Certificate vs. Certification: Which Is Right for You?

Published on: September 14, 2023

Whether you’re looking to round out your graduate degree or seeking professional development opportunities within your chosen field, it may be helpful to understand the difference between a certificate and certification along your education journey. These two types of credentials each have their own unique benefits to offer in various subject matters. Although you may have heard the terms "certificate" and "certification" used interchangeably, there are distinct differences.  

What Is a Certificate?  

A certificate is typically awarded by an educational institution or organization after an individual has completed a specific course, program or training. Certificates can be granted for a wide range of subjects and durations, from short-term workshops to longer academic or vocational programs.  

Certificates are mainly used to acquire knowledge or skills in a given area. A certificate of completion serves to acknowledge the achievement of a particular educational endeavor, but it might not carry the same level of industry recognition as certifications or be tied to any established professional standards or competencies. 

Husson University, for instance, offers certificate programs in a range of specialties—from accounting to animal training to healthcare—at the undergraduate and graduate levels that can all be completed online.  

What Is a Certification?  

Gaining certification in an area is a more structured and formal process where an individual demonstrates their expertise and competency. A certification indicates that an individual has met industry or professional standards in a particular profession or field. Certifications are typically offered and governed by independent organizations or industry bodies, and they establish standardized criteria including education, experience and examination requirements.  

To become certified, individuals must generally meet these predetermined criteria, pass a rigorous examination and sometimes fulfill ongoing requirements, such as continuing education or recertification. Certifications are usually recognized within their respective industries and can indicate a higher level of expertise and competence than a simple certificate. It’s also worth noting that certifications are not to be confused with licensures, which are mandatory under a government entity (like a specific state) to practice a profession.   

Key Differences Between Certificates and Certifications 

Simply put, the main difference between a certificate and certification is that the former is evidence of education, while the latter is evidence of passing an exam or meeting industry standards. Let’s delve further into their primary features and differences: 

Duration of Study or Training 

In general, certificates are quicker to earn compared to certifications. Certificate programs may be more conducive to learning and studying as you go through the material, meeting gradual benchmarks that don’t require as much concerted study time. On the other hand, it can take many months of training or studying to pass an exam and earn certification. If you have limited free time, a certificate program might be a more feasible option to gain basic knowledge in a subject.  

Recognition and Credibility 

Compared to certificates, certifications tend to carry more weight and recognition in professional settings. This is because they are standardized and generally issued by nationally recognized organizations. One type of certification is that of certified public accountant (CPA), granted and issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) after an individual fulfills certain experience and educational requirements and passes the CPA exam. This is not to say that a certificate from an accredited college or university would not be recognized as a legitimate credential, however.  

Career Benefits 

Studies have shown that both certificates and certifications could potentially boost your salary by as much as 20 percent—whether you list them on your resume while seeking a new role or make the case for a raise or promotion at work. With that said, it might make the most sense to earn a certificate to expand your knowledge in a specific area, whereas gaining a certification is more often a prerequisite to entering a new field or higher position within a field. Certifications confirm you have the skills and knowledge to perform a job, so you may need one if you want to kickstart your dream career or work in a specific position.  

Certificate or Certification: How to Choose  

The choice between earning a certificate versus certification depends on your personal goals and objectives and the requirements of your chosen industry. It is also wise to seek advice from mentors or professionals in your field to get their perspective on which credential would be most beneficial for your career path. Below are some factors to consider when deciding which option is right for you:  

Career Goals 

Consider your long-term career goals. Do you need a specific credential to advance in your desired profession? Research the typical qualifications and requirements in your field to determine whether a certificate or certification makes more sense. Weigh its long-term value as well. Will it help you advance in your career, open new opportunities or increase your earning potential? In many professions, certifications often have higher long-term value, but they also need to be maintained via continuing education. In some cases, a certificate may be all you need to polish a skill set and level up or redirect your career.   

