Learn The Difference Between Certificate, Credential & Degree
Increase Security, Reduce Costs, and Revolutionise Credential Experience
Having a solid education is more important than ever in today’s highly competitive job market. Employers are looking for qualified candidates who have the educational background and certification they require. In this context, people who have dedicated themselves to improving their skills and increasing their knowledge will stand out.
However, the educational market also offers an overwhelming amount of options for people who want to continue studying. Not only that, but companies have also seen the benefits of providing certifications to their employees, retaining talent and encouraging professional growth. Do you know what certifications are available in the market and what the difference is between certificates, degrees, and credentials?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they each have distinct meanings and uses.
This article will explore the differences between these credentials and how they can make a difference in a competitive job market. By understanding the nuances of each type of education, you can make informed decisions about your educational and professional goals.
What are the definitions of certificate, credential and degree?
Certificates, credentials, and degrees are all forms of recognition or documentation that signify completion of education, training, or achievement in a particular field or discipline. While they serve similar purposes, there are distinctions between them in terms of scope, duration, and the institutions that issue them.
To explain the difference between these three types of credentials, it is important to clarify what each document is and what they offer to holders and issuers.
What is a credential?
A credential is a document that details a qualification, competence, or authority. It is issued by a third party with relevant expertise to do so.
Credentials is the umbrella term covering academic diplomas, degrees, certifications, security clearances, identification documents, badges, and many other documents that attest to someone’s authority. Sometimes, publications such as scientific papers or books can also be considered a credential, especially if they were peer-reviewed.
Credentials can be obtained through both academic and non-academic routes, and they may be required for certain professions or regulated industries. Examples of credentials include teaching licenses, professional certifications (e.g., Certified Public Accountant), and industry-specific qualifications (e.g., Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
What is a certificate?
A certificate is a type of credential that attests to the completion of a particular course of study or level of proficiency in a particular subject. They are typically awarded by schools, colleges, universities or other educational institutions.
The document serves as a formal recognition of a person’s achievements in their educational pursuits. It may be awarded as the result of technical training, a language course, or specific classes.
Certificates provide specific skills or knowledge related to a particular industry or job function, such as computer programming, project management, or graphic design. While certificates may not carry the same weight as degrees in terms of academic recognition, they are valued in the job market for demonstrating specialised skills and competence.
The information included in a certificate varies depending on the institution that issued it or the program of study. Typically, it includes the name of the educational institution, the recipient’s name, the program’s title, the date on which the course was completed, or the certificate awarded.
In some professions, a certificate is required to demonstrate a candidate’s level of expertise or capacity to deal with a certain task. Getting a certificate can represent career development or qualification.
What is a degree?
Another type of credential is a degree, which is an academic qualification awarded to students who have completed a certain level of study in a specific field or discipline. They typically require several years of full-time study and are divided into undergraduate (e.g., associate’s and bachelor’s degrees) and graduate (e.g., master’s and doctoral degrees) levels.
Usually, degrees are issued by colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions. Each type of degree will indicate a holder’s level of education. There are associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, all corresponding to a certain amount of study and dedication to a specific field.
Degrees are essential for people interested in a career in academia. Still, they also can demonstrate to employers the level of dedication and expertise a holder will have on a subject. They can also play an important part in recruitment, as some professions require degrees in specific fields.
Other types of certifications
Other than certificates, credentials and degrees, you might also have come across certifications such as badges, licenses and diplomas.
Diplomas are also related to the academic field. Students will receive a diploma after completing a course of study. However, unlike a degree, a diploma will usually represent a lower level of education.
Licenses require more practice. They represent someone’s skill rather than a dedication to a study. Think of a driver’s license, for example. They can also attest to someone’s capacity to perform a task.
Badges are a much more straightforward representation of individual achievements, often given as an award for completing a task, a workshop or a test.
What is the difference between a certificate, credential and degree?
Now that you understand what each of these certifications represents, we can discuss what they have in common and how they differ.
Although all three types of certifications are proof of dedication to a course of study, they are used in different contexts and for various purposes.
Certainly! Here are the key differences between certificates, credentials, and degrees:
Scope and Duration
Certificates are typically short-term programs, lasting from a few weeks to several months, focusing on specific skills or knowledge.
Credentials, on the other hand, can encompass various qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, licenses, and certifications, and their duration can vary widely depending on the specific credential.
Degrees involve a more extensive course of study, often spanning several years, and provide a comprehensive education in a chosen field.
Focus and Specialisation
These documents also differ in their focus and level of specialisation. Certificates are highly focused on providing specific skills or knowledge relevant to a particular industry or job function.
Credentials may cover a broad range of qualifications and can be specialised or general, depending on the field or profession. Degrees offer a broad education within a discipline, covering theoretical concepts, practical skills, and often research or professional experiences.
Issuing Institutions
Certificates are typically offered by vocational schools, community colleges, online learning platforms, or professional organisations.
Credentials can be obtained from various sources, including educational institutions, government agencies, professional associations, and industry certification bodies.
