Trends and Gender Dynamics in Professional Certification Growth in Saudi Arabia

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.