Distance Learning Certificate

There are a range of careers that don’t require a degree but do require specialized training. Earning a certificate by completing a certification program tells future employees you’ve been well trained, understand the most up-to-date theories and methods, and are capable of handling whatever work-related tasks you are asked to do. It also assures current employers that you are abreast of developments in technology, new approaches to tasks, and shifts in premise regarding a particular set of beliefs. While certifications may be earned in face-to-face classrooms, for the working professional as well as for people with other obligations earning them through distance learning can be the most convenient and efficient way to go.

In many jobs, continuing education is important. Some types of work, such as real estate, social work, and public school teaching, require employees to undergo regular training in a range of areas and demonstrate their successful completion of these sessions with continuing education credits. These continuing education training sessions might be required in order for an employee to move up the ladder in a career. They might also be required periodically in order to keep a license active or to remain qualified for a particular job. Sometimes accumulating credits results in earning a certificate. Holding one or more certifications is one sign of competency, and assures employers as well as clients that you have an active and ongoing interest in new developments in your professional field.

Certifications, whether they are earned through distance learning or on a physical campus, can be completed far more quickly than an advanced degree such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. In fact, some certificates may be completed in a matter of just a few weeks. Even those that require a greater amount of focused study can usually be completed within a matter of months. Unlike advanced degrees, certificates demonstrate very specialized, narrower areas of competency, while an advanced degree demonstrates a wider range of general knowledge about a particular area of study, coupled with specific areas of focus. While many individuals pursue a certificate because they are required to do so by their employers, others are simply dedicated to truly continuing their training far beyond the basics.

Distance learning certificate programs are ideal for this type of self-motivated learner. Steadily accumulating certificates in a number of areas of specialty is sure to impress an employer, and such a dedicated worker is likely to stand at the head of the line when the company is considering job advancement. Employers often give release time to employees to attend required seminars, workshops, or classes that will result in a certificate, but they are unlikely to make the same accommodations for an employee who wants to continue to learn about aspects of the job that are useful but not required by the company. Doing so via distance learning is both practical and time efficient, because the employee can study at his or her own pace, away from the job and when other obligations have been satisfied. Even an hour or two a few evenings a week instead of watching television will offer a wealth of education, improve skills, and impress the boss as well as coworkers.

There’s another advantage to earning certifications through distance learning. Not only is it more convenient because it can be done from home at the learner’s own pace, but it saves time and money because there’s no need to spend time travelling or to pay for gas. Even if there is a school located only fifteen or so minutes away that offers on-site programs, that’s still commuting time that can add up to hours before the certification is completed. Gas, too, might seem a minor expense when classes are fairly close to work or home, but it does add up quickly, as well.

Schools that range from junior colleges and local technical colleges to major universities offer distance learning certificates. Even schools as highly regarded as Harvard and Cornell offer such programs, and although they are likely to be more rigorous than others, certifications from these schools are sure to be noticed and will mark you as a high achiever. In fact, Harvard’s Extension School not only issues certificates for a wide range of distance learning opportunities, but students may also bundle a set of related certifications into a graduate certificate in areas such as religious studies, internet technology, and strategic management.

Cornell, located in Ithaca, New York, offers distance learning certificates in five fields of study including hospitality and food service, financial management, and human resources. The requirements for earning field certification range from four classes to 12, depending upon the area of focus. Cornell also offers individual certificates in 20 subjects.

Ongoing certified training that is required and arranged for by employers is sure to be properly accredited, but self-motivated employees who are pursuing continuing education on their own are well advised to ensure the particular certification program they have selected is, indeed, accredited. The primary accrediting organization for this is the International Association for Continuing Education Training (IACET). The IACET evaluates all educational and training programs that issue continuing education credits to company employees upon completion of one or more courses of study. These credits accumulate into certificates. It is important, both to the employee and to the employer, that their value to the workplace has been recognized through IACET accreditation.

There are other associations, organizations, and groups that may also offer accreditation, but only the IACET is widely acknowledged for their work with distance learning as well as face-to-face programs. Checking their website or calling this nonprofit is the easiest way to determine if a training program that offers continuing education credits is certified by IACET. Employers, too, frequently use this resource to find trainers to bring to their offices or buildings to conduct seminars and workshops.

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