Certificate of Completion vs. Certification

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career or gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date. Completing the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement, as is the case with our ACT Program. Many professional certifications (traditional cybersecurity, project management, accounting) may be recommended or required. The pathway module courses you take in a certificate program help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified. A Certification of Completion is a result of training or education, while a Certification is the result of an assessment process that indicates mastery/competency measured against a standard which is normally an exam. Typically, when you receive a Certification, it results in a designation to use after one’s name (CISSP, PMP, and our new CASE) Become a Certified Automotive Cybersecurity Engineer.