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Certifications are more than just short-term credentials – they can last a lifetime. As workers advance and upskill within a career, or move to a new career, certifications are available every step of the way to support any career journey.

Credential Umbrella

Credential is an “umbrella” term used to denote many types of credentials such as degrees, licenses, and certifications. These terms cannot be used interchangeably.

Degrees of Rigor for Certifications

Certification is a term that is widely used in the marketplace to describe many different things. The graphic highlights different elements that are associated with quality certifications.

How Do Credentials Differ?

There is a great deal of confusion in the marketplace about the various types of credentials, how they differ, and the appropriate use for each. This graphic depicts the elements of certificates, certifications, degrees, and licenses.

Types of Certificates

Certificates are awarded for different reasons. Some certificates are given after an assessment that measures learning outcomes, while others recognize attendance. The graphic shows the different types of certificates.

The U.S. Post-Secondary Credentialing System

The post-secondary credentialing system in the United States is complex and involves numerous public and private organizations. Workcred created this graphic to highlight the relationships among the organizations that interact to form this system.