Online and Distance Learning.com

This page is about certificate programs. It helps students who are looking for on-campus and online programs in technical, vocational, continuing and professional education and training.

Types of Certificate programs

One of the attractive features of certificate programs is that they are usually easy to get into - you do not need GREs or GMATs for admission into a Certificate program. In addition to this, Certificate programs are useful for a variety of reasons depending on the type you take. The main types are: technical and vocational education; undergraduate certificate programs; continuing and professional education; and, graduate certificate programs. But most of these can also be found at different levels.

Certificate programs in continuing education

Certificate programs in continuing education are ones that are taken at any stage in your life for whatever reason you wish. They can be ones you take for general interest or to prepare you for University study. Such programs may, but are unlikely to give you credit towards a degree program.

Certificate programs in continuing professional education

Certificate programs in continuing professional education are ones that are taken to enhance your career, stay up-to-date with the constantly changing professional knowledge, stay abreast of changing legislation, or to facilitate a change in direction. These certificate programs may lead to "certification", "licensing" in a specific profession, or perhaps be a requirement for continued registration (e.g., in the case of nursing CEUs).

Certificate programs in technical and vocational education

Technical and vocational education usually provides the specific skills required in the workplace. Technical and vocational programs used to be mainly at certificate or diploma level, but there are now an increasing number of associate degrees available.

There are many colleges/schools offering certificate programs on line or on campus that provide training in specific skills required in the workplace, for example,  certificate programs in TESOL or technical programs leading to Microsoft Certification. Be careful that you take an accredited program from an accredited institution, such as those listed on this web site.

Undergraduate certificate programs

Undergraduate Certificate programs are usually designed to be completed in one year. Very often they constitute a sort of "taster" for academic study and so the courses are usually credited towards a Bachelors degree.

Graduate certificate programs

Graduate Certificate programs are usually designed to be completed in one year. They usually require applicants to possess a Bachelors degree and very often the courses are credited towards a masters degree in the same area.  Some programs require a masters degree and lead to a post-masters certificate, e.g.,  post-master's certificate in nursing.

Some of these certificate programs can form part of your continuing professional education to enhance your career, stay up-to-date with the  knowledge in your profession, stay abreast of changing legislation, or to facilitate a change in direction.