Certification-first hiring is becoming one of the clearest signals of long-term success in NetSuite teams.
The platform grows every year. New modules appear. Workflows expand. Reporting demands increase. As this happens, teams need people who can learn quickly and stay current. Certification-first hiring supports that need by bringing in talent with proven knowledge and a willingness to grow. Leading teams now view certifications as a core part of their hiring and development strategy rather than an occasional bonus.
Why certification-first hiring is rising
NetSuite roles require a wider range of skills than before. Finance teams handle ARM, SuiteAnalytics, and audit needs. CRM teams work with saved searches and sales data. Operations teams rely on workflow logic and inventory rules. Each of these areas changes over time, and teams need staff who can move with these changes instead of falling behind.
Certification-first hiring helps leaders filter for people who already understand the fundamentals. It also helps teams reduce ramp time because certified staff enter the role with a stronger baseline. These advantages are becoming more important as workloads grow across finance, CRM, and operations.
The Anderson Frank Careers and Hiring Guide highlights this shift. 73% of employers now fund certifications, which shows how central learning has become to retention and hiring decisions.
Teams that need support while building certified staff often look outside for help. Anderson Frank delivers NetSuite professionals who hit the ground running while internal teams train and develop.
How certification improves daily performance
Certification strengthens performance because it builds a clear understanding. Staff who complete role-based exams know how modules connect, how data moves, and how workflows should behave. They identify problems earlier and often fix issues before they reach other teams.
This improves accuracy. It stabilizes reporting. It reduces unnecessary tickets. Certified staff also understand how to test changes and how to validate results, which helps teams maintain reliable release cycles without overloading senior staff.
Certification also raises the quality of discussions between teams. People can talk about workflows, data rules, and reporting in consistent terms. This shared language reduces confusion and makes collaboration faster.
When internal teams fall behind on skills, Anderson Frank delivers NetSuite professionals who support configuration, testing, and analytics so the team can return to planned learning without losing momentum.
Why certification supports long-term growth
Certification-first hiring benefits both employers and employees. Staff gain a clear path for growth. Employers gain people who understand the value of steady learning. This reduces turnover because people stay longer when they feel supported and when the role helps them progress.
Certification also prepares teams for new features. NetSuite updates arrive on a fixed schedule, and a trained team can apply updates with less disruption. This creates more predictable delivery and reduces the risk of errors that come from outdated knowledge.
Leaders who support certification also build more reliable teams. Staff who learn systematically build stronger habits. They document their work. They ask better questions. They surface issues earlier. These traits support better decisions across finance, CRM, and operations.
How leaders should adjust hiring plans
Certification-first hiring works best when leaders align job descriptions with the required skills. Candidates should understand which certifications the role supports, which ones the employer funds, and how they connect to daily responsibilities. Clear expectations help attract people who are committed to growth and who want structure in their role.
Leaders should also include certification goals in team planning. Quarterly training cycles help teams stay aligned with releases. This approach ensures that progress continues even during busy periods.
How certification shapes retention
Retention improves when staff see a future in the role. Certification and continued training give people a sense of direction, and they show that the employer invests in their development. This builds trust. It also encourages people to contribute more because they feel confident in their skills.
Teams with strong learning support often report fewer performance issues and faster onboarding. This keeps production steady and reduces the pressure on senior team members.
What this shift means for the future
Certification-first hiring will continue to grow as NetSuite expands. AI features will increase the need for staff who understand data and processes. Integrations will require people who understand how systems connect. Reporting demands will increase across industries. Teams that hire certified staff will move faster and adapt with less disruption.
This structure builds confidence and improves long-term planning. It also creates a healthier team environment because people understand their role, their path forward, and the value of their work.
