Comparing Licenses, Certifications, and Certificates
Licenses, certifications, and certificates all formally recognize knowledge, skills, and qualifications, but because of their similarities and differences, there’s a lot of confusion about them.
Earning a certificate doesn’t make you certified… And getting certified doesn’t necessarily come with a certificate… But a certificate can help prepare you to get certified and licensed…
Being certified doesn’t mean you’re licensed, although a license can cover some requirements to earn a certification… And while certifications are highly valued and a standard in many industries, they aren’t always mandatory from a legal perspective like licenses are… Buuuut whether you need a license for your industry depends on the state(s) you work in…?
Don’t worry, we’ll explain the differences between them and answer common questions about each one.
Licenses FAQ
What is a license?
Licenses, typically issued by government or regulatory bodies, give individuals the legal authority to work in regulated professions after training and passing licensing exams.
Depending on the type and state, licensure can also include additional requirements such as:
Are licensing requirements the same in each state?
Licensing requirements can vary significantly from state to state, as each state sets its own laws, regulations, and standards. For example, pharmacists, teachers, accountants, and lawyers might have to meet different requirements to be licensed in different states.
However, some licenses (even those listed above) can automatically transfer to other states, or the requirements may be adjusted if the person already is already licensed. This often happens through reciprocity agreements or endorsement processes between states, but not all states participate in them.
Are you certified if you have a license?
A license doesn’t mean you’re certified, and being certified doesn’t mean you’re licensed.
Are online licensing exams available?
Licensing exams can be taken online. These exams are often remotely proctored to prevent cheating and protect exam content.
Certification FAQ
What are certifications?
Certifications, which usually require an exam component, are professional credentials that verify someone has met industry standards for knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific field or skill.
Who issues them?
Professional associations, companies, organizations, or certification bodies award certifications.
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Do you receive a certificate after earning a certification?
Upon earning a certification, individuals typically receive an official digital or physical document. This document is not the same as a certificate received after completing a certificate program.
Does a certification mean you’re certified?
Yes, but maintaining certification status can require ongoing educational requirements.
Does a certification also mean you’re licensed?
Certifications don’t mean that you’re licensed. While certifications are often required, they don’t give a person the legal authority to practice like a license does.
Can certification exams be taken online?
Yes, many certification exams are taken online. This offers professionals more flexibility and convenience while expanding the exams to a larger audience. It’s a win-win. Similar to licensing exams, certification exams are usually proctored to stop participants from cheating and to protect their exam content from being leaked the internet.
Are continuing education credits required to maintain a certification?
To help expand expertise, stay relevant and up-to-date, and ensure professional standards are maintained, awarding organizations often require continuing education credits.?
Certificate FAQ
What are certificates?
Certificates are awarded after completing a course or program focused on a specific subject or skill.?
Who awards certificates?
Educational institutions, companies, and organizations typically award certificates.
Does having a certificate mean you’re certified?
Certificates do not mean you’re certified, but they’re a great way to help prepare for certification (and licensing) exams.
Are continuing education credits required to maintain a certificate?
No, continuing education credits aren’t required to maintain a certificate after it’s awarded.
Remote proctoring for professional education
Historically, organizations offering certificates, professional certifications, and licenses relied on in-person proctoring in physical testing centers, but the pandemic changed that. This change proved that online test proctoring can protect exam integrity by: