Best Certificate Programs in Chicago
Professional certifications offer a range of invaluable benefits across various fields. These credentials help to showcase your expertise and enhance your employability. They also often help participants develop crucial managerial skills, fostering better team dynamics, communication, and improved strategic thinking. If you are a Chicago resident hoping to boost your resume or enter a new industry, attending a certification program in Chicago is an excellent place to start. Adding one of these certificates to your resume helps demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and can open doors to new opportunities.
American Management Association: Training Certificate Program
Key Information: Students can attend this program for$2,695. It lasts for three full weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. This course is ideal for anyone in a role that is responsible for training other professionals, whether you’re new to your role or want to learn more current techniques. Successful graduates will also earn access to a library of on-demand lessons to refresh critical skills and articles offering additional tips and tricks.
This training program explores various aspects of effective adult learning. You'll learn how to identify training-related problems, create assessment questions, and distinguish objectives based on outcomes. The training emphasizes crafting affective, behavioral, and cognitive objectives, and planning training methods that align with these goals. The program also teaches how to deliver an engaging presentation, including preparing and delivering short segments that cover a wide range of learning activities.
The curriculum guides participants in deciding when to use certain tools (before, during, or after training) for practical application on the job. The training culminates in practical application by having participants deliver a ten- to 15-minute training segment and receiving feedback to enhance their facilitation skills.
American Management Association: Women’s Leadership Certificate Program
Key Information: Tuition for this class is $2,995 per person. It takes place over two weekdays, and there are no prerequisites to attend. While the program is particularly useful for women already in leadership positions, any professional woman wanting to advance in the workplace is encouraged to attend. Upon successful completion of the class, participants receive an AMA Certificate to demonstrate their skills.
This women's leadership program begins by encouraging participants to think of leadership as a mix of different skills, like considering the needs of others and planning ahead. The program's primary goal is to help women feel more confident about taking risks and learn how to show they are essential team members at their jobs. They will also talk about how some ideas people have about women in business can be harmful and how to overcome them.
In the class, people will spend time understanding their leadership style and how it can inspire their coworkers. They will also learn about the importance of giving and getting feedback in a polite way and how to work together with others to achieve goals. Toward the end of the course, participants will talk about how to make and grow their professional networks.
Santa Lucia Food Safety Consulting: ServSafe Food Safety Program & Exam
Key Information: This class is available on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It costs $195 to attend. The exam begins at 4:00 pm, and students who pass will be given their ServSafe Certificates the same day. This course is available in both English and Spanish.
This nationally accredited ServSafe food protection course is geared towards food service professionals who desire comprehensive education about all areas of food service sanitation. The program discusses everything from procurement to customer service. Other notable units teach participants about typical pathogens, personal cleanliness, management of rodents and insects, as well as the fundamentals of secure and hygienic food management.
This curriculum has been structured to align with the criteria stipulated by local, state, and federal regulations. Previous students praised this course as being thorough and filled with relevant examples. The instructor is frequently described as patient and knowledgeable.
ProActive Safety Services LLC: EPA RRP Lead Renovator Initial
Key Information: This is a one-day course that lasts from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It costs $325 to attend. This course is designed for contractors who work in either houses or facilities where children are regularly present. Structures built before 1978 must have at least one Environmental Protection Agency certification on-site due to the potential for lead-based materials.
This EPA RRP Initial Certification course offers an interactive learning experience consisting of eight classroom modules and eleven hands-on activities. The course concludes with an official exam containing 25 to 50 questions; the exact number depends on your state's requirements. Successful course completion grants you certification, which can be extended through refresher training before the expiration date. Failure to do so will require recertification through a repeat of the Lead Renovator Training course.
The classroom modules cover a range of topics. They address the importance of understanding lead-based paint's health implications and its introduction through paint deterioration and renovations. Regulations governing lead renovator certification, encompassing the EPA's RRP rule and HUD's LSHR rule, are also discussed in detail. The course also explores recognizing lead-based paint presence, proper containment methods, handling dust, maintaining personal safety, effective cleanup techniques, record keeping, and even training non-certified workers to comply with regulations. This program aims
To equip participants with practical knowledge for successful lead-based paint projects while adhering to essential safety rules.
Sprintzeal Americas Inc.: CAPM® Certified Associate Project Management
Key Information: Tuition for this program is $2,377 per person. The class lasts for four full days, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some sessions are on weekdays (Monday through Thursday), while others take place over two consecutive weekends, so there are options for various scheduling needs. The course is designed for those interested in a project management role or who are already in one of these roles and need to enhance their skills.
This course aims to help students learn fundamental project management skills, which are valuable to any resume. Some of these skills include coordinating meetings and conversations between key stakeholders, learning how to appropriately measure performance so projects stay on track, modeling professional interactions with your teammates, and thoughtfully assessing each project to select the best resources for the team.
