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Trends and Gender Dynamics in Professional Certification Growth in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Turkiah Alotaibi

    (Educational Research Lab, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia
    King’s Business School, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK)

  • Norah Almusharraf

    (Educational Research Lab, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Imran

    (Educational Research Lab, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia
    English Language and Literature Department, Khazar University, Baku AZ1096, Azerbaijan)

  • Kelum A. A. Gamage

    (James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK)

Abstract

This study explores the trends and gender dynamics in professional certification growth in Saudi Arabia, a key driver of workforce development and economic transformation. While professional certifications are increasingly valued across various industries, there has been limited research exploring demographic trends and disparities in their attainment. Using publicly available data from the KSA Open Data Platform (n = 990), this study analyzes certification growth between 2020 and 2022, revealing a steady rise in holders, particularly in advanced certifications like the SOCPA Fellowship. However, despite this growth, the findings highlight a persistent gender gap, with men significantly outnumbering women at all levels, especially in advanced qualifications. These trends raise questions about access and equity, emphasizing the need for targeted initiatives to close the gender gap. While constrained by the representativeness and scope of the available data, this study provides a robust foundation for future research to explore the socio-economic impacts of professional certifications in Saudi Arabia, integrating more comprehensive datasets and qualitative approaches to deepen understanding.

Suggested Citation

  • Turkiah Alotaibi & Norah Almusharraf & Muhammad Imran & Kelum A. A. Gamage, 2025. "Trends and Gender Dynamics in Professional Certification Growth in Saudi Arabia," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:28-:d:1581593
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sengupta, Nandana & Chawla, Neaketa & Agarwal, Anna & Evans, James, 2023. "Do online certifications improve job market outcomes? Evidence from an IT skills certification platform in India," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    2. Otto Kässi & Vili Lehdonvirta, 2024. "Do Microcredentials Help New Workers Enter the Market? Evidence from an Online Labor Platform," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(4), pages 1284-1318.
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