When hiring people to fill positions in a company, it is quite common for employers to look for persons who are adequately qualified for the job. Having a certificate or a degree in a particular field allows you to approach the employer with confidence.
However, before pursuing a career, you may wonder what level of qualification would be required of you to get that job. We will show and clarify the differences between a certificate and a degree and help guide you to a program that is currently more suitable for you.
What Is A Certificate Program?
A certificate demonstrates that you have undergone a certain amount of training for a particular job. It is common for institutions to offer certificate programs for skill-based and technical positions. Examples include automotive repair, nursing, medical-assisting, plumbing, cosmetology, firefighting, and construction.
You should note that some jobs in some states require a particular certification to be hired in that specific field, even if you already have a degree.
Certificates can take several months to up to two years to complete, depending on the field and depth of expertise.
When To Consider Getting A Certificate?
You could consider opting for a certificate when you:
- Are anxious to launch a career you already love.
- Want to learn new skills to get a raise or promotion at work.
- Need to change jobs to something more rewarding for you.
- Discover that a certificate is required to get hired for a particular position.
It is helpful to understand that a certificate may open doors for entry-level jobs in most organizations. Moving up in your career could require you to obtain a degree later.
What Is A Degree Program?
On the other hand, a degree is an academic award you receive after completing several years of education in college or university.
There are four types of degrees, namely:
- Associate degree – takes two years to complete
- Bachelor’s degree – can be completed in four years
- Master’s degree – may take an additional one to two years
- Doctoral degree – another two to three years to complete.
Related Article: Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree – Which One To Choose?
There is a degree program for any career in the job market. Therefore, you can pursue a degree in almost any field.
Having a degree allows you to undertake more challenging positions and responsibilities in organizations and at higher pay. Research has shown that people with a bachelor’s degree tend to earn 65 percent more than those with a high school diploma.
As far as salary goes, as a rule of thumb, the higher your academic qualification, the higher your pay. Of course, the salary scale would differ between industries, experience, and expertise levels.
When To Consider Getting A Degree?
The need for a degree arises when:
- The job you want to fill requires a degree level qualification
- You want a promotion or raise
- More challenging roles need a degree-level knowledge
- You want to go for managerial and leadership positions.
Main Differences: Certificate vs. Degree Programs
The key variations are, first, the time taken to complete. As shown above, certificates can be earned in a few months, while a bachelor’s degree can take four years to complete.
Secondly, degree programs equip students with in-depth and well-rounded knowledge in a particular field. Students are often required to complete coursework and to choose a major. The higher degree you pursue, the more knowledgeable you become for a specific career.
On the other hand, certificate programs are more skill-specific, where you will learn practical skills related to the career. Apart from the examples above, popular certificate level programs include cybersecurity certificates, truck driving, restaurant management, and web development.
How To Decide: Certificate vs. Degree
To choose the better path, look closely at your career goals, time, and resources available to you at present. The following questions can help you decide:
- Where are you currently in your career plan?
- How soon do you need to enter the job market?
- How fast do you need your qualification and credential?
- If you are currently working, how much time can you realistically allocate for school?
- What are you most passionate about in your list of career options?
- How far do you want to advance in your career?
Related Article: 6 Step Formula To Develop Your Ideal Career Plan
Therefore, choosing between a certificate or degree depends very much on your career plan and current situation regarding financial standing, family commitments, career goals, and of course, ambition. While considering your next steps, also look at enrolling in online colleges. The flexibility and convenience of online colleges may provide solutions to your current predicaments if you have any.
Related Article: How Online College Works