Clicky

34 Most Lucrative Short Certificate Programs

Last updated: December 21, 2023

Find Your Perfect School

Premium Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Find Your Perfect School

Premium Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Contents
The 34 Most Lucrative Short Certificate Programs
Google Certified Professional
CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
Air Traffic Controller
VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization
ITIL Foundations
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CCNP Routing and Switching
AWS Certified Developer
Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment
Project Management (PMP)
Security+
Oracle Certified Professional
Certified Ethical Hacker
Microsoft Technology Associate
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
NASM Personal Trainer Certification
Apprenticeship or Certification in Code Enforcement
Network+
Court Reporter Certification
HVAC-R Certification
American Design Drafting Association Certification
NITC Journey Level Steamfitter/Pipefitter Certification
Masonry Certification
A+
Firefighting Certification
National Funeral Directors (NFDA) Certification
Range of Certification For Medical Coding
Flight Attendant Certification
Real Estate Sales Agent Certification
Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide
Surgical Technology
Bookkeeper
Frequently Asked Questions about Certificate Programs

Sometimes knowing what you want to be when you grow up is not quite enough. It’s important to find a career that meets the demands of your lifestyle and the inevitable bills you’ll have to pay throughout your life. Certificate programs that pay well are a great way to get where you want to be FAST!

Finding what you want to do is important and then finding the best-paying career in the field you’re interested in is also very important. If you want to land a lucrative job, you will likely need to find a lucrative certification.

Certifications serve as a standard metric by which employers and colleagues may measure your areas of expertise. These certifications often lead to high-paying careers and in many cases build upon themselves leading to career advancement and ultimately better pay. Not sure what you want to do exactly? Aren’t sure which certification you need for which career? We are here to help!

Quick audio summary:

METHODOLOGY

Let us help you find the most profitable short certificate program that fits your educational requirements for starting a new career, a job promotion, or simply meeting your personal goals. Our researchers at PremiumSchools.org utilize these indicators of excellent academic standards to locate exceptional certification programs that pay well designed just for you. 

The following list is in random order. As each and every program displays its own unique qualities and strengths, you should search our list based on your needs and career aspirations.

The following factors were considered: 

  • Offers certification classes for flexible or convenient attendance without compromising hands-on training,
  • Exhibits rigorous, yet engaging and innovative training in coursework that takes into account the readiness of students to take the next step in their budding careers,
  • Taught by outstanding faculty,
  • Held in high esteem among academic resources,
  • Displays stellar reviews and feedback from certification organizations,
  • Offers a convenient application process and affordability,
  • Ensures the proper credentials for certification in the field of expertise.

Annual salaries were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.

If you would like to learn more about our selection process, feel free to see our Methodology page! 

The 34 Most Lucrative Short Certificate Programs

Google Certified Professional

The professional cloud architect exam is a two-hour exam with multiple-choice and multiple-select formats taken remotely or in person at a test center. As a professional cloud architect, one of the highest paying certifications, you will be able to analyze technical business processes, design a cloud solution, manage club architecture, create security and compliance, as well as design solutions for operational reliability.

The purpose of the certification is to help organizations leverage Google Cloud technologies. As a cloud architect, you should be proficient in aspects of solution design cloud strategy and the best practices of cloud architectural strategies. During your exam, you’ll be given a series of case studies to help you choose your answers. For a full list of questions and topics that will be covered on the exam, see their exam guide.

Tuition/Cost: $200 (plus tax where applicable)

Be aware that you need to recertify to maintain your certification status. All Google Cloud certifications are only valid for two years from the time you took the certification exam. You can retake the exam to recertify and achieve a passing score. You can do this at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of your certificate. 

CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

The Certified Risk and Information Systems Control is an ISACA certification. This certification is a good option for a senior manager for information security. Risk management is a lucrative career with salaries often close to $150,000 a year.

To prepare for the exam, you may want to examine some of their self-paced review materials. You can then register, pass the examination and apply to get certified. To be certified, you must have relevant full-time experience in the CRISC job practice areas. Those practice areas focus on IT risk management.

