Interested in how you can qualify for a career? You’ve probably seen terms like certificate, certification, and license. They may sound similar, but understanding the differences can help you choose the right training or credential—whether you’re just entering the job market, you’re a mid-career professional, or you’re thinking about changing careers. CareerOneStop.org is a great place to explore your options.
First, let’s look at certificates. These are academic awards offered by colleges and other training providers that help you qualify for jobs much faster than earning a 2- or 4-year degree. Certificate programs often range from a few weeks to a year-plus, and they focus on teaching practical skills for a particular job such as EMT, cybersecurity analyst, nursing assistant, HVAC, and many others. On CareerOneStop, the Local Training Finder lets you search for certificate programs in any U.S. location.
Next are certifications. Certifications are not required to enter a career, but they can make you more competitive in the job market and some employers may specify one for certain specialized or technical roles. Certifications are awarded by professional organizations or industry groups. They show you have met a certain level of knowledge or skill in a field, usually by completing training and passing an exam. Certifications in specific software, project management, data science, accounting, medical coding, and more, are in demand by employers. CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder provides details for thousands of national certifications.
Finally, there are occupational licenses. These are credentials that are required by law to work in certain careers. A license is issued by a state or federal government agency, with a goal of protecting public safety and ensuring that workers meet specific standards.
A license is often required for careers in fields like healthcare, education, and trades like electrician and plumber. State requirements vary – for example, the number of practice hours or supervision needed before you can practice independently.
Earning a license requires significant effort—such as completing an approved training program, gaining a certain amount of hands-on experience, and passing an exam. New training and skill development is often required to maintain a license. These requirements keep skilled licensed professionals in demand with employers. CareerOneStop’s License Finder helps you find licensing information for any U.S. state.
Visit CareerOneStop.org and click on “Find training and education” to explore licenses, certifications, and training programs—and take the next step toward your career goals.