Certificates are recognition of completion of a course of study based on a specific field, usually
associated with a limited set of occupations.1 Certificates differ from other kinds of labor
market credentials such as industry-based certifications and licenses, which typically involve
passing an examination to prove a specific competency, completing an apprenticeship or
attending company or government training programs. Certificate programs take place in the
classroom, mainly in public, two-year schools or private, for-profit, non-degree granting business,
vocation, technical, and trade schools