What is a skill certificate?
A skill certificate shows that you have been assessed and found able to do the work of a particular job role to an agreed standard. For an employer, it is evidence that your skills have been checked, not just claimed.
How India’s skills system works
Sector skill councils
Sector skill councils are industry-led bodies, each focused on one sector, such as electronics, logistics or tourism and hospitality. Working with employers, they identify the job roles their industry needs and set the standards for each role. These standards describe what a person must know and be able to do at work.
The National Skills Qualifications Framework
The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is India’s framework for organising qualifications by level, based on the knowledge, skills and responsibility involved. A job role at a higher level usually involves more complex work and more responsibility. Because qualifications are mapped to a common framework, employers and training providers can understand what a certificate represents.
Assessment
For a programme linked to a sector skill council, assessment follows that council’s process. It usually checks both your knowledge and your practical skills, and is often carried out by independent assessors. Candidates who meet the standard are certified.
Why certified skills help
- Proof for employers. A certificate tells employers your skills have been tested against an industry standard.
- Confidence. Going through an assessment shows you what you can do and where to improve.
- Progression. Clear levels make it easier to plan your next step, such as training for a higher-level role.
- Recognition of experience. If you already have work experience but no certificate, recognition of prior learning can help you get your existing skills assessed and certified.
International certifications
In some fields, especially technology, reputed international organisations offer their own third-party assessments and certifications. Through our e-learning services, SkillMan assists learners with reputed international third-party assessments and certifications.
Before you rely on a certificate
- Check who issued it and that the job role is clearly stated.
- Ask whether employers can verify it.
- Be careful of anyone offering a certificate without proper training or assessment.
A certificate is a start
Employers also look at your attitude, your communication and how well you actually work. Keep your certificates safe, keep digital copies and keep learning.
SkillMan is affiliated to the sector skill councils for Electronics, IT-ITeS, Logistics, Media and Entertainment, and Tourism and Hospitality, as well as the Skill Council for Green Jobs. Learn how our programmes are assessed on Training and Assessment.
Next steps
Find a job role that interests you in the Job Role Explorer, or send a training enquiry.