What is a certificate program?

Written by: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Published: May 12, 2025

Would you like to develop a new skill or hone one you already have? Consider how enrolling in a certificate program can help you reach your goals.

What is a certificate program, and why is it important?

A certificate program is an educational training course that helps you develop or enhance one specific skill or knowledge area. Many of today's employers place a high value on candidates who are committed to continual learning and possess practical, up-to-date skills that can help the company achieve its objectives. In some cases, learning skills from a certificate program can make you a preferred candidate.

You can attend a professional certificate program in a variety of disciplines, such as marketing, data analytics, sales, and more. These programs may be able to help you land a new job or even become eligible for a promotion with your current employer.

What are the benefits of a certificate program?

Enrolling in a certificate program can offer you several important career benefits, including:

Lower costs: Certificate programs can be shorter than degree programs, which is why they often cost less.
New skills: Many certificate programs help you develop a particular skill, which is excellent for those who don't need broad training.
Better opportunities: Many employers use a skills-based hiring process that highly values candidates with specific job-related capabilities.

Certificate programs can give you the power to align your skill set with the career and role you desire.

Should I get a certificate?

There are many reasons why you may choose to enroll in a certificate program, including:

Certificate programs often offer different levels of training for beginner and advanced students.
The Society for Human Resource Management reports that 73% of employers used skills-based hiring in 2023, highlighting the need for employees with skill sets that are aligned with company goals
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that, during the 2023-24 academic year, the average cost of tuition for full-time students in a four-year degree program at a public institution was $27,100, while a certificate course usually costs significantly less.

A certificate program is an opportunity to build skills, increase your earning potential, and qualify for better opportunities.

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Frequently asked questions about certificate programs

How long does it take to earn a certificate?

Certificate programs may take anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks to complete. Still, the length of your certificate program depends on the skill you want to learn, your current skill level, how quickly you can learn information, and the training style and curriculum of the course.

Is a certificate program worth it?

A certificate program that positions you to advance in your profession or land another job can be worth it, as it can increase your earning potential and help you find a pathway into an enjoyable career.

What is the difference between a certificate program and a degree program?

A degree program gives students an opportunity to study a broad range of subjects related to one overarching topic over the course of several years. A certificate program usually focuses on developing one specific skill and often lasts only a few weeks or months.

Skill Development