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About Online Certificate Programs

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (), U.S. colleges awarded more than one million postsecondary certificates below the associate degree level in the 20-21 school year, underscoring their major role in workforce education. 

Roughly half were short-term certificate programs lasting less than a year, while the rest spanned one to four years and often served as stackable credentials toward higher degrees. The vast majority were conferred by public degree-granting colleges, primarily community and technical institutions.

Attending online certificate programs is an excellent option for those seeking a fast track to a new career. These programs offer practical training that is more focused and shorter in duration compared to associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees. 

Many online certificates only require a high school diploma or its equivalent and take two years or less to complete. This can help with accessibility for students who are already working or have additional responsibilities at home. Most programs require 30 credits or less and consist of courses worth one to four credits. Earning a certificate demonstrates that students have acquired specialized skills needed for roles such as paralegals, accountants, dental assistants, or nurses.

Online certificates are available in a variety of fields and are delivered by various institutions, including universities, trade schools, community colleges, and for-profit schools, giving students flexibility in choosing how and where to earn their certificates online. 

Long-Term Growth of Online Certificates

The latest data from the shows a clear and sustained increase in the number of certificates awarded by U.S. postsecondary institutions over the past two decades. The graph below shows an 87% increase in total certificate production, with the most dramatic growth occurring between the late 2000s and early 2010s, when completions surged alongside the Great Recession. 

Since then, certificate conferrals have remained consistently high, hovering near or above the one-million mark each year. This is due, in large part, to employers increasingly recognizing certificates as proof of job-ready skills.

The long-term rise in certificate awards reflects how postsecondary education has diversified, and certificates have become a mainstream form of credentialing that readily connects education and employment, providing faster, more flexible routes into the workforce for nontraditional students. 

The data shows that distance learning is almost nonexistent at less-than-2-year colleges, where fewer than . This is why we have over 90 fields of study across our online bachelor's pages and not even a round dozen for our online certificate pages. It's rarer to find 100% online certificates. 

Nearly all learners in these short-term programs take classes in person, reflecting the hands-on, technical nature of career training in fields like cosmetology, automotive repair, and healthcare support. Since these programs rely heavily on labs, workshops, and in-person assessments, it's difficult to replicate virtually. As a result, short-term institutions remain one of the few areas of higher education that are still primarily classroom-based despite the nationwide growth of online learning.

Professional Certificates vs. Degree Programs

Certificates and degree programs serve different purposes. Vocational certificates usually cost less than a degree and require fewer credits, allowing students to gain the necessary skills for a particular occupation at a quicker pace and without incurring much student debt. A college degree takes longer because it provides a more general, theoretical education. Both programs can help students meet professional goals but in different ways.

The curriculum of each area of study is different as well. A certificate program is very targeted and occupation-focused, meaning that core classes or prerequisites aren't usually required. On the other hand, many degree programs offer a broader education, where students not only learn about their field of study but may also be required to complete courses in other areas to graduate.

A certificate may be a good option if you are looking for faster results and have a specific job in mind that only requires a certificate. Some careers, such as registered nursing or engineering, require you to complete a degree in order to acquire an advanced skill set and practical training before entering the workforce. Students can also choose a broader degree program, such as liberal arts, which may open the door to a variety of positions. This route may be preferred by those who are still deciding the direction of their career.

What Certificates Can I Get Online?

Certificate production is highly concentrated in a few practical, career-oriented fields:

Together, these five areas represent well over 70% of all .

Certificate education in the U.S. is heavily concentrated in a small group of career-driven disciplines that align closely with workforce needs. 

Interestingly, gender patterns mirror those seen in the labor market: women dominate in health and personal service programs, while men are overrepresented in engineering and production. Overall, the data highlight how certificates have evolved into a central feature of higher education that bridges workforce development, community college access, and ongoing career advancement.

Online certificate programs offer a diverse range of opportunities, allowing students to gain targeted skills for specific careers or broader knowledge in fields like business and management. These programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, often requiring less time and investment than traditional degree paths. Whether you're looking to enter healthcare, business, or technical fields, online certificates provide a practical pathway to enhance your career prospects or switch to a new profession. 

Below are some popular online certificates and the types of careers they can help you pursue:

Ultimately, online certificates can help learners at any level of education to quickly gain industry-recognized credentials that help them excel in today’s most in-demand fields.

Applying to an Online Certificate Program

To help prospective students think strategically about the application process, we spoke with Jeremy Golan, an HR manager who understands how employers view education and credentials. Drawing from his experience in hiring and professional development, Golan offers insight into how applicants can evaluate whether a certificate truly aligns with their career goals and labor market demand.

HR Manager at Virtual HR Hub

Jeremy Asher Golan is an HR manager and educator working at the intersection of hiring, skills training, and student readiness for the job market. A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), SHRM-CP, and American Board Certified Teacher with a Bachelor of Management from Athabasca University, he bridges classroom learning with real employer needs.

"Academic interests matter, but education costs real money and takes you from doing other things. 

Ask yourself: Can I get the job without this credential? 

Is this the most in-demand version of it? 

If the field is regulated by law or professional standards, the credential is more valuable — but only if the field isn't oversaturated. 

Put simply: if the chances of landing a job and earning a good wage outweigh the cost of the certificate and your opportunity cost, it's worth enrolling."

When applying to an online certificate program, many of the requirements and processes are the same as applying to an in-person program. However, you should check each school's admission requirements to pick a college that meets your qualifications. Sometimes there are fewer application requirements for online certificates.

In general, applying to a certificate program may require the following: 

• An application fee, which is usually non-refundable and falls between $25-$50 but rarely exceeds $100.

• A completed FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility. However, this is only necessary for those seeking financial aid. It's not always mandatory if financial aid is not needed.

• An essay or letter of intent that explains why a student is interested in a particular program and their plans after program completion. Some certificate programs may waive this, especially for non-degree or professional development courses.

• A copy of any high school and college transcripts that are available.

• Math and reading assessment scores. (Some certificate programs, such as dental assistance programs, require that students have passed math and reading assessments to enroll in the program.)

• Occasionally college entrance exams are required, though this is less common for certificate programs compared to degree programs.

• Some certificate programs may require professional or academic references.

• A resume or CV is often required for professional or career-oriented certificates. Sometimes it's even required to show proof of work experience, like for certain advanced or specialized certificate programs in healthcare or IT.

Many online community colleges and universities offer open admissions, making higher education more accessible to first-generation students, career changers, and working adults. These programs also frequently feature rolling start dates and flexible deadlines, allowing students to begin when it works best for their schedule instead of waiting for a traditional semester.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, online certificate programs offer a flexible (and often cost-effective) path for those looking to upskill, switch careers, or gain specialized knowledge in their field of interest. Since certificates require a shorter duration with a more focused curriculum, it makes them an appealing alternative to traditional degrees, which are longer and more expensive. And even if you already have a degree in hand, online certificates can help you boost your career opportunities. 

Ultimately, a school's accreditation is key to ensuring the quality of higher education and access to financial aid. You can rest assured that all school across OnlineU are institutionally accredited. We verify each one before publishing. 

If you are ready to take the next step, scroll to the top of the page to explore our full list of online certificate programs and find the one that fits your goals.