How PSI Compares to Other Certification Organizations

Comparison Table (How we are different)

Certification Feature	Other Certification Organizations	Professional Standards Institute
Prerequisites (Eligibility)	Most other organizations have no eligibility requirements, or might recommend some experience or education. Of the few that require experience or education, it is not often verified except with a random audit of a few.	We require 3 - 14 years of verified experience and specific education.
Type of Assessment	Written multiple-choice test.	We use a Competency-Based "hands on" Assessment. No written multiple-choice tests.
Home-Based Assessment	No - You have to go to a test center to take the written test.	Yes - Take the Competency-Based Assessment in the comfort of your home.
Type of Evaluation and Constructive Feedback	Tests are usually electronically scored and you simply get a pass or fail. They do not offer any type of feedback.	All assessments are evaluated by experienced, educated, and certified peers in your field using the same tools and methods to assess your work that college and university professors use. We provide constructive feedback on your Competency-Based Assessment.
Certification Period	Usually 3 years.	Our certifications are good for 5 full years with an emphasis on experience for re-certification. Master-level certifications do not have an expiration.
Ample Methods to Re-Certify	Usually provides 1 to 3 methods. Normally requires complicated and costly renewal based on self-reported education.	We offer 6 different methods to re-certify.
Offers Certification Test Study Materials or Courses	Yes - they will sell you study materials and courses to teach you the test - and they are costly.	No - we assess your actual skills and competencies.
Vendor Neutral Certifications	Some	Yes - All are vendor-neutral.
Role-Based Certifications	Some	Yes - All are role-based.
Annual Maintenance or Membership Fee Required	Mostly yes - costly	No maintenance or membership fee required.
Offers Entry Level Certifications (AKA Associate Level)	Yes	No - We only offer professional and advanced-level certifications. We ONLY certify experts!
Offers Different Levels of Certification	Some - Usually an entry level is offered.	We offer three levels of certification - Professional, Senior, and Master. Reflects your level of expertise.
Professional Career Portfolio	No	Yes - Proudly display your credentials and accomplishments. Show that you are maintaining your skills.
Help to Connect with Employers	No	Yes - Certification holders can connect with employers through the PSI Employer Network.

Note: Please note that the organizations vary differently with each other and may not match the table above exactly.