Reasons Why Certifications Are Better Than a Degree?

Photo of author
Simon Mclellan

Writer, developer.

The certificate has become a more critical piece of paper in today’s job market. A degree may be the most common certification form, but it is not always the best. Certifications can show mastery in areas that degrees cannot. A degree is a good start, but having certifications can help set you apart from other candidates and certify that you’re up-to-date with the latest trends. The following are some reasons why professional certification is better than degrees.

Cheaper

Certifications are usually much less expensive than degrees. Generally speaking, certification programs are significantly less costly than degree programs, giving you more options in life. However, the price of the certificate may vary. If you want to be paid more without investing too much time or money into your education, getting certified is probably many times better than just getting a degree(s).

Faster

Depending on what career path you decide to take after high school graduation, one of the most important things that you might want to do is get a good education to have a better job and make more money. Some people spend their entire lives going back to school, getting new degrees, and working towards higher-paying jobs. In some cases, they never achieve the career or income level they desire because it takes too long. Getting certified means that you don’t need to invest as much time into your education unless you want to take an advanced certification course.

Better Job Opportunities

In some cases, having a professional certification may give you an edge over other applicants who only have a degree. The certificate shows employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn a specific skill or set of skills related to your career. Therefore, many employers prefer to hire employees with certifications because they know that these employees are more likely to be successful in their roles.

More Portable

Certifications are much more portable than degrees. This means that if you decide to move to another city, state, or even country for work or pleasure, your certification will still be valid and recognized by potential employers. A degree from a specific university may not be recognized in another part of the world. However, most certifications are globally recognized, which could be very beneficial in your career.

More/Bigger Opportunities

Compared to degrees, certifications matter because they open more doors for you. You don’t have to go back to school and spend four years getting another degree to get a good job; you need the proper certification. For example, suppose you are looking for an entry-level position that requires programming skills (e.g., Java or . NET). In that case, having the relevant certifications may be enough to get hired because these programs are among the most in-demand in today’s market. Technology is evolving at an exponential rate.

High Success Rate

Several studies have shown that people who receive certifications instead of degrees tend to succeed more in their field than those with just a degree alone. This is likely because those with only a degree but no experience will find it challenging to get hired. In contrast, those with both certification and experience will see much better results in the job market.

More respected

Certifications are often seen as being more respectable than degrees. Many employers believe that certifications demonstrate that you have practical experience and knowledge in your field, which gives you a competitive edge over other applicants. Additionally, certification programs are often developed in collaboration with various industries to reflect the latest trends and developments in the market.

Validity

Certifications are more valid than degrees because they are directly related to the skillset or knowledge required for a specific job role. A degree can be in any field, which means that you may not have the necessary skillset needed for a particular job even though you have a degree in that field. On the other hand, certifications are geared towards a specific area of expertise, so employers prefer to hire employees with credentials over those without formal training or qualifications.

Better career prospects

Having a certification can open many doors in terms of career prospects. For example, if you are looking for a job as a Web developer, having your Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) certificate may give you an edge over other applicants because these programs are among the most in-demand in today’s market.

More opportunities to get hired

If you have more certifications on your resume, this shows employers that you are more knowledgeable and experienced than someone with just one or two degrees, giving them more reasons to hire you. Additionally, companies often pay their employees extra when they receive higher certifications because they know that these individuals have extensive skills and knowledge related to their work which helps the company to run more efficiently.

Better job stability

Certifications can help to improve job stability by making you more marketable and valuable to employers. This is because certifications are often seen as being more pertinent to your work, which gives you an advantage over other applicants who may not have any certifications. Additionally, having a certificate demonstrates that you are committed to your career and willing to further invest in yourself to develop your skills and knowledge.

Better recognition

Certifications are often better recognized than degrees. Many employers place more value on certifications because they believe that these demonstrate that you have practical experience and knowledge in your field. Additionally, many certification programs are designed in collaboration with various industries to reflect the latest trends and developments in the market.

Easier to obtain

Obtaining certifications is often easier than getting a degree because the material covered in certification courses is typically designed to be less theoretical and more practical, which means that you will learn directly through hands-on experience rather than spending time in the classroom. In some cases, it may require years of studying for a degree before you complete your course, which is why some people prefer getting certified instead.

