Are Non-Degree Certifications Rising Above College Degrees?

KUALA LUMPUR, 17.6.2021 – The pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainty in the economy with rising levels of unemployment.  

Amidst the crisis, non-degree credentials like Google’s certification programs are seeing an increase. To the unemployed, they offer a fast, affordable path for career advancement. 

Working adults looking to upskill or switch careers can earn a certificate through Google’s new certification program, Grow with Google. It started out as a company initiative to create economic opportunity through free tools and training, but has grown to be an enticing alternative to a higher education degree.  

Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, stated that they first developed the Google IT Support Professional Certificate to create a pathway for talent looking to secure an entry-level job within 3-6 months.  

“These certificates are intentionally rigorous because our goal is to make participants truly job ready. For instance, to complete the IT Support Certificate, you have to pass 150 assessments. Most people fail at least some of the assessments on their first try, so we help them refresh their knowledge of the content and encourage them to try again,” she stated. 

Whilst some credentials require a few months of study, others can take a year or more to complete. However, these programs are generally shorter than most degree programs.  

Hence, these short-term career training certifications are a practical choice for people who cannot afford to spend 2-4 years in school.  

However, a big question that many job-seekers ask are: Will employers take my education seriously when they look at my credentials? 

While the answer varies depending on industry, most employers often accept online credentials as it shows the initiative of the employee to upskill. The credentials also help employees to showcase the skills they’ve acquired through training. 

According to a survey by Strada Education Network in 2019, they found that 60% of respondents with a certification believed that their credentials made them more valuable to potential employers, with a high likelihood of being recommended to vacant positions.

Additionally, research by the George Washington University reported that hiring managers will look at a resume closely if it shows reputable credential. Certain fields, such as human resource management gives certified applicants priority over others.  

The enrolment manager of Austin’s Centre of Professional Education, Irfan, stated that part of the value of non-degree programs comes from how you showcase them.  

“Employers increasingly are seeking candidates with specific skill sets who are ready to be productive on day one,” she said. “Certificate programs are built with significant input from industry experts and focus on those skill sets. We encourage students to list their certificates on their LinkedIn profiles and resumes to increase their marketability.” 

While non-degree credentials are highly beneficial for entry-level job seekers and adults without a college degree, not all of them can lead to full-time employment. Some professional careers, such as Engineering and Accounting may still require a degree qualification.  

Hence, it is advisable for job-seekers to do their research and review if the credential truly fits their professional goals.