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Certificate vs diploma vs degree
Exams & Credentials · updated 2026-09-07
The difference is hours, assessment depth and who recognises it.
| Certificate | Diploma | Degree |
|---|
| Study hours | 20-150 | 200-600 | 1,200-3,600 |
| Duration | 2-12 weeks | 6-18 months | 3-6 years |
| Assessment | Quiz or project | Mixed | Exams + thesis |
| Transferable credit | Rarely | Sometimes | Yes |
| Typical cost | 50-500 | 500-4,000 | 6,000-40,000 |
Choosing
- Certificate for a specific skill gap.
- Diploma for a role change without a full degree.
- Degree where it is a hard requirement, such as regulated professions.
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