Basic Certificates - Basic Certificate programs require between 1 and 29 credit hours and take less time to complete than vocational certificates. Many of the technical certificates are “stackable,” which means as you finish more classes and earn more certificates, those certificates “stack up” to get you closer to completing an Associate of Applied Science degree.  

Vocational Certificates - You can earn a vocational specialist certificate within 30-50 credit hours. You’ll learn new skills that may lead to better pay and advancement opportunities. Many of the certificates listed are “stackable,” which means as you finish more classes and earn more certificates, those certificates “stack up” to get you closer to completing an Associate of Applied Science.

Click on the different Certificate programs below to learn more about them at ECC! 

Things to Consider :

• Cost of public vs. private

• Credentials given at end of trade program

• School/Program Accreditation - how does the quality of the program compare?

• Length of Program

• Transferability -  If you enroll in a trade school but later decide that you want to earn a four-year college degree, most universities will not allow you to transfer credits from a trade school. 

  • Example - Some trade programs at ECC require Communication/Basic Math/Science Gen. Ed Courses, these will transfer to a 4 year school.