10 Professional Qualifications You Can Go Global With

With business becoming increasingly global and converging at a very fast rate, professionals working in virtually any sector need to be prepared to pack up and move in pursuit of new opportunities.

Maybe it'll be a promotion to a more senior role in a regional office of the company you work for, or perhaps a new job in an organisation based overseas. Whatever the specific circumstance, having professional qualifications that are globally recognised is key to gaining an edge over the competition and making sure you get chosen for the job.

But with so many national accreditation systems and specialisations to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which are the best professional qualifications to have i.e. that are most likely to get you to where you want to be.

Different professions like project management, health and safety, management and finance have their own set of widely recognised professional qualifications that can help professionals land jobs anywhere in the world.

Scroll below to view a list of professional qualifications that can help you "go global" across a number of sectors.

Top 10 Professional Qualifications List

1. PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments)

This set of qualifications is designed for project management professionals who want to expand their career horizons or shift into other industries with top-notch skills in project management. A PRINCE2 certification can serve as a great asset for your resume since it has been widely recognised as a leading project management methodology in both the public and private domain.

In fact, the APMG has named PRINCE2 "the world's most popular project management methodology".

2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

This is a highly renowned professional certificate for project managers, product developers and IT systems specialists. Though originating from and highly suited to software development, Scrum is an agile framework that finds application in virtually any project- or product-focused environment.

Professionals gaining the CSM (Certified Scrum Master) qualification are thus highly attractive to international organisations in virtually any industry, from marketing to video game development.

3. NEBOSH International General Certificate

This certification caters to the professionals working in occupational health and safety operations. The NEBOSH International General Certificate acts as proof of candidates’ abilities in health and safety and, as stated in the title, is specifically geared towards professionals operating in international environments.

A major advantage of the qualification is that it can be applied - and indeed is highly necessary - across a wide range of sectors ranging from oil and gas to construction and manufacturing environments.

4. IOSH Managing Safely

The internationally recognised IOSH Managing Safely qualification certifies a manager's understanding of the practical actions they need to take in order to handle health and safety in their teams.

The IOSH accredited qualification provides recognition for professionals in employment across multinational firms as well as public organisations and government. Since health & safety is now a statutory requirement and a primary concern in all kinds of organisations, this qualification is a must-have for all managers, regardless of their specific career ambitions.

5. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Professionals with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt qualifications gain international recognition for their understanding of quality assurance, process improvement and waste reduction across organisations. They stand a very good chance in the recruitment scenario due to their international skills in improving performance and the organisation's bottom line by systematically reducing waste.

Professionals with these certifications can find employment in many manufacturing-oriented industries including pharmaceuticals, electronics, food and many more. In addition, the approach is now also starting to find greater appreciation in the service industry.

6. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional credential for financial and investment professionals awarded by the US-based CFA Institute.

Requiring completion of a number of notoriously difficult examinations, the CFA qualification grants finance professionals a prestigious charter that is recognised globally by countries including the UK, Germany, the US, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and many others. It thus helps in recruitment across many financial services firms including banks, accounting firms, investment banks, insurance firms and consumer finance companies.

7. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CISCP)

Developed by education and certification body APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society), the Certified Supply Chain Professional qualification is the most widely recognised educational programme for supply chain management professionals across the world.

Proving an individual's commitment to supply chain management best practices, it demonstrates a high level of knowledge and is highly sought after by recruiters and employers.

8. ECIS International Teacher Certificate

This global certification equips teachers with skills in the methods and approaches needed for effective teaching in internationally-oriented schools. The certificate acts as a mark of excellence as well as contributing to master's level credit at both Australian and US universities.

Teachers looking to draw attention from international school recruiters and expanding academic institutes will find this qualification especially useful.

9. Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Designed by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Certified Manufacturing Engineer designation certifies a candidate's advanced knowledge of manufacturing practices and processes.

Requiring a significant amount of previous manufacturing-related education and work experience, it is recognised internationally as a sign of professional excellence and provides a significant boost to any professional's credentials in this field. It thus helps in professional advancement across multinational firms and helps gain recognition for engineers working globally.

10. AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

This internationally recognised certification in marketing helps professionals gain a strong foothold in the marketing recruiting scenario.

Accredited by the American Marketing Association (AMA), it is a widely available, globally recognised credential that allows marketers to prove their value and set themselves apart from the competition, preparing for new opportunities and advancing their careers.