Certificate Programs

Computer Networking

The CCT Routing and Switching certification covers on-site support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches and operating environments. It’s designed for on-site technical support and other support staff who work with Cisco Data Center Solutions. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to take the course Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices (RSTECH). The online self-paced course covers networking fundamentals, Cisco outer and switch models, Cisco IOS software operating modes and the Cisco command line interface (CLI). The CCT Data Center certification covers support and maintenance of Cisco Unified Computing systems and server. You’ll need to take the course Supporting Cisco Data Center System Devices (DCTECH) v2.0 before you can pass the exam. The course covers data center networking fundamentals, field servicing and equipment replacement and how to identify Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) component models, accessories cabling and interfaces.

The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification assesses and validates wireless expertise. Candidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco. Further, Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) validates knowledge required to design a Cisco converged network. With a CCDA certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to design routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving LAN, WAN, and broadband access.

Engineering Certification

To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their state's licensure board. Then, to retain their licenses, professional engineers must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers. Engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a senior engineer. Further, they must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, and demonstrate competency according to the state board in which they are licensed. Only a licensed engineer may prepare, sign and seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval, or seal engineering work for public and private clients.

Mechanical power transmission may be discussed from the point of view of gear ratios, joint couplings, and bearings. Proper selection and sizing of these critical mechanical components are vital to ensure optimum performance and improved efficiency of a mechanical system. A certificate in Electro-Mechanical Systems will be awarded upon successful completion of a total of five courses. Any one of these courses may be required, depending on the program, and the remaining four electives are to be chosen from the course list below:

The Civil Engineering Certification (CEC) was created by the ASCE Board of Direction to provide a mechanism for the post-licensure certification of the various specialties within civil engineering. CEC will partner, where appropriate, with other professional organizations to implement specialty certification. For example, SPE's Petroleum Engineering Certification program provides you with the opportunity to obtain a globally recognized credential as a petroleum industry professional. The Certified Reliability Engineer designation covers principles of performance design review and control; prediction, estimation, and apportionment methodology; and failure mode effects and analysis. The AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional certification assesses professional users' knowledge of the application's tools and features and demonstrates knowledge of annotating and editing surfaces, designing a parcel layout, managing and sharing data, and more.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Most projects, even at successful companies, tend to go over budget and take longer than projected—even with formal training, specialized tools and automated software. The project management certificate program teaches proven strategies and practical, hands-on tools to drive successful project outcomes. Learn how to scope projects effectively, set key milestones, improve resource allocation, and get the project done. Processes covered within the project management certificate program include agile methodologies and earned value management (EVM). The concepts, tools, and language of project management can be applied to any size or type of project.

PMP certification description: to be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements, and agree to practice a code of professional conduct. You must also pass a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning, executing the project, monitoring and controlling inputs and costs, and completing projects successfully. The Certified Project Risk Management (CPRM) designation recognizes professional analysts who meet the requirements of managing risk teams and leading project managers.

Accounting Certifications

Accounting certificate programs are educational programs that provide training in basic accounting skills. Shorter than a full degree program like an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, accounting certificate online programs can usually be completed quickly and give students real-world skills that are in high demand in the workplace. With an accounting certificate, you can seek jobs as a tax preparation assistant, an accounts receivable clerk, a bookkeeper, an accounting assistant, and many other titles.

When you are trying to figure out which online certification is best, you may wish to consult your State Board of Accountancy to see if there are any requirements in your state that you will need to meet. In most cases, you will not need a certification from the State Board of Accountancy for jobs, but you may need to become state certified to be a bookkeeper or tax preparer. The Associate in Premium Auditing (APA) program provides a sold foundation in essential auditing, accounting, and insurance principles. It will help you produce accurate premium audits that meet high professional and industry standards. After completing the APA program, you'll have in-depth knowledge of insurance operations and regulations, and business and financial analysis. You'll also have in-depth knowledge of premium auditing principles, practices, and procedures.

The accounting certification covers knowledge that govern an entity’s financial accounting system, and accounting principles required to make informed managerial decisions, such as cost behavior, budgeting, profit analysis, cost estimating, and variance analysis. Further, you will learn evaluate the financial performance of an organization, and communicate important information to employees, lenders, and shareholders. The training in a certificate program is geared towards skills that are needed every day in all kinds of offices, from small businesses all the way up to large corporations. For a good foundation in accounting, the online QuickBooks Certificate program is one route to take. At just 6-7 credits long, it prepares students for the QuickBooks Certified User exam.