Cost: The CRISC exam costs $575 for ISACA members. Non-members pay $760. The fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You have the option as to where and when you will take the exam, depending on your time constraints and location.

Air Traffic Controller

To become an air traffic controller, you must be certified by the FAA. In order to become certified, you must pass a knowledge and practical exam that meets the experience requirements. These experience requirements are met through on-the-job training after graduation from an academy that’s been approved by the FAA.

air traffic controller

There are many routes to becoming an air traffic controller. You may complete an ATNCTI program at the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level or you may decide to become certified as an air traffic controller through the United States military.

There are a number of steps along the way and the amount of time it takes to complete each step will vary from person to person. A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level degree, as well as academy training which typically takes between 2 to 5 months followed by 2 to 4 years of on-the-job training to become fully certified.

Cost: The cost (60 credits) ranges from $10,000-$35,000, although the figures vary from program to program and school to school. For instance, if you want to get an aviation degree that involves learning how to fly, then you need to pay for flight lab fees which are around $2,000. Then there are the private pilot licenses that usually cost more than $5,000.

Some schools also need you to have funds in your bank account prior to allowing you to join in flight training. Regardless of the cost, always remember to go to a school with FAA-approved CTI programs. 

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization

The VMware certified professional 6 Data Center Virtualization certification is for individuals who need to improve credibility and deliver value to businesses and organizations. This is an industry-recognized certification for individuals who are looking to be, network installers.

There are a couple of paths you may take toward certification. For those who are new to VMware data center virtualization technology, you must first gain experience with Vsphere 6. The recommendation is a minimum of six months.

Next, you should attend one of the required training courses, then complete the VSphere 6.0 foundations exam or the 6.5 foundations exam, and then finally complete the VMware certified professional 6 Data Center Virtualization exam.

If you have some experience with V sphere 5X training but are not VCP certified, then you may follow the following path: attend the VMware 6 Spheretraining course, complete the VSP or six foundations, and then finally complete the VMware certified professional6 Data center virtualization exam. Are you ready to get started? Head to their website.

Cost: This proctored 120-minute exam costs $250 and is in single and multiple-choice format.

ITIL Foundations

The ITIL Information Technology Infrastructure Library Foundation certification is the certification you need to become an information architect. ITIL provides a series of guidelines to help you improve your services. The ITIL certification shows businesses that they have the problem-solving skills necessary to supply the needs of a business. The skills may be applied to any organization.

ITIL is a set of guidelines that may be customized and tailored to fit the news of a specific organization. ITIL certification shows businesses that they have met industry standards and gives you a set of tools to use when servicing the IT needs of any business.

The certification itself may be obtained through an exam format that contains multiple-choice questions that are 60 minutes in duration. To learn more about ITIL and how to prepare for the exam you can head to their website.

Cost: The ITIL exam fee depends on the exam type. The fees are as follows:

  • Version 3 and 4 ITIL Foundation Certification- $363
  • Version 3 and 4 ITIL Managing Professional Certification- $488
  • Version 3 ITIL Intermediate Certification- $415
  • Version 3 ITIL Expert Certification- $415

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Are you looking to become a Microsoft cloud-based service sales provider? Then you will need a Microsoft certified Azure Fundamentals Certification. To gain the certification, you should have some foundational knowledge of cloud services as well as how those services are provided through Microsoft Azure.

This certification is intended for beginning candidates who are just starting to work with cloud-based solutions. The certification is an opportunity to provide proof of your understanding of cloud concepts.

A candidate is typically familiar with general technology concepts that include storage, networking, computing, application support, and application development. Those Azure fundamentals are then used to prepare for the specialty certifications. Are you ready to apply? Head to their website.

Cost: The cost of the Microsoft Azure Fundamental exams varies according to the certification.

  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (Exam AZ-900) – $99
  • Microsoft Azure Administrator (Associate Exam AZ-103)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure Developer (Associate Exam AZ-203)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure Security Engineer (Associate Exam AZ-500- $165
  • Microsoft Azure AI Engineer (Associate Exam AI-100)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure Data Scientist (Associate Exam DP-100)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure Data Scientist (Associate Exam DP-200 and DP-201)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect (Expert Examination AZ-300)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect (Expert Examination AZ-301)- $165
  • Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer (Expert Examination AZ-400)- $165

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The International Information System Security Certification consortium grants the CISSP-certified information systems security professional. This is one of the most recognized certifications for information security.

