Certificates for Students: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's rapidly evolving job market, students are increasingly seeking efficient and targeted ways to enhance their skills and career prospects. College certificates have emerged as a popular alternative or complement to traditional degree programs, offering focused training in specific areas of study or applicable career skills. This article explores the various types of certificates available to students, their benefits, and how they can contribute to career advancement.

What are College Certificates?

College certificates are short-term, streamlined programs designed to develop specific skills and provide formal recognition upon completion. They differ from non-credit or professional development courses, which often cover a wider range of topics with more flexibility in how and when an individual pursues the programming. College certificate programs focus on developing and formally recognizing specific skills by the completion of the program. Non-credit or professional development programs often cover a wide variety of topics within a field, with flexibility for how and when an individual pursues the programming. These types of programs provide a way for individuals to stay current in their field and can still improve career prospects.

Types of Certificates

Certificates cater to diverse educational and career goals, with institutions offering varied types. Here's a breakdown of common certificate categories:

Certificates of Achievement

These certificates, noted on a student's transcript upon successful completion, contain at least 8 units of coursework. Some certificates of achievement may be completed in as little as 1 year. Certificates of Achievement are intended to certify that students who have successfully completed the program are prepared to enter the careers associated with their chosen certificate. SRJC strives to meet employer demands and these certificates are subject to rigorous review upon their creation and their continuation. In addition to local approval, these programs must also be endorsed by the Bay Area Community College Consortium and receive approval from the California Community College Chancellor's Office. Prior to the 2008-2009 catalog, Certificates of Achievement were designated as Career Certificates.

Skills Certificates

Skills Certificates are under 16 units and are not acknowledged on a student's transcript nor are they required to be State Chancellor's Office approved. Some skills certificates may be completed in as little as a single semester. Skills Certificates are designed to provide the student with a brief but intense course of study in a particular area, so that the student may develop specific skills or prepare for an entry-level position in the field. Successful completion of these programs also may certify that students are prepared with a particular set of skills, such as the job entry skills leading to a full Certificate of Achievement program, or skills to upgrade or advance in an existing career. These programs often provide advancement on a "career ladder," and are therefore of shorter duration and narrower in scope than the Certificate of Achievement programs to which they may lead. Prior to the 2006-2007 Catalog, Skills Certificates were designated as Completion Certificates or Competency Certificates. Prior to the 2008-2009 Catalog, Skills Certificates were designated as Achievement Certificates.

Read also: Skills for a Changing World

Certificates of Completion (Non-Credit)

Certificates of Completion are non-credit certificates that prepare students to enter the workforce. These certificates are State Chancellor's Office approved and noted on a student's transcript upon successful completion.

Certificates of Competency (Non-Credit)

Certificates of Competency are non-credit certificates that assist with preparation for college-level work. Certificates of Competency may be in English as a Second Language (ESL) or Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills such as General Education Development (GED) test preparation. These certificates are State Chancellor's Office approved and noted on a student's transcript upon successful completion.

Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates are designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree. These programs can develop your skills and expertise quickly versus the extended time and commitment it takes to pursue a full-degree program. These types of programs are ideal for individuals working toward advancement in their current career field, and many are offered to allow room in participants’ schedules for their full-time work to continue. Individuals who complete graduate certificate programs have more opportunities for promotion in their current job, increased work responsibilities, and/or new roles or career paths.

Academic Certificate Programs at The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University offers a variety of academic certificate programs that are:

Intended to allow students to pursue specific topics in order to supplement their current degree program.
Gain knowledge in a chosen field of employment.
Earn credit or continuing education units (CEUs) for workforce development.
Prepare for exams for professional certification.
Or for professional licensure.

Ohio State categorizes its certificate programs as follows:

Post-secondary Undergraduate Academic certificate programs (category 1a or 1b): Intended for post-high school students seeking to earn a credential in a select topic area.
Post-baccalaureate Undergraduate Academic Certificate programs (category 2): Intended for post-bachelor degree students seeking to earn a credential in a select topic area to supplement their undergraduate degree program.
Graduate Academic Certificate programs (category 3a or 3b): Intended for post-bachelor students seeking to earn a graduate credential in a select topic area.
Professional Certification programs (category 5b): Intended for individuals seeking to meet requirements and/or eligibility for licensure or certification in a specific technical or professional area.
Workforce Development programs (category 4): Intended for individuals seeking to earn a workforce development Certificate of Completion in a specific area.
Technician/Professional Certification programs (category 5a): Intended for individuals seeking to meet requirements and/or eligibility for licensure or certification in a specific technical or professional area.