You can get started sooner

Some certifications allow you to get started on specific projects earlier than someone with just a degree alone, so they provide an opportunity for career advancement at an earlier stage in your career (e.g., Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)). Having one or two certifications under your belt can make you a more desirable candidate for employers.

More versatile

Certifications are more versatile than degrees because they can be applied to various industries. For example, if you have a certificate in project management, you can use this skill in multiple sectors such as construction, information technology, or healthcare. Conversely, degrees are specific to certain areas of study, which means that you may not be able to use them in other industries.

Better long-term earning potential

Certifications can help to improve your long-term earning potential because they show employers that you have the skills and knowledge required for the position. Additionally, many certification programs offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points that employers often recognize as a sign that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge.

Helps to stay current

Certifications can help you stay current in your industry by providing you with the latest information and developments. This is because most certification programs are updated regularly to reflect the latest changes in the market. Additionally, many certification providers offer online resources and forums that allow you to connect with other professionals who can support and advise.

Helps to build a professional network

Certifications can help you build a professional network of contacts that can be beneficial for your career. This is because many certification providers offer online communities and forums to connect with other professionals who can provide you with support and advice. Additionally, networking with other professionals can help you learn about new job opportunities, develop business relationships, and more.

Shows that you are committed to your career

Certifications show employers that you are committed to your career and are willing to invest in yourself to develop your skills and knowledge further. Additionally, certifications demonstrate that you have the practical experience and knowledge required for the job. This is because many certification programs need you to complete a certain number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points to maintain your certification.

Shows that you are dedicated to lifelong learning

Certifications show employers that you are dedicated to lifelong learning, an essential trait for any employee. This is because many certification programs offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points which allow you to learn about new trends and developments in your field. Additionally, obtaining new certifications can help you stay current in your industry and improve your long-term earning potential.

Shows that you are organized and disciplined

Certifications show employers that you are organized and disciplined, which are essential qualities for any employee. Additionally, certifications demonstrate that you have the practical experience and knowledge needed for the job than degree-holders who may have less experience. This is because many certification programs require you to complete a certain number of study hours to pass the exam.

No degree required

Some certification programs do not require a university degree. This means that if you don’t have a degree, you can still pursue your career goals by obtaining certification as proof of your skills and knowledge. In addition, certificates cost much less than degrees because many universities charge tuition fees, while certification providers usually offer their programs at a fraction of the cost.

Open to all levels and backgrounds

Certifications are open to anyone who demonstrates the required knowledge and skills for a particular profession, including those with no previous experience. This is because certification exams require you to pass a multiple-choice exam, allowing even those with little background knowledge to show their abilities. In addition, many certification providers offer preparatory classes that will enable applicants lacking in practical work experience to practice and demonstrate their proficiency before taking the exam.

Experience counts more than degrees

A college degree used to be considered proof of your ability and potential. Still, an increasing number of employers think your practical experience is more important than your academic qualifications. Certifications demonstrate that you have the practical experience and knowledge required for the job, giving you more opportunities for advancement within your company. Additionally, certificates are considered more valuable than degrees because they show employers that you are committed to your career and dedicate yourself to lifelong learning.

Helps with getting a promotion or new job

Having certifications helps you get a promotion or find a new job more quickly because they enhance your professional image in the eyes of potential employers. A certification shows that you have the necessary skills and abilities for specific jobs, so employers will be encouraged to hire or promote you based on this information rather than just looking at your degree qualifications only. For example, having MCSE Certification is valuable both on a resume and when interviewing for a position that deals with Microsoft technologies.

More Flexible

Most certifications can be obtained by taking classes at your own pace and schedule. On the other hand, degrees usually take an average of about four years per degree and require you to pay for classes, live on campus, or commute to school every day and follow a strict schedule.

Better Resumes

Those who have received certifications over degrees usually stand out more on resumes and cover letters because certificates require hands-on training and tests, demonstrating actual knowledge of the subject matter and a willingness to learn on behalf of those receiving a certification. On the other hand, Degrees are usually just given with or without having to do extra work.

Conclusion

A degree is a great way to get your foot in the door, but it’s not always enough. We all need to evolve our skills, and certifications are one of the best ways for you to keep up with emerging technologies that will be important sooner rather than later.