Candidates looking to land a job in one of the following areas may be interested in security and risk management, asset security, software development security, security operations, security assessment, testing, and identity and access management.

To be eligible for the certification you must have a minimum of five years of experience in one or more of the aforementioned domains. If you do not have the qualifications you may become an associate of ISC by passing the CISSP examination. For more information on how to become certified check out their website.

Cost: The CISSP certification exam costs $699, although the exact pricing and additional fees will differ depending on where you will take the exam. For exam rescheduling, you need to pay another $50 as a fine, and $100 if you need to cancel. Once you get your certification, this is valid for the next three years.

There is also an annual maintenance fee, and every year, you should submit 40 CPE (continuing professional education) credits. After three years, you need to get recertified again.

CCNP Routing and Switching

If you’re looking to become a Network Architect, you may want to get the CCNP routing and switching certification from Cisco. The certification is appropriate for individuals with at least one year of networking experience who are ready to work independently on network solutions. In order to obtain the certification, you must demonstrate the role of network engineer, systems engineer, or network technician.

One pre-requisite certification to this is the CCNA Routing and Switching certification or the CCIE Certification. To be certified you must pass the three required exams in ROUTE SWITCH and TSHOOT.

For the route exam, you will implement Cisco IP routing, for the switch exam you will implement Cisco IP switch networks, and for the troubleshooting and maintenance exam, you will troubleshoot and maintain IP Networks. Are you ready to take the exams? Head to their website.

Cost: The Cisco Certified Technical Routing and Switching Certification is an entry-level exam that costs $125 plus tax. 

AWS Certified Developer

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a comprehensive cloud platform that offers nearly 200 services from global data centers. AWS certification is granted once an individual demonstrates the core AWS services used in basic AWS architecture best practices.

The format of the exam is multiple-choice and multiple answers as delivered on a testing center or a proctored exam. The cost of this exam is $150 and is available to English Japanese Korean and Chinese speakers.

To be successful you must be able to demonstrate high-level programming language abilities, along with proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS.

In addition, you must display the ability to use the DWS services to write various applications, and identify the key features of an AWS service, and more. To prepare for this examination you may complete the foundational associate professional or specialty certification courses.

Cost: The AWS Certification exam is an associate-level exam that costs $150. It features a combination of two question formats: multiple choice and multiple response.

Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment

Salesforce Certified Development life cycle and deployment designer certifications are designed with individuals in mind who have experience managing lightning platform development and deployment activities, as well as the ability to communicate those solutions to business stakeholders. To qualify for this exam, you must have those pre-requisite skills.

There are a number of certifications you may pursue including a certification as a technical architect, an application architect, a system architect, a data architecture and management designer, an identity and access management designer, or a certification and integration architecture designer. Some of the jobs you may pursue include technical lead, developer lead, project manager, released manager, technical architect, developer, tester, and more.

Cost: The registration fee for this exam is $400, plus applicable taxes as required per local law. You can retake the exam for $200 (plus tax).

Project Management (PMP)

The project management institute offers certifications for every stage of your project management career. The PMP (Project Management Professional) is what is considered to be the gold standard certification.

This certification is recognized in demand by organizations across the world. The PMP delivers because it provides you with the skills and experience that you need to get hired.

project management

In order to qualify for certification, you must have a four-year degree as well as 36 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or the CAPM certification. Alternatively, you may have a high school diploma or an associate degree, 16 months of project leadership, and 35 hours of project management education/training.

Once you meet the qualifications you can apply for your PMP. Once you can verify that you have your training and hours, you may complete their application. The cost of the application varies depending on whether or not you are a member or a non-member. Non-members will pay $555, whereas members pay $405.

Cost: Those with a PMI membership will pay $405 for the exam, while those without the membership need to shell out $555. Aside from the certification, you need to also invest in the training cost. Before you are qualified for the exam, you should earn 35 hours of project management education or CAPM certification. These training courses usually cost roughly $2,000.

