A technical certificate is a certification that demonstrates specific competency in a certain field of technology. Technical certificates are issued to individuals who have completed a specialized course of study that is related to specific vocational skills. These certificates are also referred to as Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQ) and are generally obtained by committing to a minimum number of hours in a classroom and pursuing specified courses that are considered necessary before the training period is considered complete. Some certificate courses of study may involve some sort of activity outside the classroom as well, such as an apprenticeship in a job or profession that is relevant to the subject matter. Technical certificates are extremely beneficial in information technologies as they can help to demonstrate proficiency and excellence in specific skills and represent an understanding of specific methodologies. Many jobs and positions require various technical certifications for hiring. Technical certificate programs prepare students for immediate entry into a career in the workforce and require prescribed coursework.