Technical certificates are awarded to people who have completed a specialized course of study in a field related to their chosen profession. A certificate of this type is known as a Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQ), and it proves that the individual has been exposed to information that is critical to the performance of tasks associated with specific professions or jobs, and that the individual has assimilated that information to the satisfaction of the institution that issued the certificates.
Obtaining a technical certificate usually entails spending a certain amount of time in a classroom and taking specific courses that are deemed necessary before the training period is considered complete. Some certificate programs may require additional activities outside of the classroom, such as an apprenticeship in a job or profession related to the subject matter. It is usually possible to pace course work to fit around other obligations. This allows you to pursue a technical certificate while working full-time or part-time and juggling family obligations and activities.
Some issuing institutions will provide a restricted technical certificate to people who are pursuing a technical certificate that is related to a job or profession that they are already doing. The restricted certificate acknowledges that the individual has life experience relevant to the course of study’s subject matter and provides documentation to that effect. People who have this type of certificate can pursue a full certificate with fewer required in-class hours and a smaller selection of courses.
The specific requirements for obtaining a technical certificate will differ depending on the institution. The advantages of having one, however, are similar to those of having a college diploma. The tech certificate is useful in demonstrating to potential employers or clients that the individual has certified working knowledge of matters directly related to the tasks involved in the job or career path in question.