Security+

The CompTia Security+ Global Certificate ensures that you are able to perform the basic skills required in IT security. This is the first security certification an IT professional should earn.

Successful candidates will have the following skills: the ability to detect various types of compromises and have an understanding of penetration testing, as well as vulnerability scanning. Successful candidates will be able to install and deploy network components while troubleshooting common issues and supporting security in an organization.

You should be able to architect and network securely, install access services and management controls, implement risk management, and summarize that to others in the organization. The CompTIA Security + exam includes no more than 90 questions that include a combination of multiple-choice drag-and-drop activities and performance-based actions.

You will be asked to cover the following areas: threats and vulnerabilities, identity and access management, technologies and tools, risk management, architecture design, cryptography, and public key infrastructure.

Cost: You are required to buy the exam voucher to gain access to the certification exam. This voucher has a unique code that you can buy at the CompTIA store and use to take the exam at the Pearson VUE testing center. The voucher costs $370 per exam. In case you cannot pass the exam, you can buy another voucher to retake the test. 

Oracle Certified Professional

If you want to become a Java Developer, you may wish to become Oracle-certified. In fact, you can get certified from the comfort of your own home. There are a number of Oracle certifications to consider.

The Oracle Certified Junior Associate, which is for novice-level certification, is designed for secondary school students and is another step toward advanced Oracle certification. Other options include the Oracle Certified Professional Certificate, Oracle Certified Master Certificate, or Oracle Certified Specialist. These certifications are based on focus products or skill sets.

To become a Java SE eight programmer you will need the Oracle certified associate. To be a Java SC11 developer, you may want to focus on the Oracle-certified professional certification. For more information about the various certifications, check out their website.

Cost: The Oracle Certification exams cost $245. The junior associate exams, usually for entry-level audiences, are only $95. For the Oracle University training, the cost varies by the length of each training course.

  • $814 per day, for a 5-day classroom training ($4,070 for all 5 days)
  • $772 per day, for a 5-day live virtual class ($3,860 for all 5 days)
  • $680 per day, for a 5-day training-on-demand ($3,400 for all 5 days)

Certified Ethical Hacker

The Certified Ethical Hacker Qualification is a certification that brings you the latest commercial-grade hacking tools and techniques. The certified ethical hacker V11 will show you how to hack web applications, and cloud computers, engage with operation technology, WPA3 encryption cracking, enumeration such as NFS, telnet, FTP, and SMB, and malware reverse engineering by using static and dynamic malware analysis.

ethical hacker

The exam itself is 125 questions long and four hours to complete. It is multiple choice and delivered using the ECC exam, VUE. Ethical hacker positions are more and more in need as the world engages with a wide variety of cybersecurity threats. Companies across the globe will need ethical hackers to ensure that their systems are secure.

Cost: The Certified Ethical Hacker certification exam costs $1,119, and retakes cost $450. This is not a cheap investment to start. You also must shell out $100 as an application fee (without approved training). 

Microsoft Technology Associate

If you were pursuing a career in technology, you may wish to pursue the Microsoft Technology Associate Certification. This is an entry-level potential for individuals who are seeking fundamental technology skills. This certification includes information for developers, databases, and IT professionals.

To complete this certification you might want to complete a number of IT professional forces developer and database courses and others. Some of the material that will be covered in the exam includes Windows server administration fundamentals, networking fundamentals, security fundamentals, Windows operating system fundamentals, mobility and devices fundamentals, software development fundamentals, database administration fundamentals, and HTML5 application development fundamentals. Check out their website for more information.

Cost: The exam cost in the US is $127. The prices generally vary depending on which country the exam provider is in. Once enrolled, you can also buy additional test retakes and practice tests.

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

GIA certifications in Global Information Assurance is a cybersecurity certification that covers real-world terms. Today many companies will only hire certified professionals. The certification signals to the human resources teams that you have the skills that they need. Obtaining a certificate through GIAC will give you the skills needed to combat security breaches, as well as mitigate threats.

