It's never too late to pursue learning, whether you want to learn a new skill like computers, or brush up on old skills. Understand the basics about short-term training, certifications and college degrees before making a decision about pursuing your education.
Certifications can be referred to as professional certification or a trade certification and are typically earned from an accredited professional society. They are often a faster and less expensive way to demonstrate proficiency in a job than spending a full four years earning a bachelor’s degree. Many community and technical colleges also offer short-term training programs where you can earn a certificate in less than two years.
People often ask, “What is the difference between a certification and a certificate?” Many professional organizations and educational companies use the words certification and certificate frequently, sometimes interchangeably. One is not necessarily better than the other. Sometimes training for a job will come only in the form of certificate programs, or only as a certification. Certifications can vary in credibility, but an accreditation by a national certifying agency signifies legitimacy. Understanding the differences between these two options is important. Below is a comparison of the two:
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Certification |
Certificate |
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Certification candidates must meet certain strict criteria to be eligible to take coursework and/or an exam. |
Certificate programs are usually open to anyone who applies, and they are geared toward obtaining specific skills or knowledge. |
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Certifications usually result in credentials being listed after your name. (CPA, PT, PMP)
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While certificate programs may award a certificate of completion or participation, they do not award a credential. The accomplishment can be listed on a resume detailing education. |
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Certification candidates receive their credential only after meeting eligibility requirements, and successfully completing a standardized exam accredited by an organization that monitors and upholds prescribed standards for the particular industry involved. |
Being awarded a certificate demonstrates knowledge of the course material at the end of a set period in time. A certificate is awarded at the end of the course. |
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Certifications have on-going requirements in order to be maintained. Certification owners must demonstrate he/she continues to meet requirements. |
No on-going requirements are necessary to maintain the certificate. |
Ask yourself these questions to assess if earning the certification is worth your time and money:
What’s the likelihood the certification will lead to a job? It’s okay to check with a potential employer to find out the answer to this question. For example, you may have experience managing people, budgets and schedules, but you don’t have a college degree. Earning a certification in Project Management may be just the thing to make you more appealing to that employer. Or, it may not be enough. Determine the weight of your certification before you spend time and money earning it.
How long is the certification valid? Certifications expire. Find out how long the certification is valid and look into the cost for renewing it. It may be less expensive to renew than it was to earn initially.
Is the certification valid in my state? Is it transferable to another state? Not all certifications transfer from state to state. This is especially true for medical and educational certifications. Before you sign up, ask whether or not the certification is valid in your state, and if so, is it transferable to another state?
Certifications are a smart idea if you’re looking to get your foot in the door of a company. Deciding to increase your knowledge, experience or skills is a major commitment of time and money; it is a decision not to be taken lightly. You can read more about the professional certification process. With a little research and planning, you will ensure your success. You can also explore Career OneStop’s education and training information.
Associate Degree: Two types of associate majors are offered. Technological and vocational specialties are generally completed in two years of college study and are usually sufficient for entrance into an occupational field. College or university parallel programs are like the first two years of a four-year college curriculum, often referred to as a Transfer Degree.
Bachelor’s Degree: Sometimes called baccalaureate degrees, they generally require four to five years of study. The bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) are the most common baccalaureates, and both include general education courses, a major and electives. A BS is typically awarded in the sciences and for professional or technical fields of study. A BA is typically awarded in humanities and arts. Both programs generally require a minimum of 180 credits.
If you have not earned a high school diploma, you may earn the equivalent by taking the
GED test. The GED is a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American high school level academic skills, or the equivalent to an American high school diploma.
The GED requires study and preparation and can be taken at most Community Colleges, Adult Education centers, Goodwill Industries Centers and Career OneStops. Many of these locations offer free classes but some may have a fee.