Hi, I’m looking into LMS administration as a career. Currently, I work in IT and have an MS degree in Training Development. I feel this career path would fit my long-term goals well. I’m considering several LMS certifications like SAP SuccessFactors, Moodle, and Canvas (Instructure). Are any of them worth it?
Hands-on experience is always more valuable than certification. If you can, try to gain more experience with the product itself.
Yes, they are worth it. Certifications show you’re keeping up with industry trends and they provide outside verification of your knowledge and skills. I’ve had clients or employers look for candidates with these certifications. While they don’t guarantee a job, they can be helpful in your career journey.
It won’t hurt to get certified, but since you have an MS in Training Development, I’d say just look for a job that lets you manage the LMS. An LMS cert would be more useful for someone without experience in Learning and Development because they might not have other options. While it could add to your credibility, someone with your background should be able to land that role without it.
LMS certifications can definitely be worth it, especially if you’re serious about moving into LMS administration. Certifications like SAP SuccessFactors or Canvas can help you stand out since they show you have specific knowledge for those platforms. Moodle might be a bit less in-demand compared to corporate LMS systems like SuccessFactors, but if you’re leaning toward education, it could still be useful.
A certification can definitely add to your profile, especially if you are starting in this area. Recruiters might see that you’re serious, which could increase your chances for an interview. However, most vendors provide extensive free courses and documentation to help you get acquainted with their products.
I took the Canvas certification, but honestly, no one has cared about it. They usually just ask about your years of experience with an LMS or a specific one.