The GIAC exam tests real-world skills. The GIAC certification exam is about 2 to 5 hours, which depends on the specific certification attempts. There is a wider range of certification categories including the following areas: offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, industrial control systems, digital forensics, incident report response, management legal, and audit. For more information about these various certifications check out their website.

Cost: The GIAC certificate exam costs are as follows:

  • GIAS Certification (Challenge) Attempt: $2,499
  • GIAS Gold Certification: $599
  • Certification Attempt Retakes: $849
  • Certification Attempt Extensions: $419
  • Certification Renewal: $429

HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

The HubSpot Content Marketing Certification will teach you a content creation framework that produces effective content. The course includes 12 lessons, 56 videos, 11 quizzes, and over six hours of material.

You will learn the power of storytelling, building a content creation framework, planning a long-term content strategy, how to generate content ideas, how to create quality blog content, how Hotspot uses blogging to rank number one on Google, and how you can extend the value of your content through repurposing, creating topic clusters and pillar pages.

They also include information on how to create a successful video marketing strategy, blogging strategy powered by SEL, and how to effectively promote, measure, and analyze your content. If you are looking to become a content creator, the certification can help you get the job.

Cost: FREE! HubSpot Academy is the global leader in free online training for sales, inbound marketing, and customer service professionals. Its mission is to transform how companies and people grow by giving them free online training for the digital age. 

NASM Personal Trainer Certification

Do you love being physically fit and active? Would nothing be more exciting to you than showing others how to do it too? You will need the NASM personal trainer certification. You may follow their self-study premium guided program to gain certification.

The all-inclusive program includes 100% online courses, the exam, additional textbook learning videos, practice exams, and more. The NASM offers a number of certification bundles and add-ons including those for nutritional coaching, strength and conditioning, weight loss, youth sports, corrective exercise, and others. If you are ready to set your own hours as a personal trainer, you can start here.

Cost: NASM offers several packages with their corresponding costs. 

  • $674 (or $61 per month) for the self-study program
  • $899 ($82 per month) for the premium self-study program
  • $959 ($87 per month) for the guided study program
  • $1,619 ($147 per month) for the all-inclusive program. 

Regardless of the program you choose, each package comes with the NCCA-accredited exams.

Apprenticeship or Certification in Code Enforcement

Are you looking to become a building inspector? This lucrative career may be pursued by way of an apprenticeship or certification in code enforcement. The International Code Council offers education, as well as certification. In many parts of the United States, jurisdictions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in addition to the on-site experience.

code inspection

Before pursuing certification you may wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in related areas such as construction, engineering, fire protection management, architecture, and others. The International Code Council offers certification.

Certification requirements differ depending on your city, county, state, or federal government agencies. In general, you may pursue national certification or state certification, as well as UST/AST underground storage tank or above-ground storage tank licensure.

If you wish to be nationally certified, you may seek to pursue one of the following national certifications: residential inspector, commercial inspector, general plans examiner, fire, fire extinguisher technician, energy conservation, green building, certified building official, certified fire marshal, code specialist, code enforcement. Additionally, there are a number of special instructor certifications including welding, steel and bolting, and more.

Cost: For proprietary schools, the costs are as follows:

  • Plumbing Apprenticeship Program: $650 per semester
  • Code Enforcement: $14,500

Vocational Certificate Programs:

  • Residential Inspector-Single Discipline: $3,302
  • Residential Inspector-Multiple Discipline: $3,992
  • Property Maintenance Inspector: $3,141
  • Permit Technician: $2,901
  • Commercial Mechanical Inspector: $3,198
  • Commercial Building Inspector: $3,516

Network+

These days, becoming a network administrator is highly lucrative and in high demand. The CompTIA network plus 10-007 has been updated in order to address the current networking technologies.

The exam includes critical security concepts, cloud computing, coverage of newer hardware, and other concepts for individuals, giving them the right combination of skills that are required for network resilience.

The exam is 90 questions and 90 minutes in length. The CompTIA Network + certification recommends at least 9 to 12 months of working experience. You also need to have the CompTIA A+ Certification.

Cost: The cost for the certification exam is $348. 

