When delving much deeper into the specific foreign programmes, The MICE Academy discovered that not one of these programmes achieved a solid, credible score in accordance with South Africa’s CPD policy.
In most instances the commercial facts took precedence over solid assessment principles. Most foreign programmes have a three-phase thrust, namely:
• acceptance to do the exam
• actual taking of the exam
• certificate refresher after a few years.
The real challenge with foreign certifications is that the commercial side allows for a simple acceptance process as well as an equally easy certification refresher. The outcome is a huge drop-out rate at an equally huge expense.
Another serious concern with foreign certification programmes, similar to software programmes, is the lack of an established presence in the country in which these foreign programme representatives/owners/managers are touting for business.
READ CURRENT SOUTH AFRICAN DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Having experienced the other kind of challenge when, due to the need for an urgent answer to a vital question just prior to the commencement of an exam, with jittery students waiting to take their exam, getting no reply from the so-called 24-hour service in some foreign land is no joke.
The bottom-line of both certification and qualification in our real world for any basis of credibility is first and foremost an established entity within South Africa together with rand currency payments.
Understanding the difference
The MICE Academy has checked various sources and below are the most succinct definitions between certification and qualification:Certification derives from the word certain/certify. It is a document formally attesting to a fact. Certification does not refer to the state of legally being able to practise or work in a profession.
Qualification derives from the word quality/qualify. It is the acquired ability or attribute that fits a person to perform a particular job or task.
