Certificates provide reliable, one-time recognition of acquired knowledge and focus on the development and recognition of skills. The certificate itself can provide proof of learning (and an additional layer of validity) to third parties.
Certifications provide legally defensible, valid certification of an individual’s knowledge or skills related to a job role. Outcomes are often used by employers to make hiring, promotion, or other similarly high-stakes decisions. Certification programs generally require maintenance and renewal to prove knowledge and skills are relevant as the profession changes over time. The attainment of certification serves as a reliable predictor of employee success and sets a high bar for a profession. Certification programs are accredited by third parties to ensure adherence to assessment standards and best practices.