Many companies outside of finance and insurance are encouraging employees to sit for certification exams—and some are flat-out requiring the effort.

 

Companies say the certifications are proof that their current or prospective employees meet an industry-wide standard. And, some companies say a growing number of their clients insist on dealing only with employees who have earned industry designations.

 

The Project Management Institute says it has seen a 30% jump in registration for its handful of certifications. The most popular is the Project Management Professional certification for experienced managers, while the fastest-growing is the Certified Associate in Project Management, which prepares non-managers to be part of a project-management team, according to the nonprofit professional association.

Read more about companies and test taking at the Wall Street Journal.