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What is a digital certificate?


Are you seeking a way to learn fundamental skills and boost your job prospects? Learn how earning a digital certificate can help you reach your professional goals.

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

A digital certificate is a formal credential that signals your completion of an online training program or class. You might pursue a digital certificate as a means of:

  • Supplementing the knowledge you've gained from a degree program
  • Gaining new skills and insights to enhance your professional performance
  • Obtaining foundational knowledge to pivot into a new career
  • Showcasing your skills and expertise to land a promotion or a new job

Digital certificates are highly convenient and many employers value them. Certificates provide a way to quickly validate a candidate's knowledge and skills and can often emphasize practical skills over theoretical understanding.

What are the benefits of digital certificates?

When you earn a digital certificate with edX, you'll gain the following benefits:

  • Personalized learning: Choose what you want to learn and map out an educational path tailored to your unique goals.
  • Increased adaptability: Stay up to date with the latest developments in your field and make yourself more competitive for jobs and promotions.
  • Greater visibility: Add easily searchable certificate titles to your online profiles, making employers more likely to find you when looking for candidates.

A digital certificate can be thought of as a tool you can use to increase your skill sets and help you land a job more efficiently.

Should I get a digital certificate?

Here are a few reasons you may want to pursue a digital certificate:

  • Digital certificates are available in several different disciplines, from cloud computing to marketing and data analytics.
  • Many applicants who apply for a new role with a digital certificate receive one or more job offers.
  • A growing number of employers are leaving college degree requirements behind in favor of skills-based hiring.

These benefits can make earning a professional certificate from a digital platform worth it for both currently employed professionals and job-seekers looking for a new role.

Get started on edX

Explore digital certificate programs from edX today and sign up for a course to enhance your skills.

Find the right digital certificate program for you

Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

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