Post-Secondary Credentialing Types & Meaning Explained (Guide)

In recent years, the landscape of higher education has changed dramatically. We are seeing a massive shift in how students earn and use their qualifications. Today, there are more than 700,000 unique types of credentials available in the United States alone. This explosion of options means that understanding post-secondary credentialing is no longer just helpful; it is essential for anyone trying to build a career path.

I have spent nearly two decades as an academic researcher and advisor. During that time, I have sat across the desk from hundreds of students who felt completely lost. I remember a student named Marcus who came to my office during his second year of college. He was frustrated because he had spent a year earning a “certificate” in technology, only to find out it wouldn’t count toward the “degree” he actually wanted. Marcus wasn’t a bad student. He was simply a victim of confusing jargon.

My goal today is to make sure you don’t face that same frustration. Post-secondary credentialing sounds like a heavy, intimidating phrase, but it is actually quite simple once we break it down. In this guide, I will act as your translator. We will look at what these credentials are, why they matter, and how they fit together to create your educational future.

What is Post-Secondary Credentialing?

Post-secondary credentialing is a term for the official awards you earn after finishing high school. These awards prove that you have gained specific knowledge or skills through a structured program. They are issued by colleges, universities, or professional organizations to show you have met a certain standard of learning.

Think of a credential as a “receipt” for your education. When you buy something at a store, the receipt proves you paid for the item and now own it. In education, a credential proves you “own” the knowledge you studied. Whether it is a two-year degree or a six-month certificate, these documents are the currency of the professional world. They tell schools and employers exactly what you are capable of doing.

Understanding the Credit Hour System

A credit hour is the standard unit used to measure the amount of work you do in a college course. Most colleges define one credit hour as one hour of classroom instruction per week over a 15-week semester. This system helps schools keep track of your progress toward a credential.

When I talk to new students, I often use the “building block” analogy. If your degree is a finished house, each credit hour is a single brick. To finish the house, you need a specific number of bricks. For example, a typical class is worth 3 credit hours. This means you will spend about three hours in a classroom each week, plus roughly six to nine hours studying on your own.

• A standard semester usually involves 12 to 15 credit hours.
• Most full-time students take 4 or 5 classes at a time.
• To graduate on time, students generally need to complete 30 credits per year.

How Credit Hours Determine Your Status

Your “academic standing” or “year” in school is usually based on how many credits you have completed. This is important because it can affect when you are allowed to register for classes. Schools often let “Seniors” pick their classes first because they have the most credits.

• Freshman: 0 to 29 credits.
• Sophomore: 30 to 59 credits.
• Junior: 60 to 89 credits.
• Senior: 90 or more credits.

Exploring Undergraduate Degrees

Undergraduate degrees are the most common types of post-secondary credentials. These are the first degrees students earn after high school. They are divided into two main categories: Associate degrees and Bachelor’s degrees. Each serves a different purpose depending on your goals.

I once worked with an international student named Sofia who was confused by the term “undergraduate.” In her home country, the system was different. I explained to her that “under” simply means you haven’t earned your first big degree yet. You are “under” the graduate level. Once she understood that, the rest of the terminology started to click into place.

The Associate Degree (2-Year Degree)

An Associate degree is a credential awarded by community colleges and some four-year universities. It typically requires about 60 credit hours of study. These degrees are designed to be completed in two years if you attend school full-time.

There are three main types of Associate degrees you should know: – Associate of Arts (AA): This focuses on liberal arts and general education. It is usually designed for students who plan to move to a four-year school later. – Associate of Science (AS): This focuses on math and science topics. Like the AA, it is often a stepping stone to a Bachelor’s degree. – Associate of Applied Science (AAS): This is a “terminal” degree. It is meant to prepare you to go straight into a specific job after graduation rather than transferring to another school.

The two most common types are: – Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree usually has a broader focus on humanities, social sciences, and languages. – Bachelor of Science (BS): This degree is more specialized and focuses heavily on technical, scientific, or mathematical subjects.

Comparison: Major vs. Concentration vs. Minor

When you pursue a degree, you will hear these three terms constantly. They describe how you spend your credit hours within your program.

Graduate and Professional Credentials

Graduate credentials are advanced awards earned after you have already completed a Bachelor’s degree. These are for students who want to become experts in a specific field or enter professions like law or medicine. This level of education is often more intense and research-focused.

