Are the Benefits of Online Certificates Worth the Cost?

Are the value of online certificates worth the cost?

In today's competitive job market, online certifications from popular Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) sites have become increasingly popular as a way to enhance one's skills and credentials. Whether they're offered from such websites as edX, Coursera, or the always affordable Audacity, many people in tech fields of study doubt their superiority when compared to work experience and portfolios. While an actual college degree far out weighs the more easily obtained online education certificate, there's still something satisfying about having some kind of proof that an education in something, whether it be data analysis or video game design. However, many people wonder if it is worth paying for these certifications. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of online certifications and whether or not they are worth the cost.

Cost Analysis

One of the main factors to consider when deciding whether to pay for an online certification is the cost. While some certifications can be expensive, costing many hundreds of dollars, others are more affordable or even free. Mind you, many of the lower cost certificates are less rigorous their higher priced counterparts and often are only offered for a single course.

Knowing what you are paying for is paramount in understanding how much a certificate, from say MIT on Coursera, actually will help boost your resume and land your first job. It is important to weigh the cost of the certification against the potential benefits it may bring, such as increased job opportunities or higher salary potential.

Should I Pay for Online Certification?

Ultimately, the decision to pay for an online certification depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you are looking to advance your career or switch industries, a relevant certification may be worth the investment, especially if you already have a similar or related in the background your to the one you are trying to break into. On the other hand, if you are simply looking to learn a new skill for personal enrichment, there are plenty of free resources available online.

Oftentimes, the same course or courses that are charging for the certificate can be audited and taken for free. A popular example is Harvard's CS50 Introduction to Computer Science course, one of the most popular and free online courses available.

With that in mind there are some significant drawbacks. While the upside is you gain the knowledge from a free and open course such as CS50, the downside is that you usually don't receive graded assignments and teacher peer feedback. Even if there is some sort of homework feedback, the case is that they're usually automated with no actual teacher feedback.

More so, just having some kind of certificate is significantly more eye catching than simply saying you watched a series of lectures.

Benefits of Online Certifications

Online certifications offer a number of benefits, including flexibility, convenience, and the ability to learn at your own pace. They can also help you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Additionally, some certifications may be required for certain jobs or industries.

From my own experience working at a hospital human resources department after graduating from my university, I know that just getting your foot in the door for an interview was a challenge

Beware though, that some HR Recruiters are more expecting with higher demanding jobs. While any formal certificate is nice, you will face a significant battle going against someone else that has an actual degree in the field you are wishing to obtain employment in.

Drawbacks of Online Certifications

While online certifications have many advantages when considering their time and cost, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Some certifications may not be recognized by employers or may become outdated quickly. They may not come from actual accredited universities, or are more structured and condensed compared to their college counterparts.

Make sure to research the credibility of the certification provider and ensure that the certification is relevant to your career goals.

Tips for Choosing the Right Certification

When deciding whether to pay for an online certification, it is important to choose the right one for your goals. Consider the reputation of the certification provider, the relevance of the certification to your field, and any potential career benefits. Does the certificate come with job coaching or work experience? It may also be helpful to seek advice from industry professionals or mentors.

Alternatives to Paid Certifications

If you are hesitant to pay for an online certification, there are plenty of alternatives available. Many online platforms offer free courses and tutorials on a wide range of topics. You can also consider volunteering, attending workshops, or pursuing a degree or advanced degree in your field.

Better yet, actual work experience and portfolios demonstrating your work can be just as much, and usually more powerful, than what a certificate can show.

While the knowledge is important, experience always trumps no experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online certifications can be a valuable investment in your career development. However, it is important to carefully consider the cost, benefits, and drawbacks of each certification before making a decision. By choosing the right certification for your goals and circumstances, you can enhance your skills, stand out to employers, and advance your career.