10 Online Certifications You Can Get Without a Degree

Updated on 9/23/2025

If you're wondering, ''What certifications can I get online without going back for a four-year degree?'' you're not alone. Many people are turning to online certificate programs as a quicker, more affordable way to gain career-ready skills. These options are designed to help you build a credential that potential employers recognize, even if you've never taken a college class before.

There are plenty of certifications you can get online that prepare you for in-demand careers across industries like healthcare, business, and IT. Whether you want to pick up new skills in data analytics, digital marketing, or project management, these certificate programs offer flexible, self-paced online learning that can help you take the next step toward a new career.

Can You Get a Certification Without a Degree?

You don't need a bachelor's degree or even an associate degree to start building career-ready skills. Many certification courses are designed specifically for learners without a college background.

These programs focus on practical training, instead of general education, making them a direct path to entry-level roles. For example, you can enroll in a healthcare certificate, business certificate, or IT certification program and begin working toward a recognized credential right away.

Certifications also fit mid-career professionals who want to switch fields or strengthen their resume. While some advanced credentials (e.g., project management or cloud computing) may ask for prior experience, most career certificates are accessible to beginners. That means you can start training for fields like computer science, real estate, or bookkeeping without traditional degree requirements.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Certificate?

One of the main advantages of online learning is speed. While a bachelor's degree takes about four years and an associate degree takes two, many online certificate programs can be completed much faster. Some training programs conclude in just four to six weeks, while others may take three to six months, depending on the subject and whether you choose a self-paced or scheduled format.

For example, a bookkeeping or digital marketing certification could be completed in a matter of weeks, while a cybersecurity certificate or healthcare certificate could take several months of part-time study. Providers like Coursera, Grow with Google, and community colleges often design certificate programs so you can progress at your own pace. That flexibility allows you to balance work, family, and professional development while still preparing for an in-demand career.

10 Online Certifications You Can Get Without a Degree

If you're looking for a faster path to a new career, online certificate programs can help you build real-world skills in fields like healthcare, business, and IT - or even subfields like data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data. These certificates give you flexible ways to earn a credential without committing to a degree.

1. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

This is a beginner-friendly credential offered by Google via Coursera. It introduces you to in-demand cybersecurity fundamentals like Linux, SQL, intrusion detection systems, and tools used in security operations centers. It's a great option if you want to break into cybersecurity without a degree - potential employers see it as a solid entry-point credential.

• Estimated cost: $49 per month on Coursera
• Program length: Five to eight months if you go full speed (around 10 hours/week). Many complete it in about six months.

2. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Designed for beginners, this certificate helps you build foundational IT skills (e.g., troubleshooting, networking basics, and working with operating systems). It's often recommended for entry-level IT support roles and can also serve as a stepping stone to more advanced programs in cloud computing or Python programming.

• Estimated cost: $49 per month on Coursera
• Program length: Three to six months, depending on how many hours you can commit weekly (10 hours per week is a typical benchmark).

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

CCNA validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot medium-sized networks. It's widely respected by IT employers and can lead to jobs like network technician or network administrator. This certification can also help you stand out to a recruiter when applying for IT roles.

• Estimated cost: $300 for the exam fee (not including extra costs for study material, labs, prep courses).
• Program length: If you already have some networking fundamentals, you might prep in six to 12 weeks; for beginners, maybe two to three months of focused study (or longer, if part-time).

4. Medical Coding Certificate (AAPC Certified Professional Coder)

AAPC's CPC training prepares you to translate medical procedures into standardized codes used for billing and insurance. It's one of the most accessible ways to enter healthcare, and a popular starting point for those seeking a healthcare certificate.

• Estimated cost: Around $1,200 to $1,800 for training and exam package. Some community colleges may offer medical coding programs at lower rates.
• Program length: Typically six to 12 months, depending on whether you enroll in a self-paced online course or structured program.

5. Bookkeeping Certificate (Intuit/Coursera)

For those leaning toward business or accounting, the Intuit Bookkeeping Professional Certificate teaches you the fundamentals of financial reporting, payroll, and using tools like QuickBooks. You'll also strengthen your Microsoft Excel skills, which are essential for bookkeeping and business analytics tasks. It's designed for beginners who want accounting certifications that open doors to entry-level jobs in bookkeeping or small business finance.

• Estimated cost: $49 per month on Coursera
• Program length: Four to six months at about 10 hours per week; self-paced online learning.

6. Digital Marketing Certificate (Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce)

If you enjoy creativity, strategy, and online trends, Google's Digital Marketing & E-Commerce certificate is a practical pick. You'll cover search engine optimization, social media marketing, email campaigns, and using Google Analytics to measure results. This credential prepares learners for marketing assistant, business analyst, e-commerce specialist, or social media coordinator roles.

• Estimated cost: $49 per month on Coursera
• Program length: Three to six months with self-paced online courses.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

The PMP credential, issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is one of the most respected certifications in business and management. It demonstrates your ability to lead projects, manage timelines, and coordinate teams. While PMI recommends some prior experience, many learners without degrees start with training programs that prepare them for entry-level project coordinator roles before attempting the full PMP exam.

