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Best online certificates for career growth

Interested in acquiring new skills and demonstrating your experience to employers? Read our guide to learn more about online certificates and find the right program for your goals.

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Key takeaways

  • Online certificate programs help learners acquire new skills and demonstrate their industry knowledge to potential employers.
  • Programs can vary in length and cost. Participants can audit many individual courses for free or enroll in more comprehensive programs.
  • Though online certificate programs cannot replace a college education, some microcredentials help students acquire college credits that may transfer to other institutions.
What are online certificate programs?

Online certificates showcase your dedication, skills, and experience to employers. A certificate program can help you gain industry knowledge and credibility to advance your career. Though online certificates cannot replace an undergraduate or graduate degree, some microcredentials like MicroBachelors® and MicroMasters® can help you earn affordable college credits that may transfer to degree programs.

Are online certificates worth it?

Online certificates offer value to busy learners seeking to acquire new skills and industry knowledge. Compared to formal higher education, online certificates offer affordability, flexibility, and a skill-focused approach. Learners can choose from individual courses, professional certificates, or multi-course programs to balance their professional development with other life commitments.

Types of online certificate programs (and how to choose)

Professional certificates

Professional certificates consist of a series of career-focused courses to help learners develop in-demand skills in a specific field.

  • Best for: Career-focused learners who want to build field-specific skills to launch new projects, stay ahead of rapidly changing trends, or discover a new career path.
  • Duration: 2-10 months
  • Career outcomes: 82% of program completers felt the program had a positive impact on their careers.

Can online certificates lead to a degree?

MicroBachelors® programs allow learners to earn college credits. Some of these credits may transfer and count toward a full bachelor's degree. Similarly, transferable credits earned in MicroMasters® programs can reduce the time to completion for a full master's degree.

Be sure to check the details before enrolling, since some credits earned in MicroMasters® programs do not transfer to institutional graduate programs.

Popular online certificates by career field

Acquire skills in the rapidly changing field of artificial intelligence to drive results in your organization. Explore topics like AI tools, ChatGPT, and computer science for artificial intelligence with our online certificates.

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Learn how to interpret data and deliver actionable insights to your team with a data analytics certificate. Examine topics such as excel, data analytics methods, and data analysis for management.

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Interested in developing machine learning expertise? Check out our introductory and intermediate certificates covering topics like computer science, tiny machine learning, and fundamentals of Google AI.

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Want to turn large data sets into actionable insights? Consider completing a data science certificate in partnership with institutions like Harvard and MIT.

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Pick up new skills in information technology with a professional certificate or an executive education program. You can specialize in topics like cybersecurity or IT support.

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If you want to boost your project management skills, consider a professional certificate or executive education program. You can explore topics like project management fundamentals, Agile methodology, and IT project management.

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Build your digital marketing skills with our professional certificates and executive education programs. Learn topics like digital marketing fundamentals, disruptive strategy, and customer engagement today.

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Interested in a MicroMasters®, executive education program, or professional certificate in business? Check out our programs to explore topics like entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and business sustainability strategy.

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Open up new career possibilities by learning Python. Check out our certificate programs to get a general introduction to Python or to explore its applications in computer science, data science, and computational thinking.

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An understanding of psychology can help you lead and manage teams effectively. Add a psychology certificate to your résumé and explore topics like addiction and recovery, high performance, and organizational psychology.

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Earn a credential that employers recognize

Most individuals are interested in building AI skills to stay competitive at work.

79%

express interest in investing in AI education

51%

state that promotions or job security motivate AI learning

26%

say they don't know where to start learning AI skills

Explore more findings from our survey.

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Explore more topics and find the certificate that fits your goals.

Certificates vs certifications: what's the difference?

Certificates demonstrate your ongoing commitment to education and professional development, while certifications serve as credentials that license an individual to practice a profession for a given period of time. Certificates come from institutions focused on learning and professional development and never expire, while certifications often involve official industry or government licensure and require periodic renewal.

Senior male business manager smiling during a meeting with colleagues in the office board room.
Woman working from home with a boston terrier dog.

How to choose the right online certificate

1. Start with your career goal

Before pursuing a certificate, identify your specific situation and goal. If you want to switch careers, a professional certificate or microcredential can help you acquire new skills and boost your résumé. For current leaders who want to deepen their industry knowledge and leadership potential, consider an executive education program.

2. Identify the skills you need to build

Compare multiple job descriptions with your ideal title at different organizations and examine industry trends to determine which skills you need to hone. For example, a job seeker searching for marketing roles might see frequent mentions of SEO and data analytics, while a job seeker searching for data roles might often see requirements for SQL and Python knowledge.

3. Consider time commitment and flexibility

Certificate programs take time and attention to complete. When searching for a program, honestly evaluate how much time you have available to commit. Consider, for example, how much time per week you can spend studying the total duration of the program. If instructor-led programs don't provide enough flexibility, consider self-paced options.

4. Evaluate credibility and outcomes

Choose a certificate program that will signal quality to future employers and provide positive career outcomes. Evaluate the credibility of the issuing institution and ensure that the certificate contributes to your goals. Understand that certificates are not professional certifications and do not provide official licensure of any kind.

5. Compare cost vs return on investment

Before spending money on a certificate, compare the program's cost to the potential return on investment. Consider the impact that a certificate could have on your salary or career advancement. If you seek to transition to a new role, ensure your salary expectations are realistic.

Gain new skills — Get started with a certificate

Now that you know how certificates work, it's time to earn one that aligns with your interests and goals. Get started with a certificate program on edX, learn in-demand skills, and qualify for new careers.

Explore edX online courses

Frequently asked questions about online certificates

Do employers recognize online certificates?

Yes, employers can look for legitimate certificates to verify your skills and experience. Further, institutional backing from organizations like Harvard, MIT, and IBM can lend additional weight to a certificate.

Can online certificates replace a degree?

While online certificates cannot replace a full undergraduate or graduate degree, some programs, like the MicroBachelors® or MicroMasters®, can provide transferable college credits without the high cost of tuition or the inflexibility of in-person coursework.

How much do online certificate programs cost?

Online certificate programs vary in cost. For example, you can audit many courses for free or earn a verified certificate for an individual course starting at around $50. Some professional certificates, which involve multiple courses and typically take several months to complete, start at around $500.

Can I add an edX certificate to my résumé?

Yes, you can put edX certificates on your résumé. Include certificates in your résumé's education section, or create a new section for professional development. Don't forget to and online work portfolio.

Are edX certificates worth it?

Yes. edX certificates can be worth it for workers across many fields looking to upskill in a tight economy. As certificates take only weeks or months to earn, they can help you respond quickly to changing economic trends impacting your career field. Other advantages include open enrollment and a significantly lower cost of attendance compared to a degree program.