Court Reporter Certification

The Association for Court Reporters and Captioners offers a court reporting program. To become certified, you may follow a variety of tracks including a day program that leads to graduation, a night program that leads to graduation, an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, a certificate program, an online program, and more.

To gain the certification, you must attend an NCRA-approved program. The NCRA offers a number of standardized certifications. You can become a registered scale preferred reporter, a registered professional reporter, certified legal video specialist, registered merit reporter, registered diplomat reporter, certified real-time reporter, certified real-time captioner, certified reporting instructor, and others.

Certificate requirements vary from state to state. The majority of states do require certification though some states do not. To find out more check out their website.

HVAC-R Certification

HVAC certification is the certification for HVAC or HVAC-R technicians. The purpose of the certification is to show that the technician is trained and qualified to perform installations and repairs within their state.

To become a certified HVAC-R professional, you must earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent, receive an HVAC certificate from an accredited trade school or program, obtain your HVAC license from your state, and pass the certification exam for different types of HVAC or HVAC-R careers.

The different types of HVAC certificates include those for installing small appliances, for high-pressure systems, and for servicing low-pressure systems. You may also choose to apply for the universal EPA certificate or the North American Technician of Excellence certificate. For more information about these various certifications check out their website.

Cost: On average, the cost of getting trained and HVAC-certified is between $1,500 and $30,000 depending on the location. The rates vary from state to state. In-state tuition at public community colleges is cheaper than at big universities offering vocational training in the HVAC field.

American Design Drafting Association Certification

The ADDA American Design Drafting Association offers professional certification. The purpose of the certification is to provide a standard certification metric based on the individuals’ level of competency. This certification is available to professionals, as well as students.

Examinations may be taken at any approved testing site or through a proctor that has been approved by the ADDA. Professional certification is available for three years from the date of the certification and does require renewal.

Professional certification credentials are available for the following levels:

  • Apprentice: high school vocational training or entry-level on-the-job employment in architectural and mechanical;
  • Certified Drafter: advanced high school vocational training up to two years of experience in architectural and mechanical fields;
  • Certified Design Drafter: post-secondary training and experience of about 3 to 5 years in civil engineering;
  • Certified Digital Designer: post-secondary training experience of 3 to 5 years In visual communication and digital photography.

Members of the ADA receive a discount on the examination cost.

NITC Journey Level Steamfitter/Pipefitter Certification

The National Inspection Testing Certification (NITC) for steamfitters/pipefitters is intended for candidates who are qualified and can demonstrate skills in fabricating, preparing, rigging, and installing pipes and tubing. They should also be trained in the equipment needed to follow standard industry practices.

To qualify for the certification, you are expected to be an experienced trade professional who has completed a UA training program or the equivalency of and has four years of experience in the installation of piping systems.

pipefitter

Candidates for this certification must be able to submit proof of their four years of experience in piping insulation and submit testimonial letters from employers – if you do not happen to possess a valid journeyman certificate. This certification is valid for five years from issuance.

Cost: The initial cost for the Journey Level Steamfitter/Pipefitter is $116. In case you fail the exam, a re-take for another additional $116 fee. 

Masonry Certification

Are you interested in becoming a brick mason? You will need certification through the Mason Contractors Association of America MCAA. This is the national trade association that represents various Mason contractors. The certification program helps customers select which Mason contractors to use on the job.

If you have the certification, you’ll instantly be able to display your masonry field seal which gives you an advantage when marketing your skills to clients and potential customers. With this certification, the masonry certification program actually certifies the company.

The primary individual who’s in charge of the masonry operations, such as the owner, will be the individual responsible for earning the credits and taking the final certification exam. Certification fees are $600 per member and $850 for nonmembers. The renewal fee is $500 every three years. For more information about the approved course sequence for this certification, check out their website.

Cost: The certification fee is $600 and $850 for members and non-members, respectively. The fee includes all tracking services and exam fees for up to three exams. There is also a renewal fee of $500 every three years. 

A+

CompTIA offers the A+ certification. The certification emphasizes individuals looking to work as service technicians as well as individuals who troubleshoot and repair PCs. To complete the certification you must take two exams required to become completely certified. The total cost for the examinations is $452.

