Online certification in many fields has become a major part of the educational experience. Obtaining a document of certification in a field of study establishes to all concerned that a certain level of knowledge and experience has been achieved. Traditional schooling refers to the receiving of a degree at the end of a program of learning. Often, a degree signifies a broad amount of learning has taken place, along with some specific knowledge.
The traditional schooling degree can mean different things to different people. A nursing degree shows that a person has been through a program of specific knowledge with many options. Depending on the options that each individual selects, the outcome can be significantly different from person-to-person. The degree is the same, but the options are many.
Online certification, on the other hand, provides an established way of measuring what has been achieved. Many people can hold certificates, but they all have to pass through the same door to achieve it. No matter how varied their education was, the certificate is a specific benchmark that a certain minimum level of knowledge and experience has been achieved.
Usually, a certification program has a specific end in view. The users may obtain varied knowledge along the way, but the options are not as great, and the timeframe is usually shorter than the time it takes to receive a traditional degree. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach. The advantages include a shorter time period of study and experience. Certification programs can be as short as few days, and as long as several years. If one is testing knowledge and experience already gained, the certification program usually involves an instructor giving a short presentation from the perspective of the certifying body, and then a test given as a means of demonstrating the required knowledge has been achieved.
In longer certification programs, the classroom instruction is usually geared toward the requirements of the certification. There may be some optional classes, but usually within a narrow field of choices.
In a traditional degree, there is no single, all-inclusive testing. Each class has an evaluation, but the sum of the entire program is not condensed into a single outcome, as is the case with certification.
Certification programs are growing in popularity as the need for specific skills grows, and the assurance that a specific level of knowledge and experience has been achieved. Traditional degrees are sometimes viewed as stepping-stones to a certification. They insure a broad basic knowledge in many areas have been covered, and the person with a traditional degree has a wide perspective on many different issues.
What is the next step? Find out about inexpensive online certifications are to obtain, for example, radiologist salary. Also, opportunities in health related fields with options such as CNA classes online. Many different certification fields are now available. Jump start your career today! Learn more from this author.
