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6 Popular 3-Month Certificate Programs to Jumpstart Your Career

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Most people would agree they wish they had more time. The lack of time can get in the way of a lot of things, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of achieving your dreams. If you’re interested in entering the workforce in a short amount of time, then 3-month certificate programs may be the answer you need.

We’ll share everything there is to know about certificate programs, as well as summarize six popular 3-month certificate programs that can jumpstart your career fast.

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What is a Certificate Program?

A certificate program is relatively short-term educational training that is focused on teaching transferable skills or knowledge that’s particular to a certain field of work or job. While students can earn a degree and also a certificate, it’s also an option to solely obtain a certificate and work in a variety of employment positions.

Certificate programs can act as a stepping stone that allows you to gain hands-on experience, whether or not you wish to go back to school for a degree one day or not.

How Does a Certificate Program Benefit You?

If you’re considering if a certificate program is right for you, then it’s useful to know that some fields require a certification. On the other hand, if your field of choice doesn’t require a certification, it can still offer you a leg up.

Here’s how:

  • Boost earning potential: Getting a certificate signals to employers that you have knowledge and skills that pertain to their business. This can earn you a higher salary.
  • Enhance resume: You can put your earned certificate on your resume to provide you with a competitive advantage.
  • Grow your network: Whether you attend an online certificate program or in-person classes, you will expand your network with other like-minded individuals and professionals.
  • Practical knowledge: Certifications provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to execute on the job.

How Long are Certificate Programs?

Depending on your subject of choice, certificate programs vary in length. On the faster end of the spectrum, you can enroll in 3-month certificate programs. Alternatively, there are also certificate programs that take longer than two years to complete. Plus, the are plenty of in between options like 6-month certificate programs.

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6 Popular 3-Month Certificate Programs

If you’re looking to enroll in a 3-month certificate program and be able to start working, then look no further. We’ve compiled 6 popular 3-month certificate program options below.

We’ll cover the basics like what the job entails and what salary you can expect to earn.

Let’s get going!

1. Web designer

Web designers create the aesthetics and user experience of websites. They often begin by designing wireframes and then execute their vision using graphic design software.

A web designer may be tasked with creating a website or web pages from scratch, or updating existing sites. Their role may or may not entail the coding involved to make a website come to life.

Some web designers know programming languages, whereas others may require a website developer to activate their designs.

Web designers can find free or paid certificate programs online that vary in length. While a certificate isn’t required to be a web designer, it does provide practical knowledge.

According to Payscale, the average salary for a web designer in the United States is $51,353 per year.

2. Truck Driver

In today’s world where delivery is ubiquitous, so are truck drivers. Did you know that truck drivers need a special commercial license to operate these vehicles? This is where certificate programs can come in handy.

Depending on the type of truck you want to operate, there are different class licences. However, they all belong under the umbrella of a CDL, or commercial drivers license. Once you earn your CDL by passing the exams, you can gain endorsements by way of specialization and certification.

For example, to drive a school bus or tank vehicles, these programs can assist. According to Indeed, the average salary of a truck driver in America is $65,512.

3. IT Support

IT support professionals install, configure, and troubleshoot software and computer systems. They serve as technical support and work with their clients to resolve any technical issues. It’s possible for anyone to become an IT support professional, even without a degree of any kind.

For example, you can enroll online via Coursera for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and learn the skills you need to enter the world of IT upon completion.

Based on Glassdoor’s data, the average salary for this position is $51,205.

4. Personal Trainer

Personal trainers work directly with people to provide them with customized workout plans. They ensure that their clients are properly performing movements to avoid injury.

Personal training certificate programs can be completed in as little as three months. They can help to teach: personal training techniques, an understanding of training software, how to maintain and operate workout equipment, current fitness trends, CPR, and more.

Salary.com reports that the average salary for a personal trainer in the United States is $62,377.

5. EMT

EMT stands for emergency medical technician. An EMT is an entry-level position, so people can obtain the knowledge they need from trade schools, community colleges, and/or certificate programs. With a high school diploma, those who wish to enter this career can then continue their training so they can sit for the exam and become certified as an EMT.

Salary.com notes that the average salary of an EMT is $36,640.

6. Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents work with buyers and sellers to initiate and finalize real estate transactions. To enter this potentially lucrative career with the upside benefit of being able to set your own schedule, you can enroll in a real estate certification course to learn what you need to know to get your real estate license. Once you pass the real estate agent exam, you can begin representing buyers and/or sellers.

The salary of a real estate agent is widely dispersed because it involves commission. Therefore, the location and volume of transactions will greatly affect this number. However, that being said, if we are to look at a highly populated area like Los Angeles, we can see that the average salary for a real estate agent is $87,773 per year, according to Ziprecruiter.com 

Final Thoughts

3-month certificate programs provide people with the skills they need to enter a variety of careers. The choice to earn a degree alongside, before, or after a certificate program is yours to make depending on your overall goals.