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Certificates

A certificate is an educational credential that you receive after completing a course of study for a particular vocation or occupation. You typically need only a high school diploma or the equivalent to enroll in an on-campus or online certificate program. Individuals often opt for a certificate so they can enter the workforce more quickly. 

Many community colleges and trade or vocational schools offer online certificate programs in a variety of subjects. Most programs can be completed in about six months to two years. Some of the more popular online certificates include the following:

The curriculum for a certificate program is usually focused on both knowledge-based and skill-oriented learning outcomes related to the subject of study. For example, the courses in a medical billing and coding certificate program are designed to help develop billing and coding skills, as well as to provide foundational knowledge in medical terminology, health insurance, and legal and ethical issues in the healthcare field. Before enrolling in a certificate program, be sure to check the accreditation status of the school to ensure a quality education.

It is also possible to earn a graduate certificate after earning a bachelor's or master's degree. Graduate certificate programs are designed to extend your knowledge in a particular field, and they can usually be completed in less than a year. Many colleges and universities offer graduate certificates in a diverse range of subjects, including data analytics, corporate sustainability, learning design, and more.

Certifications

While earning a certificate shows you've completed coursework on a subject, certification is generally considered proof of your mastery over one specific skill. Earning certification may involve taking preparatory training courses, acquiring professional experience, and passing a comprehensive, often challenging exam. 

In some cases, professional certification is required to practice a given occupation. For example, in most states, once you obtain a teaching degree, you also need certification. There are also certified public accountant (CPA) certifications. Therapists and counselors, some healthcare providers (e.g., nursing certifications), and certain types of engineers must obtain certification to be legally employed in these professions. 

In other cases, however, professionals seek optional certification to make themselves more marketable job candidates. For example, those who have earned the or designation have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to their professional development as project managers and financial planners by earning these certifications. 

Required certification programs and exams are often sponsored by professional organizations to ensure that learners understand industry standards and receive all of the current information they need to pass the certification exams. Optional certifications, however, may be sponsored by professional organizations or by the product manufacturers or service providers involved, such as Oracle and Google. Students often have the option of completing training programs online through massive online open courseware providers (MOOCS), bootcamps, or other educational institutions before earning certification.

Recertification

Because recertification is so narrowly focused on skills, the states that require certification and sometimes the professional organizations that grant certification want to make sure that these skills are kept up to date. Certified professionals are often required to take continuing education courses, fulfill field hours, or take exams to stay current and refine their skills to retain their professional status. Certifications often need to be renewed annually or every two or three years. For example, registered nurses need to renew their certification every two years, and PMPs must renew their certification every three years.