The Differences in Certificates vs. Certifications when Leveling Up Your Career

Have you purchased “master” classes on different coding, professional, and interpersonal skills throughout the years and seen no difference in your career? Or have you taken a class online and had your completion certificate not taken seriously?

You aren't alone. Unlike the relative simplicity that it is to determine someone's skillset by their college degrees, certificates and certifications are a much murkier tool to use to evaluate someone's skillset. But companies more than ever are looking for their employee's skill elevation to not come just from their everyday work but from outside learning and examination.

The guide below goes into detail on the differences between certificates and certifications and what you can expect for your career growth by obtaining them.

Understanding Certificates and Certifications

Before we dissect the differences, it’s important to understand what certificates and certifications are.

Certificates are typically awarded by educational institutions or training programs upon successful completion of a course. They signify that an individual has completed specific studies or training in a particular subject. For instance, you might earn a certificate in data analysis after finishing a short course that provides foundational knowledge and skills in that area.

Certificates can be earned from services like Udemy and Masterclass for completing one of their courses. It's also common to receive a certificate from your employer upon completing company specific training.

On the other hand, certifications are granted by professional organizations or industry bodies after a robust assessment of an individual's knowledge and skills in a specific field. Certifications often involve passing exams that test practical competencies, demonstrating that an individual meets industry standards. For example, obtaining a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification shows that you are qualified to manage projects effectively and that you passed a rigorous exam to receive this certification.

Certifications will also have a Credential ID number and record of your completion attached to them. It isn’t something that can easily be faked, so companies are much more likely to place a higher importance on them. Some certifications also require you re-certify to keep your Credential ID valid which allows for continuous learning for the person obtaining the credential.

LinkedIn Certifications require this info, make sure you have it!

The Purpose of Certificates vs. Certifications

The purpose behind obtaining certificates and certifications can vary significantly.

Certificates are usually aimed at individuals looking to gain new skills or deepen their understanding of a topic. They may be more suitable for those entering a new field or enhancing existing knowledge. For example, I manage people at my corporate job and come review time I regularly see my associates send in their certificates for coursework they complete online. This is a great way for them to show me they have taken extra initiative to learn new skills for their current job. Since I already have a strong body of knowledge on their current skill set, I don’t necessarily need them to complete a test to know that they will understand the information from the course well.

Conversely, certifications serve to validate your expertise to employers, showcasing that you have met specific criteria and standards set by professionals in your industry. Certifications are particularly valuable for individuals already working in a field who wish to enhance their credibility. For instance, a software engineer might pursue a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification to establish their authority in cybersecurity. This is much better proof of mastering a skill for someone who isn’t familiar with your work than just a certificate would be.

Benefits and Limitations of Certificates

While certifications may seem like the preferred option for most people, there are some benefits to certificates:

Benefits of Certificates

1. Quick Learning: Certificates usually involve shorter courses that can be completed in weeks or months, making them ideal for busy professionals looking to add skills without a long-term commitment.

   
   

2. Cost-Effective: Many certificates are less expensive than certifications. They can often be pursued as part of a degree program or independently.

   
   

3. Skill Acquisition: They focus on teaching practical skills, making them relevant for immediate application in the workplace. Certificates are a great tool for mastering skills you already use in the workplace so that you can more efficiently complete your work.

   
   

And some downsides...

Limitations of Certificates

1. Limited Recognition: Certificates may not carry the same weight as certifications in certain industries. Employers may prioritize candidates with formal certifications over those with mere certificates.

   
   

2. No Standardization: The quality and credibility of certificates can vary widely. Researching the issuing institution is crucial to ensure value.

   
   

Don't think certificates are automatically easy, some will really test your skills without an exam!

Benefits and Limitations of Certifications

Certifications are great as they allow someone with no familiarity with your work to get a baseline of your skills without having to execute a formal test. Some other benefits include:

Benefits of Certifications

1. Industry Recognition: Certifications are often more recognized and respected within industries, making them a valuable asset when applying for jobs.

   
   

2. Career Advancement: Many organizations require or prefer candidates with certifications for advanced positions. Holding a certification can lead to career growth and higher salaries.

   
   

3. Continuous Learning: Certifications often require continuing education credits to maintain, encouraging professionals to keep their skills up-to-date.

   
   

Limitations of Certifications

1. Time-Consuming: Obtaining a certification usually requires a significant investment of time, including studying for exams and possibly gaining relevant experience.

   
   

2. Financial Investment: Certifications can be more expensive than certificates due to exam fees, study materials, and maintenance costs.

   
   

3. Exam Pressure: The need to pass an exam can create anxiety. It requires a thorough understanding of the material to succeed, which can be daunting for people who do not consider themselves good "test takers".

That sense of accomplishment when getting that certificate is unmatched!

Confusing? Here is the breakdown side by side:

Category	Certificates	Certifications
Learning Duration	Short courses (weeks to months)	Longer process; usually requires an exam and/or work experience
Cost	Lower cost; sometimes bundled with degree programs	Higher cost (exam fees, study materials, renewals)
Focus	Practical skills for immediate workplace use	Industry standards, professional validation
Recognition	Limited; depends on issuing institution	Widely recognized and respected; often required for senior roles
Standardization	No universal standard; quality varies	Governed by professional bodies with consistent criteria
Career Impact	Enhances employability, but less competitive weight	Strong impact; promotions, salary boosts, and advancement opportunities
Maintenance	Typically no renewal needed	Can require continuing education credits or re-certification
Accessibility	Easier to obtain; low time and financial investment	More demanding in terms of time, cost, and exam preparation

Choosing the Right Path for Career Advancement

Still can't decide which you should be focusing on? Here are some things to consider when deciding what avenue to pursue:

1. Assess Your Goals: Are you looking to enter a new field or enhance your current skills? If you are just starting out, a certificate might be the best choice to see if the skill is something you have interest in. If you’re already established in your career and want to advance, certification could be more beneficial to prove that you have the knowledge for advanced career positions.

   
   

2. Research Industry Standards: Investigate your desired field's requirements. Some industries may value certifications over certificates, influencing your decision.

   
   

3. Consider Time and Cost: Think about your current commitments and budget. If time and finances are limited, a shorter certificate may be more feasible. Certifications may be a more feasible route for those working at companies that offer Educational Assistance as part of the benefit package.

   
   

4. Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors or industry professionals. Their insights can provide clarity on which option is more respected in your field.

   
   

5. Build a Comprehensive Profile: You don’t have to choose one over the other. Combining certificates to build foundational knowledge with certifications to validate your skills can create a robust skill set, enhancing your job prospects.

   
   

Both certificates and certifications can be earned at home in many cases

Final Thoughts on Certificates and Certifications

With how much time and money can be dropped into different coursework, it’s important to review this information and take the steps that are the best for you. My advice: complete coursework that has value to upskill your career without a certification, but does prepare you if you want to take a certification route.

Not sure what courses you should be taking for your career? An amazing tool is the Credential Value Index Navigator which can give you statistics on what certifications can lead to wage growth, new jobs, and promotions.

Always best to research that what you studying adds value to your career

But remember that no matter what you choose, investing time and resources in your skill development is an investment in your future. Whether you choose to pursue a certificate or a certification, taking steps to enhance your expertise will certainly set you apart in a competitive job market. Always remember, your growth is a continuous journey, and every skill you acquire brings you one step closer to your career goals.