Awarded by
Education and training providers, employers, labor unions, and industry associations
Awarded for
An exam at the end of a training or education course or a one-time assessment
Indicates
Education/knowledge/skills
Time to complete
Variable, generally less than 2 year
Time and renewal requirements
Often no time limit, no renewal requirement
Revocation process
Cannot be revoked
Examples
CNC Machinist, Zurich Insurance Apprenticeship
Standards for accreditation
ANSI/ASTM E2659-18, a globally recognized American National Standard
* There are many types of certificates. Some examples include: certificates of participation,
certificates of achievement, certificates of completion for apprenticeship, and
assessment-based certificates. Refer to
this graphic for further information on different types of certificates.”
Awarded by
Industry certification bodies
Awarded for
Third-party,
independent
competency
assessment
Indicates
Skill mastery/competencies
Time to complete
Variable
Time and renewal requirements
Time-limited, includes recertification
Revocation process
Can be revoked for incompetence or unethical behavior
Examples
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst, Certified Energy Auditor, Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP)CM
Standards for accreditation
ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024:2012, an international and national standard
Awarded by
Education institutions
Awarded for
Course of study
Indicates
Education,
successfully passed
courses
Time to complete
Variable, generally 2
years or more
Time and renewal requirements
No time limit, no
renewal requirement
Revocation process
Cannot be revoked
Examples
>Bachelor of Science
in Engineering,
Associate of Arts in
Business
Administration
Standards for accreditation
National, regional, or
programmatic
Awarded by
Government agencies
Awarded for
Meeting requirements of an occupation
Indicates
Legal permission
Time to complete
Variable
Time and renewal requirements
Time-limited, renewal generally required
Revocation process
Can be revoked for incompetence or unethical behavior
Examples
Electrician, Professional Engineer, Registered Nurse
Standards for accreditation
State law defines scope of practice
