New Delhi: According to a survey conducted by the QAI with over 3500 software professionals, over 90 percent respondents were of the opinion that certifications are a value add to their careers, helps gain recognition amongst peers and boosts confidence and self esteem. And, more than half of the respondents constituting 54 percent said certifications helped them get a better job and 38 percent in a salary increment. "The certifications hold a good reputation in the software quality community. As the software certifications exams are tough to clear, it sieves the best out of the lot. It improves the career prospects as well," said Aditya CV, Lead-Quality-HCL Technologies. A majority of the respondents (approximately 57 percent) preferred study guides and instructor led trainings to prepare for the examination while a little less than half of the total respondents (48 percent) preferred virtual studying community with fellow applicants. An almost equal number of respondents preferred webinar sessions to prepare for certification examinations. Also, according to the survey, the certification helped about 70 percent of professionals in increasing their knowledge base. Kishore Balaji, Head- Global Certifications, QAI Global Institute said, "Certifications besides training are one of the most potent ways of increasing ones knowledge base and I am glad that software professionals of today recognize this fact."