Each certificate category comes with guidelines on how the certificate is administered. In addition, different levels of university services are available to the various certificate categories.

Benefits of Pursuing a Certificate

Career Advancement: Individuals who complete graduate certificate programs have more opportunities for promotion in their current job, increased work responsibilities, and/or new roles or career paths.
Focused Skill Development: College certificates focus on specific areas of study or applicable career skills.
Shorter Time Commitment: Most programs are designed to take two years or less to complete, with some programs built to last mere weeks or a few short months.
Financial Aid Eligibility: Yes, you can receive financial aid for an eligible certificate program. Studentaid.gov defines an eligible program as, “a program of organized instruction or study of a certain length that leads to an academic, professional, or vocational degree or certificate, or other recognized education credential.” Like other degree-granting programs, you can fill out the FAFSA to determine what financial aid may be available for you to complete the certificate program.
Preparation for Employment: Certificates prepare students for employment or career advancement. Certificates are developed through advisory committees consisting of industry leaders, employers, and SRJC faculty ensuring that students are learning the skills needed by the respective industry.
Stackable Credentials: Degrees are often available for many occupational fields that also have a Certificate of Achievement. Students in occupational programs are strongly encouraged to obtain an Associate Degree. This can be done by selecting a major related to the certificate program, or by pursuing a more general major, such as Humanities, Natural Sciences, or Social and Behavioral Sciences. To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must complete the requirements of the major, as well as other degree requirements. A student who has completed a certificate program may be awarded the Associate Degree in a later semester providing all major and degree requirements are met.

