The number of students working to earn postsecondary certificates is rising.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 8 percent of undergraduates enrolled in certificate programs in 2011-12, a slight increase from eight years prior. Interestingly, more and more of these certificate seekers already have a postsecondary credential and are back for further education. These certificates are largely concentrated in health care, personal/consumer services and the manufacturing/construction/repair/transportation sectors.
Relatedly, a report from The Brookings Institution delves into data differentiating short- and long-term certificates, demonstrating a 63-percent increase in long-term certificates awarded and a 157-percent increase in short-term certificates awarded since 2000. This compares to 47-percent growth in associate degrees awarded.
Looking at benefits to earning a certificate, the research demonstrates solid returns to long-term certificates, particularly for certain fields of study, while evidence is less for positive returns to short-term certificates. As Brookings author Adela Soliz notes, not all of these credentials are well recognized by employers, which is why organizations like the National Coalition of Certification Centers have a role to play in bridging education and industry to help students find great futures.
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