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Do you want to (or need to) be PPACA certified?

There are plenty of HR/benefits certifications out there — pros probably could spend the equivalent of another full-time job trying to attain them all. Most don’t, of course. Many of you select the handful that most suit your professional needs and go from there.

So, here’s my question: In addition to the hundreds of you pursuing a PHR, SPHR, CEBS or other certification, would you consider adding on a certification on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?

This week, Benefitfocus, a health care and voluntary benefits software provider, unveiled an online video certification program specifically for PPACA.
 
Each video segment communicates a different provision of the law, and after viewing the videos participants answer a series of multiple choice and true-false questions to test their knowledge. Upon passing the quizzes, pros become PPACA certified.
 
I have mixed feelings about this. I’m all for continuing education, and think that it’s great that so many HR/benefits professionals are pursuing certifications to solidify their credentials in the industry and sharpen their skills on the job. And if some of you pros out there think a PPACA certification can help you do that, then so be it. Your prerogative.

But a nagging part of me feels like such a certification is kind of extraneous. Yes, I understand that PPACA likely will have the biggest impact on your jobs since ERISA, but do you really need to be certified in it?

I definitely know that there’s much to learn and process where PPACA is concerned, but I just think a standalone certification is a bit much.

What do you think? Would you consider getting PPACA certified? It is free, after all. Share your thoughts in the comments.

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