Sounds confusing, right? Don’t worry, we’ll break down the differences between certificates, certifications, and licenses and answer common questions about each.
What is a certificate?
A certificate is awarded after completing a course or program focused on a specific subject or skill.
Who awards certificates?
Certificates are awarded by educational institutions, companies, and organizations.
Are continuing education credits required to maintain a certificate?
No, continuing education credits aren’t required to maintain a certificate after it’s awarded. However, certificates often count towards continuing education credits.
Does having a certificate mean you’re certified?
No, certificates do not mean you’re certified, but they can help prepare for certification exams.
What is a certification?
A certification signifies that an individual has passed an exam confirming they have met established industry standards of competence and expertise in a specific field or skill.
Who issues certifications?
Certifications are awarded by professional associations, companies, organizations, or certification bodies.
Are continuing education credits required to maintain a certification?
Yes, awarding organizations usually require continuing education credits to help expand expertise, stay relevant and up-to-date, and ensure professional standards are maintained.
Does a certification mean you’re certified?
Yes, passing a certification exam means that you’re certified in that specific area. However, maintaining certification status depends on meeting ongoing education requirements.
Does a certification mean you’re licensed?
No. While some professional certifications may be required by employers in certain fields, they do not grant the legal authority to practice a regulated profession like a license does.
Does earning a degree mean you’re certified?
No, earning a degree doesn’t certify you.
Are certification exams taken online?
Yes, online certification exams are common because they open the exams up to a larger audience and provide convenience for test takers. Many organizations remotely proctor certification exams to prevent cheating and support test takers throughout the process.
Do you receive a certificate after earning a certification?
After earning a certification, individuals typically receive a digital or physical document. However, this document is different from a certificate received after completing a certificate program.