Certifications validate an individual's skills, knowledge, and expertise in a particular field, generally through the use of a standardized test.
Certifications act as a seal of approval, assuring employers that the certified professional possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively. In a competitive job market, having the right certification can set one applicant apart from another, as employers often prioritize certified professionals. In some fields, such as Emergency Medical Services, certification or licensure is a requirement for employment in the field. Certifications may be recognized statewide, nationally, or even internationally. Other certifications may not be recognized at all, depending on the certifying body.
While certifications are relevant across various sectors, certification plays a crucial role in specific industries.
For example, CPR and First Aid certification is a requirement in most healthcare professions, but it is also required, or at least recommended, for teachers working with children, childcare providers, coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists, outdoor guides, scout leaders, park rangers, police, lifeguards and swim instructors, flight attendants, social workers, and others. In fact, CPR training is heavily promoted among the general public.
Other certifications, such as ACLS and PALS, are required for those in specific medical professions only.
A large range of certifications are applicable to the technology and IT professions. Examples include the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate, which covers IT support skills, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate for entry-level data analysts, and the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Certification programs are available for many software packages designed for various industries. While these certificates are not required by statute, the possession of relevant certifications can be used to assure prospective employers that an applicant possesses at least a basic level of expertise in the software they will be using on the job.
Hundreds of other certifications are relevant to other professions, such as business, management, and marketing.
Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Grow with Google offer flexible training programs that lead to certifications. While some of these will have specific start and completion dates, others allow individuals to learn at their own pace and gain practical skills.
Certification programs might be sponsored by large corporations offering certification in the use of their own proprietary products, by industry associations, by accredited or non-accredited colleges or universities, or by online platforms offering training and certification in a large number of subjects.
For example, Udemy is an online learning and teaching platform that allows anyone with expertise in a subject to offer a course on its platform, which others may register for. Many of these courses offer certificates of completion.
As is the case with college and university degrees, some certifications are more likely to be accepted by prospective employers than others, so due diligence is recommended.
This portion of our web guide is for online certification programs, as well as online training programs that can result in certification upon completion.
Recommended Resources
Offering online training and certification across various industries in the United States, 360 Training provides regulatory-approved training to individuals and organizations. Established in Texas in 1997, the company has grown to serve millions of learners in more than sixty countries. Course categories include Environment, Health and safety, Food and beverage, Real Estate, Healthcare, Insurance, Business Skills, HR, Ethics and compliance, and Power and Industrial Skills.
https://www.360training.com/
Accredited Certification Institute
Specializing in business training programs, each of which is also a certification program that provides successful participants with a certificate in the specific field they are being trained for; the company offers training in marketing, business management, investment, and finance. With a monthly subscription, access to multiple training programs is available, and a Master's Certificate can be earned by completing five of its programs. Testimonials are provided.
https://businesstraining.com/
CMC provides learning solutions to help individuals, teams, and organizations achieve their business goals. Its courses cover topics related to women in business, communication and interpersonal skills, customer service, human resources and training, leadership, management, professional effectiveness, project management, sales and marketing, strategy and analysis, and working virtually. CMC licensing and AMA management certifications are also offered.
https://cmcoutperform.com/
The veteran-owned company offers online certification training for compliance with U.S. Cal/OSHA, DOT, HAZMAT, EEOC, EPA, HAZWOPER, HIPAA, IATA, DGR, IMO, MSHA, and Canada's OHS regulations. Its website includes a course catalog of its offerings, terms and conditions and instructions for signing up, a list of clients, and client testimonials. Other resources include contacts, a help section, a FAQ, and an informational blog. Registered students and administrators may log into their accounts.
https://www.compliancetrainingonline.com/
Founded in 2012, Coursera is a global online course provider. In cooperation with over three hundred universities and other organizations, Coursera offers online courses, certifications, and degrees in various topics and disciplines. Traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Coursera earns revenue by selling verified certificates that authenticate course completion, although courses may be taken for free. Its offerings for individuals, businesses, universities, and governments are featured.
https://www.coursera.org/
CRS Info Solutions is an online training institute that offers comprehensive courses and certifications in various information technology (IT) domains. It provides expertly designed training programs to help clients excel in today's fast-paced technological landscape, catering to students and professionals worldwide. Its courses include Salesforce Course, Salesforce Lightning, React JS Training, and Angular JS Training, with certification available. Reviews are provided.
https://www.crsinfosolutions.com/
The for-profit education platform's chief focus is on managing a variety of course offerings, including elite brand boot camps. Founded by the administrations of MIT and Harvard in 2012, the company included a high school initiative in 2014 and professional education courses that same year, partnering with Microsoft the following year. Since then, several tech companies have partnered with edX to provide subsidized online courses and guaranteed job interviews.
https://www.edx.org/
Udemy, an education technology company based in California, has been in business since 2010 and has hubs in Denver, Colorado, Texas, Australia, India, Ireland, and Turkey. Claiming more than two hundred thousand courses and seventy-five thousand instructors teaching courses in seventy-five languages, most of its courses are designed to improve job-related skills, some generating credit toward technical certification. Its courses, plans, pricing, and teaching opportunities are noted.
https://www.udemy.com/
