[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]College certificates can lead to dream careers, specializations, and advancement opportunities. TheBestSchools’ online certificate guide can help you make the most of these credentials.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When considering an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/”]online certificate program[/hen-ui-link], you need to analyze how the training can advance your career and if that outweighs the cost and sacrifices required to earn your credential. TheBestSchools has created detailed resources to walk you through the process of deciding whether to pursue a certificate, along with which disciplines to consider.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our guides explore the differences between undergraduate and graduate certificates. We consider which credentials work best when entering the workforce or specializing within an industry. Finally, our guides include rankings to help prospective students choose the right program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools offers insight on the best certificates within various fields, including healthcare, business, and education. Our resources explore the differences between certificates and degrees, along with their real-world applications. We also provide updates and the latest news and information on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Deciding to Pursue an Online Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following links provide general information on the various [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]college degree levels[/hen-ui-link], along with their training and requirements. We also offer advice and factors to consider when [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]choosing a college[/hen-ui-link]. Finally, discover a list of the most [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/popular-online-colleges/”]popular online colleges[/hen-ui-link], along with a resource guide on how to use our rankings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For prospective certificate students, the information here should serve as a helpful reference as you continue your certificate search. In the sections below, we explore specific types of certificates and provide in-depth information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]How to Pick a College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Rankings: How to Use Them[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Vocational Certificate vs. Associate Degree[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/”]All You Need to Know About Certificate Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Business Management and Administration Certificates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business students enjoy access to many certificate options. To help prospective learners sort through the many different programs, we provide general information on online business certificates. We also provide details and rankings on some of the business specializations available, including the best certificates in accounting, human resources, and project management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While not an exhaustive list, these links examine some of the more popular business certificates. We discuss the educational requirements within these fields and highlight some of the possible career opportunities available to graduates. Readers can also learn more about the schools and programs that stand out within each field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Accounting [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Business[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Human Resources[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Project Management[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Computer Science and Information Technology Certificates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The computer science and information technology industry offers certificates for various levels and specializations. The industry’s high skill requirements and diverse subdisciplines allow schools to offer specialized training through certificates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Readers can find details on online computer programming certificates and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-it-certificates/”]online IT certificates[/hen-ui-link]. We also explore available career pathways, provide rankings of the best programs in these fields, and offer some guidance on how prospective students can choose their programs based on their specific interests and goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Computer Programming[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-it-certificates/”]Information Technology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Computer-Aided Design Certificates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In fields like computer-aided design (CAD), certificates may represent one of the most direct routes to the profession. Prospective students need to know what these certificates offer and how they differ from degrees. The following link provides information on this topic, along with a ranking of the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-cad-drafting-certificates/”]best online CAD drafting certificates[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to highlighting the top schools and programs in this field, our guide explores the certificate curriculum in more detail. We also highlight postgraduate opportunities and provide some suggestions for prospective students to consider.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-cad-drafting-certificates/”]Computer-Aided Design (CAD)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Healthcare, Nutrition, and Medical Assistant Certificates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some healthcare certificates provide the necessary skills and training to acquire entry-level positions, such as online certificates for [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-assistant-certificates/”]medical assistants[/hen-ui-link], medical office administration, and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-coding-certificates/”]medical coding[/hen-ui-link]. For these fields, our guides showcase typical training and available career pathways.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other credentials allow medical professionals to specialize or expand their skill sets, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-sonography-ultrasound-certificates/”]online sonography[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-sonography-ultrasound-certificates/”]ultrasound certificates[/hen-ui-link], online health nutrition certificates, and online healthcare certificates. Our guides outline entry requirements and rank the best options available.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Health and Nutrition[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Healthcare[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-assistant-certificates/”]Medical Assistant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-medical-coding-certificates/”]Medical Coding[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-sonography-ultrasound-certificates/”]Sonography and Ultrasound[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Certificates for Career Paths in the Trades[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not every student suits the traditional university and college pathway. Trade schools offer practical, career-based training that can lead to some of the most in-demand professions. Our resource pages can help you determine if [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/trade-schools/”]trade school is right for you[/hen-ui-link] and show you the benefits and drawbacks of [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/trade-schools-vs-college/”]trade school vs. college[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools aims to inform prospective students about trade school and professional pathways for trade school graduates. We host information and rankings on the best culinary and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/best-automotive-mechanic-schools/”]automotive mechanic schools[/hen-ui-link] in the country, along with details about [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/construction-skilled-trade-careers/”]construction and skilled trade careers[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Culinary Arts[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/best-automotive-mechanic-schools/”]Auto Mechanics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pursuing an Online Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While certificates at [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link] provide the same credentials as on-campus programs, training can differ significantly. Online education delivers several advantages, such as more accessible programs and less travel, but students should also keep some specific considerations in mind during their search.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our resources include an online education checklist and a list of essential tools for online students. We also break down the differences between for-profit vs. community colleges and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]asynchronous vs. synchronous delivery[/hen-ui-link]. Aspiring online learners can use these tips and guides to make the most informed decisions on their future.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]The Best Online Colleges and Universities[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]What to Look for in an Online College[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Essential Tools for Online College Students[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Your Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paying for any postsecondary training can be very challenging, but students have access to several forms of aid. We have created resources to help prospective learners understand their options and find the most appropriate assistance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the following links, you can learn about different pathways to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]pay for online college[/hen-ui-link]. We also have guides covering college finances, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]college scholarships[/hen-ui-link]. Reach out to your school’s financial services department for more information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]TheBestSchools’ College Finances Guide[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]How to Find Scholarships for College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]Paying for Online College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]What You Should Know About Student Loans[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Recent Publications for Prospective Certificate Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Changes can come swiftly in the education world, and staying updated on the latest news can keep you ahead of the developments. Here, you will find links to our most recent posts on TheBestSchools’ blog, which includes helpful guides and resources for all types of learners.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bookmark this page and check in to find the newest information, expert interviews, and advice columns for current and prospective certificate students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”475,8002,6446″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing an Online Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Certificates Can I Get Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students can access most certificates online, including business, healthcare, and IT certificates. Many schools now offer online courses and programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can I Do Certificate Courses Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many certificate courses run online. Most certificates that do not require practical training often have an online equivalent.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Certificates Can I Get Online for Free?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While plenty of schools offer free online courses, most certificates require payment. Please note that [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/”]certificate programs differ from certifications[/hen-ui-link]. Schools offer certificates, while third-party organizations deliver certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: brankokosteski | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]