Career Voyages Main Banner
You Are Here HOME > Certifications  
High Growth Industries
Other Stuff
What's New
Other In-Demand Occupations
Careers Videos
Career Compass
Links
Document Library
InDemand Magazine
O*NET Tools and Technology
Get the Adobe Acrobat Reader
Get the Real Player Plug-In
Get the Windows Media Player Plug-In
Students Parents Career Changers Career Advisors
 
Certifications Espanol | Print Version Espanol Print Version
 
 
  Career Videos

What ARE certifications?

A certification documents the competence of an individual on a set of predetermined qualifications or performance standards of an industry group, agency, or association. A certification is usually attained through the successful completion of an assessment process. This assessment can be:

  • a written or computer-based examination,
  • practical demonstration of a capability (e.g., fabrication of a metal part),
  • compilation of a record of work-related experiences,
  • or other means.

A certification is typically affirmed by a credential from a certifying organization. Such credentials usually take the form of a paper certificate, pocket or wallet card, or shoulder or pocket patch. Credentialing frequently also includes listing the recipient in a central registry maintained by the organization.

Certifications are voluntary and allow individuals to benchmark their knowledge and skill competencies for designated roles, trades, occupations, or professions. Certifications also are portable, permitting individuals to present evidence of these qualifications to employers - throughout the United States - in a language that industry understands.

How do I know if a specific certification is relevant to my job or career?

It is important to research your field and/or your employer's expectations before undertaking a certification. There are some third-party verifications on certifying organizations. Continue...

What is the difference between certification and licensure?

The terms certification and licensure are frequently used interchangeably. For our purposes, certification differs from licensure in that occupational licenses are typically issued by a government entity and are required before an individual may work or practice in a particular occupation or profession (e.g. Licensed Practical Nurse). Continue...

Criteria for these certifications

For a certification to be included here, it must require either education, training, work experience, or examination; and must not be a state-required license, although it may lead to a license. Continue...

Red Arrow To find certifications for occupations in one of the high growth industries, click one of the links below:

Start Learning About Certifications

Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace Automotive Construction Education Energy Financial Services Health Care Homeland Security Hospitality Information Technology Retail Transportation Biotechnology Geospatial Technology Nanotechnology

Top of Page

certification, certifications, licensure, certifying organization, credentialing, certification, certifications, licensure, certifying organization, credentialing, certification, certifications, licensure, certifying organization, credentialing, certification, certifications, licensure, certifying organization, credentialing, certification, certifications, licensure, certifying organization, credentialing


 
Apprenticeships Community Colleges Four Year Colleges Certifications Other Options
 
The White House - President George W. Bush [*]Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy & Security | Link To Us | Submit a Link
   Site Map | Promotional Materials | Partnerships | Freedom of Information Act
1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627); TTY 1-877-889-5627

The U.S. government's official web portal.
cgi.HTTP_REFERER: http://careervoyages.gov/certifications-main.cfm, session.displaytopsectionyesno: 1yes2 Career Voyages - Brighter Future, Better Pay, Good Jobs Link to Department of Labor Link to Department of Education