“Cert-ify Your Degree of Confusion!”

The Difference Between Certificate and Degree

Many people are not sure about the difference between a certificate and a degree. Let’s learn more about these two words.

History

Certificate comes from the Latin word “certificatum,” which means “a document testifying something has been done.”

Degree comes from the Latin word “gradus,” which means “a step or stage in a process.”

How to Use Them

A certificate is a paper you get when you finish a short course. It shows you have learned a special skill.

A degree is a paper you get when you finish a long course at a college or university. It shows you have learned a lot about a subject.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of Certificate for Course. Certificates are for short courses. Think of Degree for Deep. Degrees are for deep study over a long time.

Examples of Certificate Use

• I got a certificate for baking cakes.
• He received a certificate for learning to use computers.
• She earned a certificate after a first aid course.
• The library gave me a reading certificate.
• They gave him a certificate for learning English.

Examples of Degree Use

• I got my degree in English from the university.
• She has a degree in math.
• He is studying for a degree in science.
• They planned to get their degree in history.
• My friend earned a degree in art.

Summary

A certificate is for short courses, and a degree is for long courses at a college or university. Remember: Certificate for Course, and Degree for Deep study.