Certificate Programs in the USA

What is a Certificate Program?

Certificate programs in the U.S. are a process by which a student is granted recognition of competence based on the completion of predetermined qualifications specified by that agency or association, according to the National Organization for Competency Assurance.

So what exactly does that mean? A certificate in the U.S. is not a degree. In fact, it is a lower level of education than a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but signifies you’ve attained a certain level of competency in a particular area. Rather than an academically subject-specific program, certificate programs tend to focus more on building skills for specific trades.

Some certifications are prerequisites for employment, while some complement your bachelor’s or master’s degree by indicating you’ve pursued additional studies that enhance your knowledge of a certain issue. U.S. certificate programs generally take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.

When deciding whether to pursue a certificate program in the United States, it’s wise to determine:

a) Whether a certificate, as opposed to a more extensive degree, is sufficient for the job you’re seeking, and

b) The credentials of the certification agency.

Ask Yourself Some Questions

The Certification and Accreditation Programs Directory offers a few key questions to ask during your process, including:

• What is the reputation of the issuing organization?
• Do the benefits of the certification justify the cost?
• What are the requirements and costs for recertification?
• Are there educational and experiential requirements for the certification? (Experience requirements are an important consideration for career-changers since they could prevent one from using a certification to move into a new career quickly.)
• Is the certification national in scope as well as recognized outside the U.S.?

Types of Certificate Programs

Less time and money than a U.S. bachelor’s degree, American certificate programs have grown significantly over the past few years. According to the Certification and Accreditation Programs Directory, nearly 1,600 certifications exist in a variety of fields. Some of the more common career paths requiring a certification are:

• Teaching. All teachers must have their bachelor’s degree before obtaining their certification. Some also opt to do a master’s degree.
• Bodywork. A bachelor’s degree is not required for body workers, but certifications usually are. Most massage therapists have completed certifications.
• Information Technology. A huge variety of IT certifications exist, and a bachelor’s degree is not a prerequisite.
• Health Care. Medical Assistants, Lab Assistants, and Pharmacy Technicians all need certifications.
• Real Estate. This is a difficult, but potentially highly lucrative, certification, with no bachelor’s degree required.