There are plenty of benefits to attending this CAPM workshop. First, this addition to your resume shows you are committed to professional growth and the project management profession as a whole. Many people can also attain higher salaries or promotions as a result of improved project management skills. Businesses value employees with these skills because they help to minimize costs and resources, making each project more efficient as their skills continue to improve.
Computer Training Source Inc.: PMP ® Exam Prep
Key Information: Attending this course costs $2,995 per person. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for five consecutive weeks. Participants must be 18 or older, and classes typically contain around ten students.
The program consists of 15 modules, each exploring crucial elements essential for a thorough understanding of project management. These modules cover a range of subjects, including techniques for preparing for exams, frameworks for project management, up-to-date approaches, and balancing the expectations of both team members and external stakeholders. Through the course, participants will improve their ability to juggle risk, expenses, and timelines, guaranteeing timely project completion while maintaining high performance standards.
Geared towards preparing students for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, this class also offers the added advantage of fulfilling the mandatory 35 PDUs. In the first class, each student receives a Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)® manual, a learning guide, and access to practice exam questions. If a student does not pass the exam on their first attempt, Computer Training Source will cover retest fees as long as students attend all sessions, complete two practice exams, and take the initial exam within three months of the final session.
Sprintzeal Americas Inc: Risk Management Certification Training
Key Information: Tuition for this certification program is$5,175. The class lasts for one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on both days. This course is intended for professionals across industries looking to manage risk more effectively.
The primary goal of this professional training is to help people develop professional skills by promoting the application of risk management knowledge across a range of disciplines and organizations. The program aims to provide skills and knowledge related to the efficient handling, analysis, and storage of project data.
Getting this certification enhances risk management, project control abilities, and shareholder confidence. It offers international recognition, covers project management fundamentals, showcases skills to employers and peers, and has the potential to lead to salary growth. Moreover, it helps enhance credibility, job prospects, and overall recognition of project management abilities.
Lactation Education Consultants: Certified Lactation Specialist Course
Key Information: Enrolling in this program costs $720, and it takesfive full days to complete. Attending this course will get students half of the total hours they need to sit for the IBLCE exam. Students can acquire the second half of their continuing education hours by taking additional LEC courses or attending local conferences. The program is tailored toward individuals hoping to become lactation consultants or those in roles such as nurses, physicians, midwives, breastfeeding assistants, or anyone else seeking to gain expertise in supporting breastfeeding.
The course covers all topics that are tested in the IBLCE exam. The application of practical, scientific principles is utilized to teach lactation management skills. The content of the course is frequently updated to align with industry changes and expanding scientific knowledge. To earn certification as a lactation specialist, participants must attend the entire course, complete assigned coursework and readings, and pass the exam at the end of the course. The curriculum discusses lactation consulting practices, including documentation, how to establish public or private services, and addressing ethical considerations.
The course emphasizes the importance of preparing for IBCLC practice, focusing on practical lactation management. The course also offers guidance on gaining clinical experience and offers specific strategies for preparing for both the IBLCE exam and the course's final exam. Throughout the course, participants gain hands-on skills in effective counseling and educating parents and families.
Noble Desktop: JavaScript Development Certificate
Key Information: Students can attend this program for$5,995. It takes roughly three and a half months to complete, with classes on various weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This virtual certificate program is an excellent alternative if none of the in-person courses in Chicago meet your needs. Noble also allows students one free retake within a year, allowing them to refresh the fundamentals and practice their skills. To attend this program, students should already be able to code in HTML and CSS.
A JavaScript Developer specializes in creating web applications, websites, and interactive elements using the JavaScript programming language. They work on both the front-end and back-end aspects of web development, implementing functionality and ensuring high-quality user experiences. Businesses are eager to hire JavaScript Developers because their expertise enables companies to deliver engaging online experiences, helping to attract and retain users. The demand for these developers is driven by the widespread use of JavaScript in modern web development, making them crucial for businesses aiming to provide innovative digital platforms.
This program focuses on the versatility and efficiency of JavaScript. Throughout the course, students will complete various projects to understand the range of capabilities that the language has. Students will develop dynamic web applications using React and Node.js and manage databases using MongoDB. They will also be able to Integrate additional functionality from platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook using third-party APIs.
In addition to the weeks of hands-on instruction, this certificate also includes individual career mentoring sessions for each student. Participants can review their resumes with an expert in these meetings and chat about interview tips and networking opportunities. These sessions aim to ensure each student is as prepared as possible for entering the job market.
FAQ for Professional Certificates
As you may have noticed, there is a lot of information to sort through regarding attending a professional certificate course. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make a more informed decision:
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
It's common to use certification and certificate interchangeably in professional settings. However, they have distinct meanings and require different processes to achieve. Certification usually involves taking an exam administered by a third party and is aimed at showcasing expertise in a specific skill, often mandatory for certain jobs. Eligibility for certification exams often depends on having relevant experience.