In my years of teaching, I have noticed that students often jump into graduate school because they aren’t sure what to do next. I always advise them to look at the specific credential required for their dream career. Not every job requires a Master’s degree, and knowing the difference can save you years of unnecessary study.

Master’s Degrees

A Master’s degree typically takes one to two years of study beyond a Bachelor’s degree. It requires about 30 to 60 credits. You might see titles like Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Business Administration (MBA). These degrees show that you have achieved a high level of mastery in your subject.

Doctoral Degrees

A Doctoral degree is the highest level of academic credential. These can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete. – Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy): This is research-focused. You spend years creating new knowledge in your field. – Professional Doctorates: These are for specific jobs. Examples include a J.D. for lawyers or an M.D. for medical doctors.

Non-Degree Credentials: Certificates and Licenses

Not every post-secondary credential is a “degree.” Many students find that certificates or licenses are faster and more effective ways to gain specific skills. These are often called “non-degree” credentials because they do not require the general education classes (like English or History) that degrees do.

I remember helping a new academic advisor who was confused by the difference between a “certificate” and a “certification.” It is a common mix-up. A certificate is usually an academic award from a school, while a certification is a professional award from an industry group.

Academic Certificates

An academic certificate is a program offered by a college that focuses on a single skill set. For example, you might earn a certificate in “Cybersecurity” or “Medical Coding.” These usually take six months to a year to complete. They are excellent for students who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Professional Certifications and Licenses

These credentials are not usually issued by schools. Instead, they come from government agencies or industry boards. * Licenses: These are mandatory. You cannot legally work in certain jobs without a state-issued license (e.g., Nursing, Teaching, or Electrician work). * Certifications: These are usually voluntary but highly respected. They prove you have met industry standards (e.g., a Certified Public Accountant or a Cisco Certified Network Associate).

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation is a quality-control process where an outside agency reviews a school or program. If a school is “accredited,” it means it meets the basic standards of quality set by the education community. This is perhaps the most important concept to understand when choosing a credential.

I often tell my students that accreditation is like a “health inspection” for a restaurant. You wouldn’t want to eat at a place that failed its inspection. Similarly, you should be very careful about earning a credential from a school that is not accredited. It can affect whether your credits will transfer or if your degree will be recognized by other schools.

Types of Accreditation

There are two main types of accreditation you will encounter: – Institutional Accreditation: This applies to the entire school. In the United States, this was historically divided into “regional” and “national” accreditation. Most traditional colleges hold what is now called institutional accreditation from recognized regional bodies. – Programmatic Accreditation: This applies to a specific department or program within a school. For example, a university might be accredited as a whole, but its Nursing program might have its own special accreditation from a nursing board.

Why Accreditation Matters for You

• Transferring Credits: Most accredited schools will only accept transfer credits from other accredited schools.
• Credential Validity: Employers and graduate schools often check if your degree came from an accredited institution.
• Standardized Quality: It ensures that the curriculum, faculty, and facilities meet professional standards.

Navigating Transfer Credits and Equivalencies

Transfer credit is the process of taking credits earned at one school and “moving” them to another. This is very common for students who start at a community college and then move to a four-year university. However, it is not always a simple one-to-one swap.

Think of transfer credits like a currency exchange. If you travel from one country to another, your money might be worth a different amount. In the same way, a “History 101” class at College A might be worth 3 credits, but College B might decide it only counts as an elective, not a core requirement.

Articulation Agreements

To make transferring easier, many schools have “Articulation Agreements.” These are formal contracts between two schools. They lay out exactly which classes will transfer and how they will count toward your new degree.

• Always ask for a “Transfer Equivalency Guide” when looking at a new school.
• Keep your course syllabi. Sometimes a school needs to see the syllabus to decide if a class is equivalent to theirs.
• Check if your school has a “Block Transfer” agreement, which allows an entire Associate degree to count as the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree.

Practical Steps for Choosing Your Credential

Now that we have covered the “what” and “why,” let’s talk about the “how.” Navigating these options requires a plan. You don’t want to collect credits randomly; you want to build a path that leads to your goal.

1. Define Your Goal First

Before picking a credential, look at the requirements for the career you want. Do you need a license? Is a Bachelor’s degree the standard entry-level requirement? Use tools like the College Scorecard or the NCES College Navigator to see what credentials successful people in your field hold.