The two exams are the Core One exam and the Core Two exam and they cover some of the following content: basic security skills for IT support, configuring a device operating system that includes Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS as well as cloud-based software.

Additionally, these exams include material regarding troubleshooting and problem-solving, service challenges, and support issues. You must know how to apply best practices to documenting and scripting. Those seeking certification must be able to back up data and recover, as well as apply data storage in management practices.

Cost: The certification exam contains 90 items and runs for 90 minutes. The cost is $239. 

Firefighting Certification

Firefighter licensure is important for this risky career. There is no specific license that’s actually required by the fire department. However, you should be able to pass a physical ability test and a written exam to prove you can handle the stress of the job.

To become a licensed firefighter, first, apply to fire departments. Hiring usually takes place every 1 to 2 years and may vary from city or state.

Before you can pass the exam you must pass the physical fitness criteria. The candidate’s physical ability test is to recognize standard measures of an individual‘s fitness to meet the physical demands of becoming a firefighter.

This exam includes the stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull. During the test, all candidates wear a helmet and gloves and a 50-pound weighted vest that is designed to simulate protective equipment. Additionally, you may wish to get certified as an emergency medical technician EMT, or a paramedic.

Cost: Depending on the course and school you take, becoming a certified firefighter will cost you anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000. This is determined by whether you will have the basic 10-week course for a basic firefighting certification or you enroll in a university for a bachelor’s degree in fire science and emergency management. 

National Funeral Directors (NFDA) Certification

NFDA certification is for the National Funeral Directors Association. The NFDA offers a range of training, a cremation certification program, a certified pre-planning consultant program, and a certified celebrant training program. Funeral arranging is a training program that is appropriate for a funeral director. If you’re looking for better ways to communicate the value of the funeral to your customers, this is the training that you need.

The cremation certification is the standard that’s required for funeral service professionals. The program covers the best practices for safe and proper, as well as ethical crematory operations. If you’re looking to include cremation services, you will need this certification.

Cost: The Certified Preplanning Consultant certification by the NFDA costs $445 for members or non-funeral directors and $575 for non-member funeral directors. 

Range of Certification For Medical Coding

A medical coding certification is a great option for anybody who’s looking for job stability and high pay in a lucrative field. Medical coders are required in nearly every medical practice hospital and clinic. Some medical coders may even work from home. In order to become a licensed medical coder, you must complete the medical coding certification.

To be certified you must be able to demonstrate knowledge of one or more of the three codes that are currently being used including ICD-10-CM, current procedural terminology, and healthcare common procedure coding system two. Medical coding certification is available through a few different organizations.

Certification will depend on your intended career, but generally speaking, the CPC exam consists of questions in the following areas: surgical procedures, evaluation and management, anesthesia, radiology, pathology and laboratory, medicine, medical terminology, anatomy, ICD 10 volumes one and two, HCPCS level two codes, coding guidelines, compliance and regulations.

To remain certified you must complete 36 hours of continuing education credits. To become a certified coding specialist, you must have a diploma or a degree in medical training from a medical coding training program, two years of medical coding experience, and an existing medical coding certification plus one year of medical coding experience.

Cost: AHIMA provides several certificate programs, one of which is a certificate for coding specialists. It costs $399 for AHIMA nonmembers and $299 for members. To qualify for the certification, you need to have at least two years of work experience, or the CCA certification plus one year of experience. 

Flight Attendant Certification

Consider becoming a flight attendant for a career with travel benefits. An aircraft passenger service career involves serving food and drinks and providing assistance. Many people think of cabin crew as a dream job because they’re perceived to be paid to travel. 

However, because travel involves round-the-clock work, you will have a wide range of schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. So you need to anticipate irregular working hours. If this job is your dream,  it’s time to acquire a certificate!

Flight Attendant Certification

Crew members are selected based on a variety of factors. The key to your success is your personality, skills, and experience. Unknown to many people, there are special skills and knowledge that you need to attain from studying a certificate program. 

Through such programs, you will learn from former flight attendants themselves. The certificate program provides multiple career options for students, where you can work on flights or in the travel industry. 

