Nearly 8 in 10 teens worry about the affordability of college. Within this context, many teenagers are reconsidering whether a four-year degree is worth it. If a four-year degree isn't for you, there are tons of other, less expensive, post-high school educational opportunities that can help you raise your future earning potential. A certification program — a short, skills-based training program — is a great way to prepare yourself for your career while adding credentials to your resume. If you think a certification may be the right path for you, here are answers to some of the questions you might have.
1. What fields have certification programs?
There are certifications related to almost every career field. Whether you want to become a web designer or a certified nurse's assistant, there's a certification program out there for you! Many popular certification programs are in high-demand fields such as business, health, and information technology.
2. What does a certification program entail?
A certification program will often take less time than pursuing a degree and prepare you for a specialized field. Most programs will require you to take a few different courses over the course of a few weeks or months.
3. How do I apply to a certification program?
Many certification programs don't require anything other than a high school diploma. However, admissions requirements vary depending on each program, so be sure to check the program's website carefully.
4. How much does a certification program cost?
The price of certifications may vary, but there's no doubt that it will be less than a year of college! Depending on the type of program you take, it can cost anything from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
5. How can a certificate program increase my earning potential?
Giving you skills that will make you more valuable to an employer, certifications can help increase your salary by 50% or more. Beyond that, adding certifications to your resume can help you stand out in an applicant pool and help you get jobs.
