Blockchain is an emerging technology that many enterprises are starting to rely on. Statista reports that the blockchain market is expected to rise to over $39 billion by 2025. Pursuing a blockchain certificate program is a great way to join this rapidly growing field because blockchain certificates show potential employers that you understand the core concepts of blockchain technology.
A blockchain college certificate from an accredited institution consists of in-person or online courses covering blockchain topics at a range of difficulty levels. You can also earn professional blockchain certifications that show you have critical skills in a specific topic. In this article, we’ll share blockchain certificates and professional certifications you can earn online or in person.
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What Is a Blockchain Certificate College Program?
A blockchain certificate college program is an educational program that teaches students about the fundamentals of blockchain technology and the blockchain industry. An undergraduate blockchain college certificate prepares students for a wide range of entry-level jobs in blockchain, and a graduate-level certificate prepares students for more advanced roles.
What’s the Difference Between a College Blockchain Certificate and Professional Certification in Blockchain?
The difference between a college certificate and professional certification in blockchain is that a college blockchain certificate is proof of formal education in the field. On the other hand, a blockchain professional certification proves that you have successfully met certain industry-related standards set by a business or industry group.
A college blockchain certificate does not lead to professional certification, but the courses you take in the certificate program can help you prepare to earn a blockchain certification. Educational institutions are the primary issuers of certificates, while a professional blockchain certification comes from recognized industry-based organizations.
Blockchain College Certificate vs. Blockchain Certification: Key Differences
| Blockchain Certificate | Blockchain Certification |
|---|---|
| Accredited educational institutions provide blockchain certificate programs. | Industry-based organizations are the primary providers of blockchain certification. |
| A blockchain certificate program is designed for beginners, either with or without a college degree. | Blockchain certification is for professionals with work experience in blockchain technology. |
| Blockchain certificates don’t expire, and you never need to renew them. | Blockchain certifications expire, requiring you to renew them. You may need to pay to renew them or take another professional exam. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Blockchain Certificate at College?
It takes 12 months or less to get a blockchain certificate at college. However, the length of each program varies with the learning format and course load. The shortest program on our list takes only six weeks to complete.
Best Blockchain Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain College | Undergraduate Certificate in Blockchain | $328/credit hour (non-military service members); $250/credit hour (military service members) |
| Cornell University | Certificate in Blockchain for Business | $3,600 (whole program) |
| Duke University | Certificate in Blockchain Applications | $3,000 (whole program) |
| Lorain County Community College | Technical Certificate in Blockchain Engineering Technology | $154/credit hour (in county); $179/credit hour (out of county); $330/credit hour (out of state) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Professional Certificate in Blockchain: Disruptive Technology | $2,900 (whole program) |
| Portland State University | Undergraduate Certificate in Business Blockchain | $211.40/credit (resident); $632/credit (non-resident) |
| Rio Salado College | Certificate in Blockchain Technology | $250/credit hour |
| University of Pennsylvania | Certificate in Economics of Blockchain and Digital Assets | $3,800 (whole program) |
| University of California Berkeley | Professional Certificate in Blockchain Fundamentals | $178.20 (whole program) |
| University of California Los Angeles | Certificate in Blockchain Technology Management | $3,996 (whole program) |
Best Undergraduate Blockchain Certificate Programs: Explained
Undergraduate blockchain certificate programs are not very common because blockchain technology is so new. Nevertheless, you can still find unique undergraduate blockchain certificates through some cutting-edge colleges and universities. In the section below, we’ll cover our top 10 blockchain certificate programs in greater detail.
Champlain College offers an online certificate program that covers blockchain basics and cryptography essentials. The program includes online courses like Networking Fundamentals and Foundations of Cybersecurity. Students can transfer credits earned in this certificate program to an online Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security. You'll need a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for admission.
Blockchain Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $328/credit hour (non-military service members); $250/credit hour (military service members)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
- Other Requirements: Resume, online application, high school transcripts or associate degree or higher, and proof of English language proficiency
Cornell University designed this online certificate program in blockchain essentials for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to better understand blockchain and cryptocurrency. Some of its courses include Cryptocurrencies and Ledgers, Blockchain Fundamentals, and Key Cryptography Essentials. The full program takes two months to complete.