2. Check the Accreditation

Before you enroll in any program, verify its accreditation status. You can do this through the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). If you cannot find the school there, ask the admissions office for their specific accreditation details.

3. Map Out Your Credits

If you plan to transfer later, talk to advisors at both schools. Ask the second school: “If I take these specific 60 credits at my current school, will you accept all of them toward my major?” This one question can save you months of work.

4. Create an Advising Appointment Planner

When you meet with an academic advisor, don’t just show up and listen. Go in with a list of specific questions. Here are a few to get you started: – Is this program “terminal,” or is it designed for transfer? – Does this major have a specific “concentration” that fits my interests? – Are there “articulation agreements” for this specific degree? – What is the total number of credit hours required for this credential?

Key Takeaways for Success

Navigating higher education can feel like learning a new language. But remember, every expert was once a beginner. By understanding these terms, you are taking control of your education.

• Post-secondary credentials include degrees, certificates, and licenses.
• Credit hours are the measure of your work; 120 is the typical goal for a Bachelor’s.
• Accreditation is the “seal of quality” that ensures your credential has value.
• Associate degrees are 2-year programs, while Bachelor’s degrees are 4-year programs.
• Transferring requires careful planning and checking for articulation agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between an AA and an AAS degree?

An Associate of Arts (AA) is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn a Bachelor’s degree. It includes many general education classes. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a technical degree designed to lead directly to a job. AAS credits are often harder to transfer to a four-year school because they focus on specific job skills rather than general academics.

Can I earn a certificate and a degree at the same time?

Yes, many schools allow “concurrent enrollment.” This means you can work on a specific certificate (like Data Analysis) while you are also completing your Bachelor’s degree. Often, the credits you earn for the certificate will also count toward your degree requirements as electives.

Why do some Bachelor’s degrees take longer than four years?

While 120 credits is the standard, some majors (like Engineering or Architecture) require more credits, sometimes up to 150. Also, if a student changes their major late in their college career, they may have to take extra classes that weren’t part of their original plan. Taking fewer than 15 credits per semester will also extend the timeline.

Does “nationally accredited” mean the school is better than “regionally accredited”?

In the United States, this is a common point of confusion. Historically, “regional” accreditation was considered the gold standard for traditional academic universities. “National” accreditation was often used for trade schools or vocational programs. Most major universities prefer transfer credits from regionally accredited schools. Recently, these terms have started to change to “institutional accreditation,” but the distinction in how schools view each other still exists.

What is a “concentration” and do I have to choose one?

A concentration is a group of classes within your major that lets you specialize. For example, if you are a Business major, your concentration might be in Marketing. Not every major requires a concentration, but choosing one can help you stand out by showing you have deep knowledge in a specific area.

What happens to my credits if I drop out and return years later?

In most cases, your credits do not “expire.” However, the school you return to will evaluate them to see if they still meet current standards. Science and technology credits are the most likely to “age out” because those fields change so quickly. General education credits like English or History usually stay valid for a long time.

Is a professional certification the same as a license?

No. A license is a legal requirement issued by the government to practice a profession (like a medical license). A certification is a voluntary credential issued by a professional organization to show you have high-level skills (like a Project Management Professional certification). You usually need a license to work, but a certification is an extra “bonus” for your resume.

How do I know if my credits will transfer to another state?

Transferring across state lines can be tricky. You should use a “Transfer Equivalency Database,” which many large universities host on their websites. These tools let you plug in your current school and classes to see exactly how they will count at the new school. Always verify the results with an official transcript evaluation from the new school’s registrar.

What is a “Post-Baccalaureate Certificate”?

This is a credential for students who already have a Bachelor’s degree but want to gain a new specialty without earning a full Master’s degree. It is a “bridge” between undergraduate and graduate study. It is often used by students who want to change careers or meet the requirements for a specific graduate program.

Why is the “Carnegie Unit” mentioned in credit hour discussions?

The Carnegie Unit is the historical name for the credit hour system. It was developed in the early 1900s to standardize how much time students spent in class. Today, almost every college in the U.S. uses a version of this system to ensure that a “3-credit class” at one school represents roughly the same amount of work as a “3-credit class” at another.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Alan Westbrook. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)