Professional and academic qualifications equip people to learn new skills and expand their knowledge. Diplomas, degrees and certifications are three different types of qualifications available for professionals to pursue. If you’re interested in earning an academic or professional development credential, it’s important to learn about the various options available to you. In this article, we compare diplomas, degrees and certifications, discuss the differences between them and provide suggestions for how to choose which credential is right for your career goals.
Diplomas and degrees are both professional and academic qualifications that prepare students for success. A diploma is a document that asserts that a student has completed a course of study, a few classes or a set of experiences within a specific field. For example, a common diploma to receive is a high school diploma after the successful completion of four years of study at the high school level
Just as degrees and diplomas differ, so do diplomas and certificates. Some of the main differences include:
Length
It’s common for degree programs to last between one and four years. These programs vary based on the course structure, the amount of hands-on experience required and the field of study. Certificates may take between a few weeks to a few months for a student to complete. These programs are shorter as a result of the lesser qualification, and may entail a couple of classes or trainings in a specific skill.
TypesTypes of diplomas vary widely. There are formal diplomas, issued through a governmental or widely recognized institutions, such as universities or colleges. Nongovernmental entities, such as NGOs, companies or societies are responsible for issuing informal diplomas.
There are also two types of certifications. Students receive an academic certificate after completing a set of academic courses or trainings. However, there are also legal certificates. These certificates provide professionals with the legal ability to work in certain professions. Some professions that require legal certifications include