Are Career Certification Programs Worth It?

Are you at a crossroads in your career and figuring out how to equip yourself with the skills necessary to climb the ladder?

Let’s take a look at career certification programs to see if they’re right for you. We’ll cut through the hype and give you the facts, just as we do with our hiring services.

With the rise of online learning, there’s no shortage of classes you can take that offer you a certification in a particular trade, skill or software program.

If you’re looking to advance your career quickly and at a lower price point, a professional certificate is the way to go. Do you need to get up to speed in new or quickly evolving industries, such as UX, digital marketing, or business analysis? Are you re-entering the workforce and need to get current with what’s happening in your field?

A certificate just might be your solution.

In the U.S., more than 1 million certificates are awarded each year. Compare that to the 754,500 master’s degrees awarded by post-secondary institutions in 2018–19, with the most popular fields being a business (197,100), education (146,400), health professions and related programs (131,600), according to the National Center of Education Statistics.

Top Five Reasons to Pursue a Certificate

1. You can continue to work while attending classes on evenings and weekends.

2. You’ll spend less money working toward a certificate than a master’s degree.

3. You’ll get the training in practical hands-on skills—not just theoretical knowledge. You’ll learn the latest in tools, skills, and information that reflect the realities of the job market as closely as possible.

4. You don’t have to wait for a traditional application date! You can jump into a certificate when you’re ready.

5. You can finish the majority of certificates in a year—get in, get out, get on with your career!

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