Certificates are programs based on completion and are open even to beginners. While not usually required for employment, certificate programs can help students prepare for certification exams. These programs offer ample hands-on practice in a specific skill, and completing them adds value to a resume.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Professional certificates and certifications can definitely help people advance in certain careers, but they are not without their share of risks. It’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks to these programs before deciding which program to attend. A certificate program typically offers a quicker path to acquiring skills compared to certifications. These programs focus on specific skills or expertise areas, allowing learners to tailor their education to their needs.
Certificates also generally hold value for entry-level positions and can provide an advantage over candidates lacking formal training. However, their recognition might be limited beyond the institutions or organizations offering them. Moreover, certificate programs may narrow their training to just a few specific skills, which could limit your overall knowledge in a broader field.
Conversely, certifications offer broader acknowledgment from employers, industries, and professional groups, boosting both your credibility and employability. These programs encompass a wide array of topics, ensuring a thorough grasp of the topic at hand. Certifications also require exams to showcase your expertise, giving employers an objective tool for assessing candidates.
When pursuing certification, it's important to note that the process tends to be more time-consuming and expensive due to the requirements and exam preparation. Many certifications mandate ongoing education and periodic renewal, increasing the time and financial commitments involved.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Whether a person needs a certificate to find a job depends on the type of job they are hoping to find. There are a few professions or industries where having a professional certification of some sort is highly desirable. The Information Technology (IT) field heavily relies on certifications from organizations like CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft, which act as proof of technical expertise and specialization in various domains.
In the creative sector, certifications play a role in graphic design. Designers often maintain Adobe certifications to showcase their proficiency in using design software, enhancing their employability and credibility. The fitness industry also relies on certifications, where personal trainers hold certifications from organizations like NASM or ACE to demonstrate their knowledge of exercise science and safe training practices. In project management, certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) are widely recognized as indicators of a project manager's ability to lead and deliver projects successfully.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Enrolling in a professional certificate program is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of the time it often takes to complete. Like with any major life decision, it’s essential to consider several factors before settling on which program to attend or if you want to attend at all.
Feeling confident in your decision to attend a certification program is important because they often require a significant financial investment. Some people can receive additional support from their employer, like additional time off or tuition reimbursement. Be sure to have these discussions with your workplace so you can take advantage of any help they may offer. Many certificate programs also provide perks, which is another way to maximize your investment. These bonuses can be things like job placement, free retake options, scholarships, or career coaching sessions.
It’s equally important to reflect on your overall career goals before attending a certificate program. Earning more money is an understandable and common desire, but there may be easier ways of attaining a higher income. Certifications typically require that students engage in continuous education, and they usually need to take regular exams to demonstrate continued proficiency. These additional factors are crucial to weigh before pursuing a lengthy certificate program.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
In-person education remains a popular choice for those seeking to acquire new skills. The companionship that comes with interacting with peers who share similar interests and direct feedback from instructors are two extremely valuable aspects. A conventional classroom setting also fosters personal responsibility, compelling individuals to be on time and engaged to maximize their learning. The primary drawback to in-person learning revolves around the added time commitment. Students must factor in commuting, which can be particularly challenging for those residing in rural areas who must drive to nearby cities for classes.
Virtual learning is an appealing substitute for physically attending a certificate program. It offers flexibility to individuals living in remote regions or constrained by other commitments. Many students appreciate the freedom to learn in familiar environments like their homes, local libraries, or restaurants in their communities. On the other hand, some learners find the home environment distracting and prefer a more explicit boundary between work and relaxation. Additionally, extroverted learners might encounter difficulties as they thrive on the connections built into face-to-face learning.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
The decision between participating in real-time virtual classes versus accessing prerecorded certification programs depends primarily on someone's preferred learning approach, schedule, and desire for real-time engagement. Certain students may excel in a live setting, benefitting from instant feedback and regular conversations with peers, whereas others might favor the flexibility and ease of on-demand courses. Reflecting on your personal preferences, goals, and any potential constraints that may arise is vital before deciding on either type of certificate program.
Live online courses encourage direct engagement with educators and fellow classmates through virtual classrooms and webinars, allowing students the chance to raise questions in the moment. Instructors can promptly evaluate assignments and projects in this format, enabling students to address any uncertainties and adapt their learning techniques. These real-time sessions are typically held on a fixed schedule. This organized learning environment aids participants in maintaining a consistent routine. However, the synchronized nature of live classes may clash with the schedules of individuals juggling various commitments, making it problematic to attend at regular times.
On-demand education has several benefits that you may not have considered. These courses allow learners to review content at their own pace, enabling them to dedicate more time to complex subjects or breeze through familiar ones. On-demand learners can pause, rewind, and replay content as needed, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of concepts.
Conversely, on-demand courses lack real-time interaction with educators and peers, which might hinder immediate feedback and networking opportunities. The lack of a regular schedule could potentially lead to procrastination and a decrease in motivation for certain students. Moreover, while certain on-demand classes offer guidance through group message forums or emails, the level of instructor support will not be the same as live classes.
