Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Online Certificate Classes?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

Many people take online certificate classes when they want to get a vocational education and earn a certificate to show educators, employers, and clients that they have proven proficiency in required skills. While conventional classroom courses usually provide students with hands-on training and face-to-face discussions with instructors and classmates, many people find that these courses can be expensive and time consuming, so they choose to take online courses instead. In general, online classes are more affordable and also more flexible since they commonly don't meet at certain times and can be accessed from any location where there is reliable Internet connection. To choose the best online certificate classes, it is important first to know which kind of skills and certification you need to pursue the career of your choice.

For instance, if you would like to become a medical office assistant, it is essential that you take online certificate classes that teach you skills such as medical coding, medical jargon, and other kinds of information specific to your chosen profession. It also is important that you find classes that teach you more general skills that might help you to excel. For example, if you would like to become a better typist, you should make sure that you can get plenty of practice in this field.

Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.
Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.

It also is essential that you take online certificate classes from an organization or school that is accredited or professionally recognized. People who want to earn certification in an education field such as literacy might want to make sure that online schools are accredited by official literacy organizations. If you have any doubts at all, you should ask for more information from both the schools you are considering and from the professional associations.

Another factor to consider when it comes to online certificate classes is that some subjects might require classroom or field training. If you would like to become an electrician, for example, it might be necessary that you get some hands-on experience before you earn certification. While you can take some online certificate classes that teach you about power distribution and other important principles, it is essential that you are able to safely perform electrical work. Low residency programs offer a combination of online and conventional classroom courses.

A common misconception about online certificate classes is that they are not as reputable or rigorous as conventional classes. This is not the case, and many of the best and most competitive schools in the world offer online programs. Many students choose online classes that are part of reputable programs that employers recognize and respect.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.
      By: apops
      Students enjoy convenience and flexibility when they enroll in online classes.