It is no secret that online certification is on the rise. According to the Global Institute for Education (GIEd), in 2022, there will be a record number of people pursuing online degrees, especially in technology.
In the next few years, more and more businesses will ask potential employees to demonstrate their skills online, in order to get a feel for what the person is like. In many cases, this will be a pre-requisite for the role. Having an online portfolio is, therefore, a must.
If you’re looking to gain some extra qualifications or want to change your career, why not consider pursuing an online qualification? Here, we answer some of the most common questions about online certification.
What Are Online Certificate Programs?
An online certificate program is a type of online qualification that can be completed using a variety of platforms, including Coursera, Teachable, and Udacity. The certificate itself is usually assessed using a numerical or a pass/fail method and can be applied for indirectly through a third party, such as a CAC ([Confederation of Academic Colleges] in Canada).
Online certificate programs are generally accepted worldwide, and the number of job openings in tech-related fields is projected to increase by 16% in the next few years.
Why Should You Get An Online Certificate?
When compared to a traditional certificate program, which often requires a lot of physical classes in a brick-and-mortar setting, an online certificate program is much more convenient. You can learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, and at any time that suits you.
An online certificate is also great if you’re trying to gain qualifications that are not offered at your current workplace. For example, if you’re looking for a certification in software development but your company doesn’t offer any type of online qualification, then you could always look into pursuing an A+ certificate through Udacity.
If you’re worried about the costs of a traditional certificate program, then an online one might be a better choice. Some of the biggest names in education, including Harvard and Stanford, have entered the fray, and with the prices they charge, it’s not hard to see why.
How Many Hours Do You Need To Put In?
The time you’ll need to dedicate to achieving a good grade in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is comparable to that of a normal certificate program. The TESOL certificate is ACRED (Accredited College and Registered Education Provider] in England), and you’ll need to ABD (Academic Bachelor of Development]) or ADH (Academic Diplomas in Humanities and Social Sciences). However, since TESOL is an accreditation, not a certification, the hours are not fixed.
In most cases, you’ll need to complete about 15 hours of TESOL classes per week, along with some self-paced study and weekly assignments, for about three to four months to complete the program. There is no specific time limit for the certification. However, since TESOL is a fairly competitive qualification, you’ll want to complete it as soon as possible.
Which Areas Do You Need To Concentrate On?
Depending on your career goals, you might want to consider taking a more technical, or an academic, path in order to achieve your target qualifications. If you’re looking for a job in technology, then you’ll most likely need to gain certifications in technology-related fields. If you’re looking for a job in education, then you might want to take a look at the following certifications: