Pros and Cons of Certifications vs. Degrees
These days, people considering careers in technology are wondering what the advantages are to pursuing certifications versus following the more “traditional” career path of a college degree. The analysis paralysis of the decision can be – well – paralyzing. In this blog, we’ll help you thoroughly consider both paths, and – in the interest of full disclosure – we’ll show you how ACI Learning Tech Academy can help you overcome the obstacles of a certification path.
Let’s begin by considering the “pros” of an IT certification path over a degree.
Pros of Pursuing IT Certifications
Time and Cost Efficiency: IT certifications generally require less time and financial investment compared to a traditional college degree. Certifications focus specifically on the skills and knowledge required for a specific IT role, allowing you to enter the workforce much faster. For example, most degrees take 4 years to achieve while our Computer User Support Specialist Program takes just 10 weeks!
Industry Relevance: IT certifications are designed to meet the current needs and demands of the industry. They are often developed and recognized by industry-leading organizations, making them highly relevant to specific job roles and technologies. ACI Learning Hubs focus on the most in-demand certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Network Defender and others.
Specialization and Flexibility: IT certifications allow you to specialize in a particular area of IT that aligns with your interests and career goals. You can choose certifications in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, programming languages, and more. This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to your specific career aspirations.
Demonstrable Skills and Knowledge: Because you must pass an exam, IT certifications provide tangible proof of your skills and knowledge in a specific domain. Employers often value certifications as a reliable measure of an individual's competence and commitment to professional development.
Career Advancement and Job Opportunities: Having relevant IT certifications can enhance your career prospects and increase your chances of securing job opportunities. Certifications may qualify you for specific roles or demonstrate your expertise, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Continuous Learning: IT certifications often require continuing education and renewal, ensuring that you stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends. This encourages a culture of lifelong learning, keeping you competitive and adaptable in the rapidly evolving IT field.
Now, let’s consider the cons of IT certification instead of a traditional college degree…
Cons of Pursuing IT Certifications instead of a degree
Limited Scope: IT certifications often focus on specific technologies, products, or job roles. While they provide specialized knowledge, they may not offer the broad foundation of skills and theoretical knowledge that a college degree can provide. This may limit your career options or make it challenging to pivot to different areas of IT.
Lack of Comprehensive Education: IT certifications tend to emphasize practical skills rather than theoretical foundations. While this is beneficial for immediate job readiness, it may result in a gap in understanding the underlying principles and concepts. A college degree generally includes elective courses and can offer a more comprehensive education, covering a wider range of subjects.
Employer Preferences: Some employers may prioritize candidates with a college degree over those with only certifications. Although certifications demonstrate competence in specific areas, certain organizations or positions may require or prefer candidates with a broader educational background.
Evolving Industry Standards: The IT industry evolves rapidly, and certain certifications may become outdated or lose their value over time. It is essential to choose certifications that are widely recognized and have a track record of relevancy in the industry. ACI Learning offers training only in the most relevant and highly demanded certifications.
Limited Networking Opportunities: College often provides a broader networking environment, allowing you to connect with peers, professors, and industry professionals across various disciplines. While IT certifications may offer some networking opportunities, they may be more limited in scope compared to a traditional college setting.
Educational Requirements: Some advanced IT roles, such as IT management or research positions, may require a higher level of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree. If you aspire to these types of positions, a college degree may be a necessary qualification.
How ACI Learning Tech Academy overcome the “cons” of a certification path
Not So Limited Scope: We recommend getting a few certifications that will help you get a powerful skillset. Just one certification generally isn’t enough to get hired and doesn’t set up graduates for a great career. That’s why our programs include 3-4 relevant certifications.
Instructor mentor support: In addition to traditional instruction and hands-on labs to prepare you for IT certification exams, take advantage of one-on-one support from an instructor mentor. Just like a college professor, they have “office hours” where you can get extra support and ask questions or create study plans to fill in any gaps from the lessons.
Career Services: Each Hub has a career services team that offers one-on-one support to perfect your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and connect you with a network of employers. Our Career Services team offers more support than most traditional colleges!
Connect to a network: We’re more than a training school. Our network of support includes mentors, apprenticeships, career services and introductions to the industry through webinars, events, podcasts and more. You’ll be immersed in the culture of your future workplace and will have opportunities to be at the forefront of industry conversations.
Earn college credit: At ACI Learning, you don’t have to decide between certifications and a degree! The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®) officially recommended 12 ACI Learning courses for college credit. That means a class at ACI Learning could count towards a traditional degree.
You’re in good hands: We’ve helped more than 15,000 learners get trained in IT through our Hubs courses. More than 1 million have used our Practice Labs. We’re an official training partner of top vendors like CompTIA.
Other ACI Learning Tech Academy extras: The cost of one exam per class is included, saving our students hundreds of dollars in fees. We offer flexible schedules so that you can complete your training in a way that works for you.
Which is right for you?
Ultimately, the decision between pursuing IT certifications or a traditional college degree depends on your specific goals, preferences, and the requirements of your desired career path. Consider your long-term aspirations, the industry standards in your desired field, and your personal learning style to make an informed decision. It's also worth noting that a combination of certifications and a college degree can offer a well-rounded education and enhance your employability in the IT industry.