Job Requirements 

Check if your current or prospective employer has requirements regarding certificates or certifications, as some employers may prefer certain credentials. More generally, investigate whether your industry or profession values certificates or certifications more. Some fields may prioritize certifications to demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills, while others may recognize certificates for general education or training. Then, research whether the certificate or certification you're considering is recognized and respected within your industry. Look for programs with a strong reputation that are endorsed by relevant organizations or associations.  

Time and Financial Constraints 

Certificates can often be earned more quickly than certifications. In addition, certificates can be more cost-effective than certifications, usually requiring less time and money. Evaluate your budget and financial resources when making your decision; for those with limited time and resources, a certificate program might be more feasible. Either option could be ideal for upskilling in less time and for less money than you would spend earning a degree.   

How to Earn a Certificate  

Earning a certificate typically involves completing a course, program or set of requirements in a particular subject area. General steps to follow include: 

Enroll in a Relevant Program or Course 

Choose a certificate program that aligns with your interests, career goals or the specific skills you wish to acquire. Certificate programs may be offered by educational institutions, online platforms, vocational schools or professional organizations. Once you've selected a certificate program, enroll by following the application or registration process through the program provider. This may involve submitting an application form, paying any associated fees and meeting prerequisite requirements.  

Complete Required Coursework or Training 

Most certificate programs consist of a series of courses or modules. Attend classes, participate in online courses and complete all the required coursework. This may include lectures, assignments, projects and assessments. Depending on the program, you may need to achieve a minimum grade or score in each course or module to be eligible for the certificate. Ensure you meet the grade requirements for all components.  

Receive Certificate After Completion 

Once you have met all requirements, request and receive your certificate. The program provider typically issues either a physical or digital certificate as evidence of your accomplishment. Also, don’t forget to showcase it on your resume and LinkedIn profile. You should include your certificate on resumes, digital portfolios and other professional documents to verify your skills and qualifications. 

How to Earn a Certification 

There may be more structure and planning involved in getting a certification compared to a certificate. Steps to earning a certification include:  

Identify Desired Certification 

Choose a certification program relevant to your field of interest or career goals. Certifications are often offered by professional organizations, industry associations or independent certification bodies. Research and review eligibility requirements for the certification program, including educational qualifications, work experience and other prerequisites. Make sure you meet these criteria before proceeding.  

Take Required Training 

Some certification programs, particularly those related to vocational or technical skills, may require certain hands-on training, education or experience. Ensure you fulfill any practical training or internship requirements necessary to succeed on your exam.  

Prepare for and Pass the Certification Exam 

Many certifications require passing a standardized examination to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the subject matter. Prepare for the exam by studying relevant materials, taking practice tests and attending review courses (if available). Once you feel adequately prepared, register for the certification exam through the official certification body. This might involve paying an exam fee. 

You’re almost there, and now it’s time to take (and, ideally, pass) the exam. Attend the scheduled testing time, read all instructions carefully and manage your time effectively, as certification exams are usually rigorous. After taking the exam, you typically need to wait for your results, but once you pass, your certification is well within reach. When the certification body issues the certification, it may be in the form of a physical or digital credential.  

Maintain Certifications 

Many certifications have ongoing maintenance and renewal requirements, such as continuing education or periodic retesting. Stay informed about these requirements and fulfill them to keep your certification current. Just as you would with a certificate, proudly and prominently display the certification on your resume and LinkedIn profile; this is an important credential that can enhance your credibility and career opportunities.  

Certificate or Certification? How to Know Which You Should Earn  

While your chosen career path will inform whether you’ll need to complete a certification, pursuing a certificate is usually optional. This allows you the freedom to choose a program tailored to your professional development goals or even personal interests. Although a certificate program is not equivalent to a degree program, you can complete both at a higher education institute.  

Looking to elevate your career in the future? At Husson University, our online certificate programs provide flexible coursework suited to current college students and postgraduates alike. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today to request more information. 

Explore Our Certificate Programs