A professional certification is a stepping stool for individuals who are entering the workforce, changing careers, or seeking job advancement. Professional certifications can be specific to professions or products and can significantly increase your hireability and earning potential.

Earning a certification typically requires you to pass an exam and often requires you to submit an application, which might require proof of work experience, training hours, etc. But isn’t a college degree enough?

In today’s competitive professional landscape, it is essential that you keep up with the latest trends in your field. Pursuing both certifications and certificates can help enhance your credibility within the industry, boost your salary, and possibly open up better job opportunities. But how do you know whether a certification or a certificate is right for you? The key is understanding the differences between the two and pinpointing which one will help you achieve your professional goals.