It depends on your career field and what you want to get specialized in. If you are in the computer field then you want industry recognized credentials such as CCNA, MCE, NET+, A+, etc.. Some certifications are required as part of the job, such as CNA or in health care fields such as RN and LPN.

A certificate is proof that you have completed a specified training course. It is not a degree, but not everything requires a degree. For instance, to be a Real Estate Agent, you can complete a 6 month training course and get a certificate that you’ve completed the training which is required in most states before you can take the state exam. Or, to be a Certified Nursing Assistant, you complete an 8 week training course and get a certificate which most employers required to work as a Nursing Assistant. To be a Massage therapist, you complete a 6 month training course and get a certificate. And so forth. The certificate says you’ve successfully completed the coursework and training for that profession.