Certified Tax Specialist(CTS)

The CTS designation is the first of its kind in the industry and has proven effective in helping reducing clients' tax obligations. With CTS knowledge and strategies, you can offer expert guidance on Who must file an income tax return The impact of current tax regulations on individuals, couples, families, and business owners Business income and home businesses Tax credits, itemized deductions, and retirement plans LLCs and S corporations As you master these topics and tools, you also gain the confidence to achieve the maximum savings for your clients at tax time.

Healthcare Certificates

The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam offers respected, accredited board certification since 1989 for RNs with experience in the pediatric specialty. CPN certification can open doors to advancement, increase confidence, and provide a personal sense of accomplishment. Recertification is annual. You will need a current, valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered RN license plus a minimum of 1800 hours of pediatric clinical experience completed within the past 24 months. Examples of accepted experience are direct patient care, teaching, administration, clinical research, school-based care, home health care, or consultation in pediatric nursing.

The Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) examination is aimed at testing the knowledge necessary for the nurse to practice competently at the basic level, within the specialty of pediatric oncology hematology nursing. This certification is a validation of an individual's knowledge in pediatric cancer nursing. CNOR credentialing represents a level of professional achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of clinical competence and practice standards. Just as important, achieving a CNOR credential demonstrates proficiency in support of quality patient care and sets a standard of commitment to the profession of operating room nursing.

The Adult Echocardiography (AE) examination tests basic adult echocardiography knowledge and skills essential to Sonography Professionals. To earn a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) credential with an AE specialty, you must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination and the AE examination within five years. After passing the SPI examination, you can earn additional credentials without having to retake the SPI examination, provided you maintain active status.

As a cardiac interventional radiographer, you'll assist physicians with minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to help diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel diseases without surgery. In this challenging role, you'll work with sophisticated fluoroscopic equipment to take images of the heart and the blood vessels surrounding it. You might assist with procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis, embolization, ablation, and biopsies.

The mission of the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) is to recognize individuals qualified as specialists in the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology which employs non-ionizing radiation to promote high standards of patient care and safety in the diagnostic medical imaging modality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology including interventional MRI, cardiovascular MRI, functional MRI, and MRI breast imaging. The Registry is open to all qualified technologists in all imaging fields provided a formal education has been completed through bonafide established schools dedicated to MRI technologists.

Graphic Design Certificates

An Autodesk Certified Professional in Autodesk 3ds Mas showcases their knowledge and skills with 3-D modeling software to build expertise as a game, film, or motion-graphic artist. The Adobe Illustrator CC ACE Exam tests your knowledge of creating and editing vector graphics. This includes preparing graphics for print, Web, and mobile platforms. Those who possess more advanced skills and can solve complex design challenges may pursue recognition as certified professionals, demonstrating the skills needed to pursue career advancement. The Adobe InDesign CC ACE Exam tests your knowledge of laying out and designing text, graphics, and cross-media for onscreen and print documents.

College Credit

College credit is the standard measurement of a student’s academic competency. Essentially, it represents how much effort you, the student, put into a single course over a semester. This effort is most often represented by hours of work. You must complete 120 college credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. That’s about 40 classes, which most people assume you can complete in 4 years. Most colleges want to ensure their students have a good foundation in the liberal arts while also covering the major you’ve chosen in greater depth.

Colleges may require you to take up to 60 credits of low-level courses spanning a variety of general subjects. While you get to choose which choose which specific courses you take, you must pick from within your college’s requirements. On the other hand, the free electives you choose are drawn from available courses within other departments. Generally, many of these courses will be upper-level courses and more time-consuming than the rest of your bachelor’s degree.

One of the best ways to save money on college is by transferring credit. There’s a myriad of ways to earn college credit that will save you thousands of dollars on your degree. Community college, CLEP, DSST, and affordable online courses are just a few examples. But even if you’re not trying to save money on your degree, if you’re simply considering switching colleges, understanding how degrees are structured will help you when earning college credit.

Choosing a Major

There are many factors to be taken into account when choosing a college major. You might pick your major based on your abilities. Understanding what areas you have skills in and which areas could use work is a great way to start the process when choosing a university major. However, don’t discount the fields where you lack ability just yet; you’ll be able to build those up more during your studies. Finally, will you be able to easily and readily find employment in a related field after you earn the degree? Avoid the possible discouragement from employment rejection later on by considering a broad field of study. Employment rates will differ between professionals who enter the workforce with a bachelor's degree and those who go on to earn a master's or other advanced credential.

Alternatively, you may pick your major based on values that you hold. Choosing a major based on your core beliefs can lead to work that is more rewarding and encouraging. However, attending university is a time of experimentation and self-discovery, and most people solidify their values during their college years. At first glance, your passions seem just like interest areas, only stronger. But this is quite an understatement. Passions are areas of deep interest, sure, but they also incorporate your values and abilities into something that becomes a burning, lifelong desire.