How long does it take most people to finish a certificate program?

Asked by: Lafayette Cassin Jr.  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (55 votes)

However, these programs are generally designed to be completed in one year or less. Most certificates require 9-12 credit hours that consist of just a few classes, requiring far less time to complete than a traditional degree program that takes anywhere from two to four (or more) years to finish.

How long does IT take to complete a certificate program?

A certificate program typically takes between three and seven months, whereas a bachelor's degree takes about four years of full-time study to complete.

How long does IT take to complete IT certifications?

Online IT training overview. Before you take the leap into an online IT training course, be sure to set out enough time for your studies. It can take anywhere from two to five months to complete IT training. It all depends on which course you take and how much time you can dedicate to complete each certification.

What is the easiest certificate to get?

Here are 11 role- and industry-specific certifications that are easy to obtain.
  • First aid certifications. ...
  • Project management certifications. ...
  • Software certifications. ...
  • Government certifications. ...
  • Notary public certification. ...
  • Forklift operator license. ...
  • Computer programming certifications. ...
  • Marketing certifications.

Is IT hard to get into a graduate certificate program?

Graduate certificate programs are different from master's or doctoral programs in the following ways: Admissions process is usually faster and easier. Fewer courses required.

The BEST Certifications to Land a 6 Figure Salary in 2023!

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Are certificate programs worth it?

So, are certificate programs worth it? For most people, they certainly are — but choosing the right one requires careful consideration of your career goals, the credibility of the institution and the relevance of the skills being taught.

Do employers like graduate certificates?

Having a graduate certificate in a certain field could also demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge that are most relevant to the work at hand, which could increase your chances of landing a new job or even a promotion with your current employer.

What certifications can I get in 2 weeks?

Top two-week certification programs
  • Procurement and Sourcing Introduction. ...
  • Starting a Business 5: Managing Finances. ...
  • Project Management: Beyond Planning and Control. ...
  • Research Ethics and Vulnerability: Ethical Research in Adults with Impaired Decision-Making Capacity. ...
  • Life Cycle and Project Planning.

What is the quickest trade to get a certificate?

Below, we've listed 10 of the fastest trade jobs to learn in 2024.
  1. HVAC Technician. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians install and repair HVAC systems. ...
  2. Plumber. ...
  3. Electrician. ...
  4. Truck Driver. ...
  5. Welder. ...
  6. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) ...
  7. Medical Assistant. ...
  8. Dental Assistant.

Do certifications look good on a resume?

Earning a certification demonstrates your passion and provides evidence of your specific expertise and skills. Including your earned certifications on your resume can make your job application stand out to potential employers and set you apart from your peers.

Can I get an IT job with just a certification?

If not having a degree has held you back from pursuing a career in technology, you should know that most tech positions simply require proof that you can do the job, through certifications and prior experience. Hiring managers don't weed out potential job candidates because they don't have undergraduate degrees.

What is the hardest certification in IT?

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco's CCIE is a prestigious and challenging certification for network engineers. Candidates must pass a hands-on lab exam that tests their ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networking solutions.

How long does IT take to get a Microsoft certification?

Certs That Typically Require 4 Months

These are either single-exam advanced certifications or entry-level certifications with more exams. Most people should be able to earn these CompTIA, Microsoft, and ISC2 certifications in about four months.

Can you get a job with a certificate?

Are you looking to change careers, but don't want to have to earn a bachelor's or master's degree to do it? You may not have to. In today's rapidly evolving employment market, there are many desirable jobs with good pay that you can break into by earning a certificate or other non-degree credential.

What are the three types of certificates?

There are three types of SSL Certificate available today; Extended Validation (EV SSL), Organization Validated (OV SSL) and Domain Validated (DV SSL).

How much does the average certificate program cost?

The average certificate program can cost from $50 a month to $6,000. This price varies depending on the field of study. It's also important to keep in mind that not all certificate programs offer financial aid, so make sure to contact the schools you're interested in and ask about it before committing.

What trade is in highest demand?

The Future Of High-Paying Trade Jobs: Which Trade Skills Will Be Most Valuable?
  1. Electrician. Electricians are a key player in the technology field. ...
  2. Plumbers/Pipefitters. ...
  3. IT Support. ...
  4. Aircraft Mechanic. ...
  5. Web Graphic Designer. ...
  6. Heavy Equipment Mechanic. ...
  7. HVAC. ...
  8. Ultrasound Technician.

What is the easiest career with high pay?

High-paying simple jobs
  • Dispatcher. ...
  • Customer service representative. ...
  • Chauffeur. ...
  • Claims adjuster. ...
  • Roofer. ...
  • Groundskeeper. ...
  • Accounting clerk. ...
  • Massage therapist.

What is the highest paying certification without a degree?

15 high-paying jobs that don't require a degree
  • Airline and commercial pilot: $134,630.
  • Transportation, storage, and distribution manager: $105,580.
  • Elevator and escalator installer and repairer: $97,860.
  • Detectives and criminal investigator: $90,370.
  • Web developer: Web designer: $78,300.
  • Project coordinator: $74,670.

How long are most certificate programs?

Answer: Most graduate certificate programs can be completed in less than one year, and some students may be able to finish a graduate certificate program in as few as five or six months.

Will online certificates get you a job?

But times have changed, and jobs tend to be more focused on the skills, not how you get them. That means that the answer to “Can online courses get you a job?” is a resounding yes. The right certification from an online course can easily get you an online job.

What jobs require a license or certification?

Examples of occupations licensed in many states include: teachers, land surveyors, doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists, nurses, building contractors, counselors, therapists, and electricians. To obtain a license you must demonstrate that you meet state standards for that career.

Can certifications replace a degree?

Rather, the answer is: It depends. IT executives, hiring managers, recruiters, researchers, and workers themselves say there are certainly jobs — such as the one Williams signed on for in 2022 — where certifications are preferred because they indicate that the candidate has the specific skills required to do that job.

How long does a graduate certificate take?

A graduate certificate typically takes less than one year to complete, while a master's degree will typically take one to two years, perhaps longer if you enroll part-time.

Are certificates as good as degrees?

Each type of credential offers a different experience. For example, Pena said that a degree, by design, is “a much more expansive educational experience.” In contrast, a certificate is “more targeted and more specific to a particular domain or field of expertise.”