Updated at: 19-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

The high cost of a university education is common knowledge. In fact, the typical debt of a college graduate with a four-year degree is $30,000. Also, it’s a long, drawn-out process.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the financial means to go to college. Furthermore, not every job out there requires a university degree.

Short-term certification programs or training courses that can be finished in a matter of weeks or months are becoming increasingly popular. This could be the perfect choice if you’re in the market for a new job that pays well and puts you on the path to success quickly.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re interested in making a career switch but simply don’t have the time or money to pursue higher education. Here we’ll look at a few of the credentials you can earn in a matter of weeks or months in order to qualify for high-paying jobs.

Quick Certifications That Pay Well

Quick certifications that pay well

Human Resources Certifications

Human resource management is an excellent field to enter if you value versatility and want to work in a dynamic field.

Jobs in human resources can be found in just about any sector, and the field itself encompasses a wide range of subfields.

An HR credential can help you get hired even if you lack relevant work experience.

Computer Support Specialist Certification

Computer Support Specialist Certification

A computer technician’s job is to assist users in solving various computer-related problems.

The field of information technology support (or help desk) is ideal for those who thrive in an analytical and technical environment.

If you want to work in technology but don’t have a college degree, this is a viable option.

To stand out from the competition, get certified as a computer support specialist.

Phlebotomist Certification 

If you have no problem with bodily fluids and have a passion for the medical field. You could look into the field of phlebotomy.

Phlebotomists are medical professionals who are certified to draw blood and collect it for diagnostic or charitable purposes. They also have the ability to give transfusions of blood.

Employment for phlebotomists is projected to increase by 10% between 2021 and 2031. That’s a quicker rate of increase than seen in most fields.

Personal Trainer Certification

If you’re looking for an entrepreneurial opportunity that also encourages people to live healthier lives, becoming a personal trainer is a great choice.

Trainers use meal plans, exercise routines, and other methods to help their clients reach their fitness goals.

You have the option of working independently or at a fitness facility.

Medical Coder or Biller Certification Programs

Medical Coder or Biller Certification Programs

It takes at least six months to complete one of the many AHIMA-approved coding programs necessary to become a certified medical coder or billing specialist.

Coders in the medical field study anatomy and physiology in order to more accurately apply ICD and CPT diagnostic codes. If you have a high school diploma or GED in addition to six months of experience in the field, you can sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam.

Welder Certification Programs

A high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is all that is needed to enter the welding certification exam. In its place, the American Welding Society (AWS) offers practical tests for a fee to demonstrate your newly acquired skills.

Welders can get certified in several different types of welding at once through vocational programs that take up to two years to complete.

Emergency Medical Technician Certification Programs

Training hours are accumulated through practical experience and are usually necessary for certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT). Medical terminology, human anatomy, and CPR are just some of the topics covered in EMT training programs.

Medication administration, IV insertion, and the monitoring of medical equipment like pacemakers are all skills that can be learned through hands-on practice. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is an exam that all prospective EMTs must take and pass.

Air Traffic Controller Certification Programs

Air Traffic Controller Certification Programs

Minimum qualifications for air traffic controller positions include either three years of relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree. Completion of an FAA-approved program like Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) is another option.

The course content includes aviation administration and air traffic control. Air traffic controllers who have completed the program are exempt from taking the Air Traffic Basics course, which normally takes place during the first five weeks of training at the FAA Academy.

Real Estate Sales Agent & Broker

Agents in real estate deal in the purchase and sale of homes and in the placement of new residents. They also help clients finalize the sale or purchase of property by negotiating the price and signing contracts.

In order to become a broker, you must first take and pass an exam administered by your state’s or province’s regulatory agency for brokers. This data is available on their site.

You can study for the exam at school, or you can take a course online. You’ll need to complete around 120 hours of training and pay $125 to take and pass the certification exam in most states and provinces. Obtaining a license to sell real estate typically takes between four and five months.

After one to three years of experience (this varies by state), you can apply for a broker’s license.

In most jurisdictions, a real estate broker’s license is only granted after several years of experience as a licensed sales agent. While state-specific, most mandate anywhere from one to three years of relevant work experience.

In 2020, the average salary for these professions was $51.220 per year. This is, however, one of those industries where wages are notoriously flexible. It’s not hard to reach six figures if you put in the effort and keep getting better at what you do.

Solderer

Solderer

Most people have no idea that there are a variety of welding processes beyond the standard “metal on metal” method. One technique involves melting solder (an alloy) to join components.

If you want to work as a solderer, you should get your GED or complete an apprenticeship program at a local community college. You can then spend around $125 on a soldering certification exam.

