What type of professional recognition are you really getting?

Certification and a certificate of completion are two very different types of recognition with substantial differences. There are some manufacturers of microcurrent devices that offer the customer a certification along with training. Unknowingly, the customer receives a certificate of completion at the end of training. Prospective customers may mistake a certificate of completion for professional certification unaware that microcurrent certification does not exist.

The path to certification is a much more arduous and higher level of accomplishment than receiving a certificate of completion. Certification confirms that the participant has acquired competence and expertise in a specific area of study. This commonly involves completing various and specific training programs, passing exams, assessment of the participant's skills and demonstrating practical experience.

Professional associations, educational institution or industry organizations issue certifications to ensure that participants meet national standards. Additionally, participants are required to complete requirements for re-certification so that education is current in their particular field. This commonly takes place through continuing education and retesting of material.

A certificate of completion, on the other hand, focuses on a specific, small amount of knowledge and skill. It provides education and training of a new skill but does not require stringent assessment and validation of progress by a third party such as an educational institution.

As microcurrent popularity continues to soar, fictitious claims grow. Professionals would be wise to check the source of advertisements on the internet, ask questions and clearly understand what is being sold. There is no substitute for research.

References

https://meritamerica.org/blog/difference-between-certificate-certification/

https://www.pce.uw.edu/news-features/articles/difference-between-certificate-certification