Credential types
Four words that are often used interchangeably and mean four different things. Which one your program is determines who runs it, what standard it is held to, and what a holder can call themselves.
- Certification
- Independent validation by a nongovernmental organization that an individual has demonstrated the level of knowledge, skill or ability required to practice a profession, occupation or role at a defined level of competence. Certification is usually voluntary but may be mandated by a government entity. Certificants are usually authorized to use a designation or title to communicate their certified status to consumers and other stakeholders.
- Licensure
- The mandatory process by which a government entity authorizes an individual to engage in a profession, occupation or role, after verifying that the individual has satisfied the relevant criteria and demonstrated the level of knowledge, skill or ability required to practice at a defined level of competence.
- Certificate
- Recognition that an individual has completed a discrete course of study, based on attendance, participation or an assessment. A certificate program usually has a narrower scope (a course of study) than a certification program (the knowledge, skill or ability required to practice an occupation competently). A designation or title is usually not granted on completion of a certificate program.
- Accreditation
- Independent validation by a nongovernmental organization that an institution, building, business or other organization has satisfied a set of standardized criteria.
Metacred develops and manages all four, and diploma programs as well. Not sure which your idea should be? That is the first question a feasibility study answers.
Start with a conversation, or go straight to a proposal.
The proposal tool takes about 25 minutes and produces a proposal tailored to your organization.