What is Certification Stacking?
Also known as credential stacking, certification stacking is when you add more certifications to build on your existing education. It’s a smart way to enhance your skills, expand into related fields or move up in your current career. When you stack your credentials, you’ll have more flexibility in achieving your career goals. You’ll also have the right background to pivot if your employer’s needs change.
Whether you’re seeking a new challenge or ready to branch out, building on what you already know instead of starting from scratch will give you more value for your efforts.
Why it Matters
The benefits of credential stacking extend far beyond pride in your skills and a sense of personal satisfaction. Pearson’s 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report found 63% received or expected a job promotion after certification, and 32% received salary increases. Credential stacking will help you:
Increase Your Value as an Employee
Having multiple certifications helps increase your value to the company. You’ll be seen as a stronger asset to the team and can use your skill set with greater versatility in your daily tasks.
Boost Your Salary
Earning additional certifications can also strengthen your case for a higher salary. Your starting pay was based on your skills and education at the time you applied, but now you’ve gained more knowledge through your MedCerts courses. When you sit down with a supervisor or manager, you can reference your new training as part of your request for higher pay.
Qualify for Higher-Level Positions
As you move up within a company, you’ll need a broader range of skills and more background experience. Certifications serve as a natural stepping stone, helping you qualify for higher-level roles in your organization.
Become More Competitive in the Job Market
If you decide to switch companies, your new credentials can help boost your presence in the job market. Stacked certifications make you a more competitive candidate, increasing the chances that potential employers will respond to your applications or reach out to you for open positions.
When to Consider Certification Stacking
How do you know when it’s time to build on your MedCerts training? Consider certification stacking if:
- You’re ready to take on more challenges in your current field.
- You’re in healthcare and want to train in a different but related field (for example, billing & coding + EHR).
- You’re in IT and want to specialize further in a current skill set or broaden your knowledge (for example, IT support + cybersecurity).
How to Stack With MedCerts
Let’s say you’ve completed MedCerts’ Medical Front Office Administrative Specialist course and earned the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification. If you choose to stack your credentials by training as a Medical Assistant, you’ll then earn the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. In the end, you’ll have two certifications behind you: CMAA and CCMA, which will open new career doors and provide the potential for higher salaries.
You could then further your education with EKG Technician training, earning certification as a Certified EKG Technician (CET). A broader education (or specialized training) can help you become more valuable and sought after, offering greater job security in the future.
Let MedCerts Help You Reach Your Career Goals
When you’re ready to level up your career (and salary) or branch out into a related field, MedCerts can help. MedCerts alumni also get a discount on stacked certifications, helping you save money while training for a well-deserved higher paycheck and a more challenging and stimulating career.
