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Certificates, Credentials,
and Badges

Learn more about the types of learning credentials you may receive after completing a noncredit program or course with CSU.

Learning Credentials

Three most common types of noncredit credentials

Colorado State University offers for-credit academic credentials (which include degrees and graduate certificates) and noncredit academic credentials (which include certificates of completion). Both show that you have successfully completed the program curriculum and gained new skills. The biggest difference between for-credit and noncredit programs is the breadth and depth of knowledge gained and the length of time it takes to complete.

Certificate of Completion

Issued to you by Colorado State University upon the successful completion of a noncredit program, your certificate can be printed and displayed to show what you have learned or emailed as an attachment to a supervisor or prospective employer.

Digital Badges

A digital badge is a visual representation of new knowledge you have gained that can be shared online. It’s also verifiable, which means anyone that clicks on the badge can view exactly what you learned to earn it. Badges can easily be shared on your LinkedIn profile, digital portfolio, or website.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

In some cases, to retain or renew a specific type of license or certification, you will be required to complete continuing education units (CEUs) or “contact hours” each year (or over a period of several years). The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a standardized method of quantifying time spent on professional development training. One CEU is equal to ten hours of instruction.

Three reasons to continue learning with CSU

Advance Your Career

Develop the professional skills that make you stand out in your chosen field.

Industry Expertise

Learn from professionals and CSU faculty with industry experience.

Customized Learning

Participate in courses that directly align with your professional development goals and interests.

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Motivations

Continue Learning

You’re interested in furthering your education with a certificate or advanced training.

Explore Online

You’re interested in an online degree but have questions about the student experience.

I passed the CHP Part 2 exam! Thanks again for the encouragement and for the availability of the review course you offered. I will recommend it to anybody else who is interested in trying to become certified.

Mike Roberson
Senior Health Physicist, Division of Radiation Safety

Related Topics

  • Degree Programs

    CSU offers a variety of degree programs that cater to your unique interests and professional goals.

  • Community and Business

    CSU cares about building more resilient communities and supporting local Colorado businesses. Find a program, explore resources, or take a course.

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