• Estimated cost: Training courses range from $1,500 to $2,500; the PMP exam itself costs $405 to $555, depending on PMI membership.
• Program length: Three to six months of prep is typical before sitting for the exam.

8. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the Cloud Practitioner certificate as an entry-level option for cloud computing. You'll cover fundamentals of cloud infrastructure, security, and billing models � knowledge that employers in IT, e-commerce, and data analytics value. This credential can lead to roles like cloud support associate or junior solutions architect.

• Estimated cost: $100 to $150 exam fee; optional training programs add $300 to $600, depending on provider.
• Program length: Many learners prep in one to three months with self-paced online training.

Accreditation: It has an industry-recognized AWS credential, respected across IT and cloud computing roles.

9. UX Design Certificate (Google UX Design)

If you're drawn to creativity and problem-solving, the Google UX Design certificate is a strong choice. It introduces fundamentals of user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. You'll build a portfolio of projects you can show to potential employers for roles like UX designer, web designer, or digital product specialist.

• Estimated cost: $49 per month on Coursera
• Program length: Six to eight months with about 10 hours per week of study.

10. HVAC Technician Certification (EPA 608 + Training Program)

For a hands-on career path, HVAC certification can prepare you for skilled trade roles maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Online training programs often include prep for the EPA 608 certification exam, required for working with refrigerants. This pathway is ideal if you're looking for stable, in-demand work without pursuing a college degree.

• Estimated cost: Full online HVAC training programs range from $1,200 to $2,500, while the EPA 608 exam fee is around $100 to $150.
• Program length: Six to 12 months, depending on the program and whether it includes apprenticeship options

How We Rank Programs

When comparing online certificate programs, we focus on factors that matter most to learners: ease of entry, recognition by employers, and overall cost. Each program on our list balances these elements to provide practical, career-ready value.

• Accessibility: We prioritize certification courses that are open to learners without a college degree or prior professional experience. Programs that allow anyone with a high school diploma or less to enroll rank higher on our list.
• Reputation: We highlight certifications from respected providers, including Google, Coursera, community colleges, and industry-recognized organizations such as AAPC and PMI. This ensures that the credential you earn carries weight with potential employers, including those in corporate and nonprofit sectors.
• Affordability: Cost matters, so we compare tuition and exam fees carefully. Programs that can be completed for a few hundred dollars, or that offer flexible payment options, tend to score higher than those requiring several thousand dollars.

How Much Do Online Certifications Cost?

The price of an online certificate program can vary widely depending on the field and provider. Some certification courses, such as Google Career Certificates or Intuit's bookkeeping program, cost less than $500 in total. Others, especially in healthcare or project management, often fall in the $1,000 to $3,000 range.

High-demand technical certifications, like advanced cloud computing or HVAC training, may cost even more. Some providers also offer free certifications or trial courses, often sponsored by nonprofits or educational initiatives. Still, compared to the tens of thousands of dollars required for a bachelor's or master's degree, online certifications are an affordable way to gain professional development and prepare for an in-demand career.

FAQs About Online Certifications

If you're new to certification courses, you probably have a few questions about cost, career value, and how fast you can get started. Below, we've answered some of the most common concerns learners have when exploring online certificate programs.

Are Online Certifications Worth It?

Online certifications are worth it if you want a quicker, more affordable way to gain job-ready skills. They don't replace the broader scope of a degree, but they can strengthen your resume, prepare you for entry-level roles, and show potential employers you've completed professional training in a specific field.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Certification?

Certifications often lead directly to entry-level jobs in IT, healthcare, business, and real estate. For example, you could become an IT support specialist, medical coder, bookkeeper, or real estate agent. These programs provide focused training that employers look for, making them a practical first step toward a new career.

What Is the Highest-Paying Certification?

Some of the highest-paying certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), AWS cloud certifications, and medical coding credentials. Depending on the field, salaries can range from $55,000 to over $100,000 per year. These professional certificates are valued across industries and may help you qualify for leadership roles or advanced technical positions.

What Is the Quickest Thing To Get Certified In?

Quick certifications include bookkeeping, CPR, real estate pre-licensing, or even social media marketing. Many of these can be completed in just a few weeks with online courses. Because they focus on fundamentals, they're ideal if you want a credential you can use right away to start building career experience.

Can Online Certificates Boost Your Salary?

Yes, earning a certification can increase your salary by proving to employers that you have job-specific skills. In IT, certifications in cybersecurity or cloud computing may lead to higher pay. In healthcare, medical coding certificates can qualify you for well-paying roles. Even business certificates in bookkeeping or analytics can boost income potential.

Explore Online Certifications

Online certificate programs give you a practical way to build new skills and step into an in-demand career without committing to years of schooling. Visit Learn.org to compare online certificate programs, check requirements, and find the credential that best fits your career goals.