Career Paths with Certificates

There are more jobs available through certificate programs today than you might think! Here are 20 careers, each paying a median of more than $30,000 annually, that you can enter after completing a certificate program. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Computer Programmer: Computer programmers write code for software programs. You can go to college for four years to learn computer programming, but there are universities and community colleges that offer certification for these jobs. Some computer programming certificates, like those at Southern New Hampshire University, can be earned as quickly as four months. Others, like Nashville State Community College's certificate program, take a year. Typical time to earn a certificate: four to 12 months. Median salary: $99,700.
Dental Assistant: Dental assistants handle a range of tasks, including maintaining patient records and helping polish teeth, depending on their certifications. To get a dental assistant certification, you may want to take a course from a dental assisting program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. You may be able to get a job as a dental assistant before you get a dental assistant certification, but you'll be limited in the duties you perform. Typical time to earn a certificate: Nine months to two years. Median salary: $46,540.
Home Health Aide: Home health aides, sometimes referred to as home care aides or personal care aides, monitor people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. They also help people who have trouble with daily living activities. The amount of time it takes to get a certification varies, depending on the state. In Indiana, for instance, you’ll need 75 hours, including 16 hours in a classroom and 16 hours in which you’ll have supervised practical training. Typical time to earn a certificate: Typically several weeks. Median salary: $33,530.
Insurance Sales Agent: Insurance agents may sell many different types of insurance, including life, health, disability, long-term care and casualty insurance. All states regulate insurance differently, so there is no national standard for insurance certification. But when you get certified to sell insurance, you also receive a license to sell insurance. The more types of insurance you want to sell, the more coursework you’ll have to do to get your license. Your state’s department of insurance can help you locate courses. Typical time to earn a certificate: 20 hours of coursework. Median salary: $59,080.
Landscaper and Groundskeeper: You don't need a certificate to become a landscaper or groundskeeper, but securing one may help you land the job you want. The National Association of Landscape Professionals offers numerous certifications, including business manager, exterior technician, horticultural technician and lawn care technician. You can earn a certificate through a self-study program and take the exam for certification online. Typical time to earn a certificate: dependent on student. Median salary: $37,360.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses do it all, from installing catheters to delivering medicine and starting IVs. It's an important job, so if you're going to complete a certificate program to be a licensed practical nurse or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN is what the job is called in some states), it needs to be a state-approved certificate program. Generally, you'll find these programs at universities, colleges and nursing schools throughout the country. (Practicalnursing.org is a good resource for research.) You'll want to make sure the school you attend is accredited by national agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Typical time to earn a certificate: one year. Median salary: $59,730.
Massage Therapist: A massage therapist manipulates patients' muscles to alleviate pain, relieve stress and help heal injuries. If you complete a certification program, you can become a professional and learn more than 80 types of treatment. While you can get a certification in less than two years - and possibly within weeks - you'll probably want to take a fairly rigorous program to do it right. Most programs require at least 500 hours of study, and some require 1,000 or more hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For instance, Cuyahoga Community College offers an 810-hour massage therapy post-degree professional certificate. If you already have an associate degree (or a higher degree) from an accredited college or university, you can take a three-semester (one-year) post-degree certificate program in massage therapy. Then you'll be eligible to apply for the State Medical Board of Ohio license (Most states require you to have a license to practice.) Typical time to earn a certificate: two years. Median salary: $55,310.
Medical Assistant: If you're interested in being a medical assistant, which involves administrative, clinical and management tasks within health care organizations, there are a lot of certification programs to explore. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, for instance, offers the Medical Assistant Certificate program. In this program, students complete supervised clinical work, including 160 hours of unpaid practicum experience. After that, they take an exam to become certified medical assistants. Typical time to earn a certificate: one year. Median salary: $42,000.
Medical Records Technician: Many community colleges offer medical records technician certificates. This job involves organizing medical records, including taking a doctor's notes and putting them into the patient's medical record. One of the many places you can get the training for this career is Johnston Community College in Smithfield, North Carolina. It offers classes in medical office administration with courses on medical legal issues, medical terminology and records management. This is an 18-credit course taken over two semesters. You’ll receive a certificate as a medical coding specialist, which is another term for medical records technician. Typical time to earn a certificate: one year. Median salary: $48,780.
Medical Secretary: Medical secretaries manage a doctor’s office. Their duties include meeting patients, collecting co-pays and scheduling appointments. Essentially, medical secretaries set the tone for the doctor’s office and ensure operations run smoothly. This isn’t a career in which you must have a certification, but it could make you more competitive in the job market. A certification course will also teach you the ins and outs of running a medical office. The National Healthcareer Association offers a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification. It culminates in a three-hour exam, which covers medical laws, office procedures and clinical patient care procedures. Typical time to earn a certificate: It varies, ranging from six weeks to two years. Median salary: $40,640.
Nursing Aide: Nursing aides work in nursing homes or hospitals, taking residents’ or patients' blood pressure or temperature as well as completing other tasks. Certifications for this job depend on the state. For instance, Ohio requires 75 hours of classwork in the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program, followed by a state-administered competency evaluation test. Arizona requires 120 hours of training, classroom and clinical experience through the Nurse Aide Registration Program, provided by the Arizona State Board of Nursing, which is followed by an exam. Nursing aides generally have to renew their certification every few years. Typical time to earn a certificate: four to 12 weeks. Median salary: $38,200.
Ophthalmic Medical Technician: An ophthalmic medical technician takes a patient's history and performs visual testing, along with other duties, before the eye doctor comes in. Many people learn how to do this on the job, but if you want to advance your career or get training, you may consider a certificate program. For example, the certified ophthalmic assistant certification requires taking a three-hour test with 200 questions. In the longer term, you might want to get an advanced certification, such as certified ophthalmic technician or certified ophthalmic medical technologist. You can learn more from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Typical time to earn a certificate: dependent on student. Median salary: $41,780.
Paramedic: Generally, to be a paramedic, you first train to become an emergency medical technician. You can often get your EMT training in about six months, but then you can expect paramedic training to take a year. You can get this training without a college degree, although you will need a high school diploma or GED. But to get your license, you’ll likely need your paramedic certification. Typical time to earn a certificate: 18 months. Median salary: $53,180.
Pharmacy Technician: This is an important job that involves measuring, mixing, counting and labeling medication dosages. Pharmacy techs also communicate with insurance companies and help patients navigate insurance. Typical time to earn a certificate: a few months to two years, depending on the state. Median salary: $40,300.
Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions and donations. Most states don't require certification, but most employers want applicants to complete a phlebotomy certificate program and earn professional certification. You can find these certificate programs throughout the country, often at community colleges, vocational schools or technical schools. Typical time to earn a certificate: four to eight months. Median salary: $41,810.
Plumber: Think of a plumbing certificate as the key that gets you in the front door of this industry. It won’t turn you into a plumber, but it should make you a more attractive candidate to any company hiring plumbers who are just starting in the field. To get your plumbers license, you may need to undergo an apprenticeship program. But some companies will train you for free to help you get your license, and many vocational schools and community colleges offer coursework that can help you get a plumbing certificate. Typical time to earn a certificate: at least 12 months. Median salary: $61,550.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer: This job involves installing solar panels on homes and businesses to help conserve energy. Your local community college or technical school may offer classes that lead to certification. You may be certified and employed within the week, although the more complex the class - like one that lasts a few months - the more likely you’ll find a better-paying job. Typical time to earn a certificate: a few days to a few months, depending on the course. Median salary: $48,800.
Surgical Technologist: Surgical technologists sterilize the operating room and set out tools on the tables for procedures. They may also be involved in other ways, such as helping patients onto the table and preparing medications. You can often get a certification for these jobs at a vocational or technical school. At the end of your coursework, you’ll take an exam offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Typical time to earn a certificate: 12 to 24 months. Median salary: $60,610.
Transit Bus Driver: Bus drivers safely shuttle passengers to their destinations. Where you get your bus driver’s certification depends on your state. Often, you need a certificate that will allow you to have a commercial driver’s license. Your CDL should make you eligible to be a city bus driver or a school bus driver. Some city departments pay employees for the time it takes to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Typical time to earn a certificate: It varies, but may last a few months. Median salary: $60,170.
Wind Turbine Technician: Wind turbine technicians, also known as wind techs, are often at the top of wind turbines, replacing parts, performing maintenance and troubleshooting. If you're looking to get a certificate to be a wind turbine technician, many places throughout the country offer training programs. This site can help you find a training program in your area, unless you live in a handful of states that don't offer them. An example program is the 33-credit wind turbine service technician certificate program offered by the State University of New York's Clinton Community College. Typical time to earn a certificate: two years. Median salary: $61,770.