Depending on the level you’re interested in (typically offered at community colleges or local job centers), you’ll need to complete about 50-150 hours of training. These programs typically last between four and six months and incorporate on-the-job training to minimize disruption to your life and career.

You’ll also learn a lot on the job. Employers will likely hire you despite your lack of experience as a solderer because it is a job that few people want.

Since the Bureau includes solderers in the same category as cutters, brazers, and welders, it is difficult to provide an accurate salary estimate. In 2020, this group’s median salary was $44.190. According to Salary.com, the average annual salary is $33.440 and can reach as high as $55.967 for those with years of experience.

That’s pretty good for something that can be learned in a matter of months.

Fitness Trainer

A fitness trainer devises exercise and nutrition plans for their clients. Anyone with a passion for assisting others in losing weight or simply improving their cardio health would thrive in this role.

A fitness trainer can find employment in a variety of settings, including commercial gyms, community centers like YMCAs and YWCAs, college campuses (typically during the summer to help students get in shape before or after school starts), and private studios like Equinox and Gold’s Gym.

Certification from a reputable organization (typically costing between $500 and $1,500) is highly valued by employers. It will take about six months of full-time study, and the associated costs will vary by institution.

You will need to complete an accredited program’s certification test, which will cost you between $100 and $500, and then complete a 50-hour internship (most gyms and clubs offer this for free). In 2020, personal trainer salaries averaged $40.510.

Data Analytics

Data analytics certification is another top quick certification that pays well if you want to expand your computer-related career beyond IT support. Data analysts can expect to make an average salary anywhere from $73,688 to $92,111 per year. It’s a lucrative career if you can sit in front of a computer all day and make sense of the numbers.

This is yet another essential competency that can be studied independently with the help of Coursera. Given the ease with which so many different certifications can be obtained, the membership fee is more than justified. You may want to think about getting your hands on IBM’s Data Science Professional Certificate.

User Experience

User experience (UX) designers typically earn a hefty annual salary of $116,953. Technical proficiency in user experience design is a surefire ticket to financial success. Your job is to make the user’s experience with a website, program, or app as pleasant as possible. The customer is the focus of any successful business.

Graphic Design

Rapid and lucrative certifications – a Creative Cloud profile

It’s no secret that earning a degree in graphic design can take a long time in school, but these days it’s not really necessary. Quick certifications that pay well can be tried by those interested in learning the fundamentals of image editing, logo design, and other related fields.

Graphic designers make, on average, around $50k per year.

Blockchain Technology

Recent years have seen blockchain technology become something of a industry buzzword. The introduction of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has piqued the public’s interest in this area. It caused banks to think about adopting the technology without making any drastic changes.

Despite blockchain’s growing popularity, the industry still requires more legal experts. You will be ahead of the curve if you enter the industry now and gain experience before the blockchain boom.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

The ability to deploy, manage, and track Azure solutions is proven with the Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification. The primary services covered by this certification are those having to do with data storage, data security, data networking, and data processing.

Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment

Salesforce offers a certification for those with experience managing lightning platform development and deployment activities called Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Professional. This certification is essential for those who need to effectively communicate technical solutions within an organization or among technical stakeholders.

FAQs

Why Get a Certification?

Quick certifications are a great way to boost your salary and stand out from the competition because most can be earned in less than a year. You can set yourself apart from other applicants by acquiring more relevant skills and knowledge in your industry.

Quick certifications that pay well are a great way to set yourself apart, especially in a crowded industry, and they are available online, through local community colleges, and in trade schools.

How Much Do Certifications Cost?

Certification fees can range from free to thousands of dollars, depending on where you get it and what field it’s for. Although the majority cost less than $1,000, some can cost as much as $10,000.

Check the costs of a few of the best certification programs once you know which ones you’re interested in. There are companies that will pay for your training, meaning you won’t have to worry about tuition.

How long do short certificate programs last?

The length of time that a certification is valid for changes from course to course. A basic certification can take as little as a few hours, while a more advanced one can take as much as a month to complete. They typically last between 5 and 6 days.

How can a short certificate program lead to a lucrative salary?

By completing a short certificate program, you can get ahead of the competition more quickly and efficiently. It’s a rapid stairway to a high salary through increased competence and experience. Those without credentials are less likely to advance in their careers.

Conclusion

Changing careers or acquiring new skills is a goal for many people today. But they are unable to afford higher education. This is where the credentials discussed here can be useful.

Spend the $6000 and you’ll have a certificate that will make you more marketable to employers. These credentials are advantageous because they are easy to obtain, won’t break the bank, and will help you land a respectable job.

The time to fill open positions at companies is now. After more than three years have passed. That’s why reputable institutions provide the credentials you seek. They allow you to enter your desired field with minimal delay.