Degrees are awarded by colleges, universities, or other higher education institutions accredited to grant academic degrees.
Recognition and Acceptance
While certificates may not carry the same academic recognition as degrees, they are valued in the job market for demonstrating specific skills and competencies.
Credentials are widely recognised as evidence of an individual’s qualifications, expertise, or authority in a given field, and they may be required for certain professions or regulated industries.
Degrees are highly regarded in academia and the professional world, often serving as prerequisites for advanced careers or positions requiring specialised knowledge or expertise.
Career Implications
Certificates can be beneficial for entry-level positions or career advancement within a specific field, providing targeted skills or knowledge.
Credentials can enhance career opportunities by demonstrating expertise or meeting regulatory requirements in various professions or industries.
Degrees are essential for many professional careers, offering broader educational backgrounds and opening doors to advanced positions, higher salaries, and opportunities for further academic or professional development.
The Benefits of Having Certified Qualifications
Having qualifications attested by certificates, degrees, or credentials offers several benefits, which can enhance one’s career prospects, professional credibility, and personal development.
The benefits listed here underscore the importance of investing in education, training, and professional development to support one’s career aspirations and long-term success:
Enhanced Career Opportunities
Qualifications attested by certificates, degrees, or credentials can open doors to a wider range of career opportunities, including entry-level positions, specialised roles, and advanced career paths.
Employers often seek candidates with relevant qualifications, as they demonstrate competence, dedication, and readiness to perform specific job duties or responsibilities.
Validation of Skills and Knowledge
Certificates, degrees, and credentials serve as tangible evidence of an individual’s skills, knowledge, and expertise in a particular field or discipline.
They validate the completion of educational programs, training courses, or professional development activities, affirming the individual’s proficiency and readiness for employment or further advancement.
Increased Professional Credibility
Possessing recognised qualifications lends credibility and legitimacy to an individual’s professional profile, fostering trust and confidence among employers, clients, colleagues, and peers.
Credentials from reputable institutions or certification bodies carry additional weight and can enhance one’s reputation within their industry or profession.
Higher Earning Potential
Qualifications attested by certificates, degrees, or credentials are often associated with higher earning potential, as they demonstrate specialised skills, expertise, and qualifications that are valued in the job market.
Individuals with advanced degrees or professional certifications typically command higher salaries and may have access to more lucrative career opportunities.
Global Mobility and Recognition
Qualifications attested by certificates, degrees, or credentials are often recognised and respected internationally, allowing individuals to pursue career opportunities abroad or collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
International recognition of qualifications can enhance mobility, job prospects, and professional networking opportunities on a global scale.
Personal Fulfilment and Growth
Achieving qualifications and obtaining certificates, degrees, or credentials can be personally fulfilling, as it signifies personal growth, achievement, and self-improvement.
Continuous learning and professional development contribute to personal and professional growth, enriching individuals’ lives and expanding their horizons.
How to issue credentials and certificates
Companies interested in encouraging the professional development of their employees or retaining talent can issue credentials or certificates. The initiative can contribute to the credibility of the organisation in the sector, positioning it as an expert in the field.
Depending on the type of course or program companies offer and their goals, they can go about issuing these documents in several ways.
In-house training programs
Companies can develop their own training programs and issue credentials to employees who complete them.
This approach allows organisations to tailor their training to specific needs, ensuring that employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.
Partner with accredited institutions
Partnering with an accredited institution, such as a university or a school, gives companies the opportunity to leverage the expertise and experience of organisations to improve the skills of employees.
With this approach, companies can still tailor the program according to their specific needs but will not be responsible for the educational aspect of the course or the training.
Online certification programs
It is also possible to develop online certification programs or courses. Employees can complete training or a series of activities online and receive a certificate at the end.
Online courses can include videos, interactive elements, quizzes and even forums. Employees will get more information on a topic and feel encouraged to further improve their careers.
Regardless of a company’s approach, it’s vital to ensure that the program is rigorous and credible and that the credential or certificate has value in the industry. Companies should also consider how they will market the program to potential participants and how they will verify that individuals who claim to hold the credential or certificate have actually earned it.
Final thoughts
Certificates, credentials, and degrees are all important indicators of educational achievement, but they represent different levels of accomplishment and have different implications for career advancement.
Certificates typically focus on a specific skill or competency and can be earned relatively quickly, while credentials are broader in scope and may require more extensive training and experience. Degrees are the most comprehensive form of education, encompassing a wide range of subjects and taking several years to complete.
Understanding the differences between these educational credentials is crucial for individuals seeking to advance their careers and for employers looking to hire the most qualified candidates. It can also be beneficial information for companies looking to offer certifications to their employees.
Ultimately, whether pursuing a certificate, credential, or degree, the key to success is a commitment to learning and a dedication to developing the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in one’s chosen field.
Contact us if you are interested in offering your students or employees a document attesting their qualifications and skills. Providing certificates, credentials, or degrees can significantly increase the value of your brand and the credibility of your institution.