Whether you are seeking employment or starting out with your own business, you first must assess if there is more value in earning a degree or certification in your field. In the following blog post we will give you the basic differences between degrees and certifications.

A certification can expire, but you will never have to go back to college to earn another degree. Obtaining a degree is as much about demonstrating general learning skills and developing study habits. No matter what industry you enter, your professional knowledge base must be refreshed every 5 to 10 years.

A college degree will provide you will a broad knowledge base, but a certification is much more focused on job skills. Certifications are great evidence of one’s technical skill level, but clients and employers often look at college degrees and related honors as evidence that an individual can learn new material as needed no matter what subject matter they have studied.

Certification is especially valuable at the entry-level or junior-level positions. Hiring personnel are more impressed with one’s relevant experience, but when you are first trying to enter a particular field a certification can substitute for job experience and give you the edge over other candidates.

For those seeking senior level positions, or developing your services as a consultant, experience is much more important than is a certification. One’s critical thinking and problem solving skills are a strong asset.

If you have any questions about the difference between degrees and certifications leave us a comment or contact us at CMI Interactive.