Blockchain for Business Certificate Details
- Cost: $3,600 (whole program)
- Length: 8 weeks, 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: N/A
- Other Requirements: N/A
This program trains students to apply advanced concepts in blockchain technology to solve real-world business problems. You’ll build a portfolio through blockchain projects where you will create a cryptocurrency wallet, design a blockchain token, make smart contracts, and build your own blockchain application.
Students in this program don’t earn transferable credits, but they become eligible for a fast-tracked application process and a tuition scholarship for the Master of Engineering in FinTech program from Duke University.
Online Certificate in Blockchain Applications Details
- Cost: $3,000 (whole program)
- Length: 3-4 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: N/A
- Other Requirements: N/A
This undergraduate certificate program at Lorain County Community College teaches students about the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including how to develop, deploy, and troubleshoot blockchains and decentralized applications. This program takes one year to complete and includes online courses in programming languages used for blockchain.
Blockchain Engineering Technology Technical Certificate Details
- Cost: $154/credit hour (in county); $179/credit hour (out of county); $330/credit hour (out of state)
- Length: 31 credits
- Learning Format: Hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
- Other Requirements: ACT or SAT score, high school transcripts, and placement assessment
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professional Education’s blockchain training program explores blockchain fundamentals and blockchain applications in different sectors beyond cryptocurrency. Students learn through interactive simulations, presentations, and discussion forums. This program is designed for working professionals who want to learn blockchain essentials.
Blockchain: Disruptive Technology Professional Certificate Details
- Cost: $2,900 (whole program)
- Length: 8 weeks, 6.4 CEUs
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: N/A
- Other Requirements: N/A
This program, offered by the School of Business at Portland State University, covers how foundational blockchain concepts affect different business models. You will gain practical skills in distributed ledger technology and hear different case studies from industry leaders. Students will learn about the business applications of blockchain technologies for fields such as real estate.
Business Blockchain Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $211.40/credit (resident); $632/credit (non-resident)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Other Requirements: Current student at Portland State University
Studying this program at Rio Salado College will prepare students for writing smart contracts using blockchain technologies. Students first cover the history of blockchain and then select a learning path in either Ethereum blockchain or Hyperledger Fabric.
Blockchain Technology Certificate Details
- Cost: $250/credit hour
- Length: 6 credits
- Learning Format: N/A
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Other Requirements: High school transcripts
This University of Pennsylvania program, offered through the Wharton College of Business, is an exploration of blockchain technologies and digital assets. Students will learn about the pros and cons of using blockchain within business settings. At the end of the program, you will possess the skills to help companies achieve their business goals using blockchain and cryptocurrency technology.
Economics of Blockchain and Digital Assets Certificate Details
- Cost: $3,800 (whole program)
- Length: 6 weeks
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: N/A
- Other Requirements: None, but the courses are geared towards financial, business, and tech professions in mid to upper-level positions
This program provides comprehensive knowledge of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Students also gain critical job-ready skills to explore crypto-roles in different industries. It's suitable for beginners and professionals looking to add value to their resumes. This UC Berkeley course is available through the edX platform.
Blockchain Fundamentals Professional Certificate Details
- Cost: $178.20 (whole program)
- Length: 3 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: N/A
- Other Requirements: N/A
This undergraduate certificate program teaches you about the application of blockchain technology in solving business problems. You will also learn about decentralized finance, distributed ledger technology, and non-fungible tokens. This program is designed for working professionals, and one in four students got a pay raise after completing this certificate.
Blockchain Technology Management Certificate Details
- Cost: $3,996 (whole program)
- Length: 16 credits or 13.2 CEUs
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: N/A
- Other Requirements: Application with $150 candidacy fee
Blockchain College Certificate Program vs. Blockchain Associate Degree
A certificate program focuses on technical training and has a limited scope. In some certificate programs you can earn college credits that can count towards a degree, or you might earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) which can count towards professional certifications.
On the other hand, a blockchain associate degree covers a broader range of topics and prepares you directly for a blockchain bachelor’s degree. Both levels of education also differ in areas such as cost, time of completion, curriculum, job opportunities, and overall outlook. We’ll discuss these factors below.
- Time to complete. Certificate programs take a much shorter time to complete than associate degree programs. It only takes two months to a year to complete a blockchain certificate program. In contrast, it typically takes two years to complete a blockchain associate degree.
- Cost. Blockchain associate degree programs cost more because they have more classes and take a longer time.
