Is Certification a MUST for consultants

 In my practical touch with the field of consultancy over the past 15+ years, I would point out the following things: -

1. Word of mouth from past clients is very very important in getting future wok engagements
2. Proven Track Record of success in past engagements comes next in importance from a future prospect customers.
3. Past work experience with well-known/highly reputable consultancy firms gives additional weight to being considered by prospect customers
4. Academic Background (degrees/universities) also gives additional weight in winning consultancy engagements
5. Testimonies, quotes, references, success stories, press/TV coverage all add to the popularity of the figure and gives better chances of winning consultancy engagements
6. Taking active role in conferences, events, trade shows ... is also very helpful in building the consultant reputation and popularity
7. Having publications, books, white papers, newsletters .. is also helpful in spreading the word about the consultant
8. Observing the smooth and natural relation between training/education on one side and consultancy/advising on the other side is also very important
9. Knowing your upper tier and lower tier in the business model that you are following is key to spreading in the market and getting more business
10. Having your unique, clear and tangible differentiators among the crowd and capitalizing on these differentiators to articulate your value proposition to your customers and partners
11. Being clear about what you will deliver to your customer, and making sure that you actually deliver what you committed yourself to
12. Gain your customers/partners confidence through professional conduct, ethics and will to walk the extra mile when necessary

Have I mentioned certifications ??? 

I do not think so

Can a consultant be successful without such certifications ??? 

I believe so

Will certification make life easier ?? 

Yes, I think so 

Is certification a must ?? 

Not really !