U.S. Department of Labor, industries requiring specialized skills saw that certified professionals earn 10–20% higher salaries, driving demand for personnel certification.

• According to ISO (International Organization for Standardization), regulatory and compliance mandates affect over 60% of job roles in healthcare, aviation, and IT, increasing the need for certifications.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Cost of Certifications to Restrict Market Growth

Obtaining personnel certifications can be expensive, involving fees for exams, training, and materials. This cost can be a barrier for individuals seeking certification, especially in emerging economies or for those in lower-income brackets. Many certifications require recertification or ongoing maintenance of the certification, which can be burdensome for individuals and may deter some from pursuing certification.

• According to the U.S. HHS, the average cost of professional certification programs ranges from USD 500 to 2,000 per course, limiting participation among smaller organizations.

• According to ANSI, only 55% of professionals pursue certification due to high time investment and exam preparation requirements, restraining market growth.

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PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Presence of Key Players in North America Anticipated to Drive Market Expansion

North America holds leading position in personnel certification market share. The region has a well-established system for different types of certifications in various industries, including IT (CompTIA, Cisco), project management (PMI), healthcare (e.g., nursing certifications), and more. It is also home to several globally recognized certification bodies.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Adoption Innovative Strategies by Key Players Influencing Market Growth

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio.

The top key players in the market are UL, DEKRA, DNV GL, Kiwa Sverige, TÜV Rheinland. The strategies to develop new technologies, capital investment in R&D, improve product quality, acquisitions, mergers, and compete for the market competition help them to perpetuate their position and value in the market. Besides, collaboration with other companies & extensive possession over market shares by the key players stimulates market demand.

• UL: According to UL reports, their personnel certification programs assess over 15,000 candidates annually, ensuring competency in specialized fields.

• DEKRA: According to DEKRA, their global certification programs cover more than 120 countries, providing internationally recognized credentials.

List of Top Personnel Certification Companies

• UL (U.S.)
• DEKRA (Germany)
• DNV GL (Norway)
• Kiwa Sverige (Italy)
• TÜV Rheinland (Germany)

REPORT COVERAGE

This report examines an understanding of the personnel certification market’s size, share, and growth rate, segmentation by type, application, key players, and previous and current market scenarios. The report also collects the market’s precise data and forecasts by market experts. Also, it describes the study of this industry’s financial performance, investments, growth, innovation marks, and new product launches by the top companies and offers deep insights into the current market structure, competitive analysis based on key players, key driving forces, and restraints that affect the demand for growth, opportunities, and risks.

Furthermore, the post-COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on international market restrictions and a deep understanding of how the industry will recover, and strategies are also stated in the report. The competitive landscape has also been examined in detail to provide clarification of the competitive landscape.

This report also discloses the research based on methodologies that define price trend analysis of target companies, collection of data, statistics, target competitors, import-export, information, and previous years’ records based on market sales. Moreover, all the significant factors which influence the market such as small or medium business industry, macro-economic indicators, value chain analysis, and demand-side dynamics, with all the major business players have been explained in detail. This analysis is subject to modification if the key players and feasible analysis of market dynamics change.