Cost: $8,900 

Real Estate Sales Agent Certification

As real estate continues to flourish globally, the need for professional agents and brokers is also on the rise. Brokers help people find new homes and sell and buy properties. They negotiate prices and sign contracts to finalize a property sale or purchase. Agents and brokers are typically required to pass an exam administered by their state or province’s governing body and take real estate courses. 

A certificate program takes you closer to this job. 

Alternatively, you can complete it through a school or an online course. In most cases, getting a real estate sales agent license takes about 4-5 months. Following one to three years of experience (depending on your state), you’ll be able to obtain your broker’s license. Get ready to be equipped with the nuts and bolts of how real estate works when you enroll in this certificate program.

Cost: $829

Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide

Physical therapy assistants and aides work alongside and under the supervision of licensed physical therapists in treating injured or ill patients. The duties may include setting up equipment, moving patients, and handling administrative issues. The education required for this career is quick, which makes it a good career choice. 

This 100% online course aims to prepare you for the certification exam for physical therapy aides. A physical therapy technician or assistant certification exam offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) can be taken after completing this program. 

Check your local state’s licensing requirements before choosing this career.

Cost: $2,400

Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technology certificate program pays well and is one of the fastest. In no time, you can acquire your dream job in the surgical technology field. These professionals assist hospital operating rooms. They assist doctors with surgeries by setting up operating rooms, arranging the equipment, sterilizing patients, and assisting with sterilization.

You can assist doctors, nurses, and patients as a surgical technologist. Basically, your role requires you to work alongside doctors and surgeons performing surgery. You will be responsible for gathering the necessary tools, disposing of items, and assisting patients through the operating room. There are also jobs available in dental practices, veterinary practices, and surgical equipment sales.

Cost: The cost per credit hour is $171 for in-state students and $705 for out-of-state students. The 12 credit hours are $2,186 for in-state learners and $8,594 for out-of-state.

Bookkeeper

Keeping track of finances for a company will be your responsibility as a bookkeeper. Records will be audited, receipts will be tracked, and purchases will be recorded. Payroll will also be completed accurately and on time by you.

There are many other financial transactions and tasks that you need to perform, but this will have to depend on your employer or company. For instance, you might be the one to create reports, make journal entries, and file taxes. 

Bookkeeping offers you security, prestige, opportunities for advancement, and a steady income. The skills you gain as a Bookkeeper will allow you to find work in all kinds of businesses and corporations, and you can enter diverse industries too. People with a bookkeeping certificate have plenty of career opportunities no matter where they live or go. Hence, this is a certification program that you should seriously consider.

Cost: This program costs $589 if you pay in full, $639 for auto payments, and $689 for mail-in payments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Certificate Programs

Why should I earn a certification?

Often, there are several reasons why a short certificate program may be for you. If you…

  • Are not ready to attend a full-time, four-year bachelor’s degree program, due to time constraints or financial reasons,
  • Need additional training for a job promotion,
  • Would like a fast training program (such as needed for a trade) – so you can get out into the workforce quickly!
How long do short certificate programs last?

Depending on your career/trade choice, short certificate programs can last up to two or more years. Or, depending on the certification of choice, you can complete a certificate program in as little as a few weeks.

How can a short certificate program lead to a lucrative salary?

As stated above, certificate programs can be utilized at any stage of your career, even if you are just beginning one. However, the most money to be made by obtaining certification is if you have some job experience under your belt and you need specific certifications to receive a raise or job promotion.

Are certifications better than degrees?

There are many instances where certifications are better than degrees for valid reasons. Today, short certificate programs match the current standards of a specific field better than degrees do. This is critically important in fast-paced fields like information technology.

Degrees, in general, have qualities that vary depending on the university you go. But with certificates, the standard is universal. Everything is the same regardless of where you secured your course and exam. 

Are professional certifications worth it?

The answer is yes. Professional certifications are credentials that will prove your capacity to potential employers. These certificates will tell how much understanding you have in your field of work. 

Related Articles

See also: Certificate Programs That Pay Well 

Additional information for your review:

Malcolm Peralty
Chief Editor

Find Your Perfect School

Premium Schools is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.