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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Certificate and Certification?

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The main difference between a certificate and certification lies in their purpose, issuing authority, and the process involved in obtaining them:

  1. Purpose:
  • A certificate is evidence of education, indicating that you have completed a specific course or program of study, often focusing on a particular subject area.
  • A certification is evidence of passing an exam or meeting industry standards, indicating mastery or competency in a specific skill or profession.
  1. Issuing Authority:
  • Certificates are usually awarded by educational institutions, such as universities or colleges.
  • Certifications are typically granted by professional associations or certifying organizations.
  1. Process:
  • To earn a certificate, you usually need to complete a course or series of courses with a particular focus.
  • To obtain certification, you must meet the requirements set by the professional association or certifying organization, which may include completing a certain amount of education or training, passing an exam, and meeting ongoing continuing education requirements.

In some cases, certificate programs serve as exam prep for professional certification. However, a certificate does not mean you are certified; to become certified, you will need to take and pass a certification exam. Certifications are often nationally or globally recognized, making them more valuable in the job market.

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  • What is the Difference Between Certificate and Certification?
  • Comparative Table: Certificate vs Certification

    • Comparative Table: Certificate vs Certification

    Here is a table comparing the differences between certificates and certifications:

    Feature Certificate Certification
    Definition A certificate is earned by completing a course or program of study, indicating a certain level of knowledge. A certification is a professional credential earned through a professional training program or assessment, indicating competence in a specific field.
    Duration Certificates are typically shorter in duration than certifications. Certifications often require extensive, industry-specific training and may entail continuing education units.
    Awarding Institution Certificates can be awarded by companies, educational institutions, or specialized groups. Certifications are awarded by professional organizations or industry-specific bodies.
    Credibility Certificates indicate content mastery and academic knowledge, but may not carry the same weight as certifications in the job market. Certifications are professional credentials that indicate progress in your career and may be required for certain roles.
    Resume and Email Signature Completed certificates can be mentioned on a resume to showcase academic knowledge or expertise in a given area. Certifications can be included in an email signature to indicate professional credentials and progress in your career.

    In summary, certificates are awarded after completing a course or program of study, while certifications are professional credentials earned through a training program or assessment. Certificates generally indicate content mastery, whereas certifications signal competence in a specific field and may be required for certain job roles.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.