A certificate program is a specialized education designed to develop or strengthen specific career skills. It is a postsecondary credential that shows a student has completed practical training and gained experience and a specific skill set in a certain field. Certificate programs prepare students for technical or skill-based jobs in everything from real estate to nursing to web development and more. They are generally shorter and more affordable than degree programs, and are usually provided at two main levels: undergraduate and graduate. Certificate programs are non-degree programs and can be attractive to individuals starting or changing their careers, or for those seeking higher pay or a promotion. They tend to focus on skills development so that students can become job-ready, and depending on the subject studied, students can learn technical skills or refine key transferable skills, like critical thinking, decision making, and attention to detail. Many certificate programs also feature an applied learning project, so students can practice the skills they’ve spent time cultivating. Certificate programs vary in terms of time and cost, and can be earned by completing courses at a community college, technical school, private company, or even online.