Other careers to consider include certified nurse assistant (CNA), veterinary assistant, technology support role, preschool teacher, and web designer.

Awards and Recognition

Providing recognition to students and staff for their hard work is a great opportunity to shine a light on hard work, dedication, and good behavior of those who are willing to go above and beyond. When used correctly, awards provide an opportunity to highlight the types of behaviors that will make both students and staff more successful in school and in life. Whether a student is in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, or beyond, an award is a great way to let them know that you care and that you see their efforts.

When it comes to the world of education, we have a tremendous amount of opportunity to award students. SimpleCert® allows you to create and customize any type of printable award or certificate with its drag and drop editor. A certificate of achievement can be easily adapted for all types of achievements from grades to athletics. Making it through a full year of school without missing a single day is a huge accomplishment! Getting good grades takes hard work and dedication. Students who go above and beyond in the classroom deserve recognition.

Beyond those pre-made ideas, with SimpleCert® you can create and customize any school or education certificate you can imagine.

Homework Hero
Honor Roll
Enthusiastic Learner
Excellent Effort Award
The Extra Mile Award
Kind Classmate Award
Leadership Award
Math Master
Miss Manners Award
Most Caring
Most Improvement
Most Responsible
Most Thoughtful
Most Trustworthy
Technology Whiz
Top Reader
The Kindness Counts Award
The Wow! Award
Writing Wizard
The Yes I Can!

So often, awards go to those who are gifted in areas like academics and athletics. While those are great qualities worthy of awards, there are many excellent students gifted in other areas. The possibilities for creating your school awards certificates are endless with SimpleCert®!

Creating Custom Certificates

Our easy online certificate designer allows you to make custom certificates that look exactly how you want to in minutes. No need to worry about technicalities like conforming to columns or rows, padding, boxes, or tables. Using our shockingly simple drag and drop certificate maker, you can design your certificate exactly how you want it. If you need to add some clip art, that’s no problem. You can easily use ours or upload your own custom images. Plus, there’s no need to be an experienced designer, we have a number of free certificate templates created by professional designers ready for you to use right now!

You also don’t need to worry about installing any software. The SimpleCert® certificate maker is online software so you can be up and running in minutes. It works seamlessly on Apple Mac or Windows PC devices with no need for special settings or configurations. Just sign up and you’re ready to go. No matter how you choose to award your students, SimpleCert® is a must have resource. Sign up today to create your first free award template! With SimpleCert® you can easily create simple one-off certificates or you can print awards for the entire school with our simple roster upload capability.

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