- Job opportunities. Most students who earn a blockchain certificate are already working professionals with a prior degree. However, if you don’t have any other college degree, a blockchain associate degree will help you more in the job market than a certificate.
- Coursework. Blockchain associate degrees at the best blockchain schools provide more robust coursework than certificates. While associate degree programs cover several vital areas, a certificate program focuses on a specific subject.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Blockchain Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate blockchain certificate is worth it if you’re looking to start a career in blockchain technology or introduce blockchain to where you currently work. There are high-paying jobs available for people who understand this emerging technology. With an undergraduate blockchain certificate, you can work as a blockchain architect or a blockchain engineer.
Blockchain Certificate Program Coursework
A blockchain certificate program coursework prepares you for the blockchain job market within 12 months or less. The coursework across schools differs because they each offer a unique curriculum. We’ll explain some of the most common courses below, but you should check the program you are interested in to make sure it will cover the topics you want to study.
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Basics of Blockchain Technology
This introduction to blockchain teaches students the fundamentals of blockchain technology. Topics include benefits, downsides, common practices, and types of blockchain networks. In addition, students learn a glossary of blockchain terminology, different blockchain business models, and limitations to blockchain adoption.
Blockchain Laws and Regulations
This blockchain course teaches students about the laws, regulatory bodies, and common practices for blockchain and cryptocurrency technology in the United States and globally. Students will analyze case studies to practice applying laws and industry standards. This will help students understand the implications of blockchain technology.
Decentralized Application Development
In this hands-on course, you will learn about blockchain decentralized application development, design, and architecture. Students will learn how to create their own decentralized blockchain application. Advanced courses also cover topics like Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum blockchain.
Programming Essentials
If you want to develop blockchain applications, you’ll need to know how to program. This hands-on course will teach you the five programming languages that are used for developing decentralized applications. These languages are Python, JavaScript, C and C++, Go, and Solidity. You will learn how to code and debug computer programs through hands-on projects.
Cyber Security
This course covers the elements of blockchain security. Cyber security is a critical skill for blockchain professionals to master. Students will learn about the role of blockchain in business information security.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Blockchain Certificate from College?
With a blockchain certificate from college, you can pursue many career paths. There are businesses in many different industries looking for professionals with knowledge about blockchain technology. The section below discusses some careers in blockchain and their duties.
Best Blockchain Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | $159,010 |
| Blockchain Developer | $129,862 |
| Blockchain Analyst | $111,514 |
| Blockchain Software Engineer | $99,750 |
| Blockchain Technical Writer | $78,060 |
Best Blockchain Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
With the right skills and knowledge of blockchain technology, you can land a blockchain certificate job. These jobs come with decent annual salaries and packages. Moreover, you can further your education while working. Below, we discuss these jobs in more detail.
As a project manager, you will oversee a team of blockchain developers through the creation and execution of different blockchain projects. Most project management jobs require a Bachelor's or Master's of Business Administration and several years of work experience.
Your blockchain undergraduate certificate in addition to other education and experience will make you eligible for a blockchain-specific role. However, you may still need to work your way up and earn trust to secure this role within a company.
- Average Salary: $159,010
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and several years of experience
Blockchain developers are proficient in different aspects of blockchain technology, especially developing blockchain applications. A critical skill for this job is coding in JavaScript, Python, or C and C++. You will likely need a bachelor's degree for most jobs, but your undergraduate certificate in blockchain can help you become a blockchain developer.
- Average Salary: $129,862
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field with additional education or experience working with blockchain technology
These analysts evaluate different blockchain platforms to determine effectiveness and utility for business applications. They also work together with blockchain developers to integrate blockchain in business settings. To analyze the effect of blockchain on business models, you’ll need formal education in business analytics in addition to your blockchain certificate.
- Average Salary: $114,335
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics or a related field with additional education or experience working with blockchain technology
Software engineers with blockchain training can write blockchain applications at an advanced level. They oversee the practical implementation of blockchain technologies and troubleshoot and debug code. These professionals usually have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering and go back to school to earn a certificate in blockchain technologies.
- Average Salary: $99,750
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering or related field with a certificate in blockchain
Blockchain technical writers create content on blockchain fundamentals and cryptocurrency. They write about current topics in the blockchain space and explain them to readers. Most technical writing positions require a bachelor's degree and a portfolio of past work. A certificate in blockchain will show you have the expertise to write well about this subject.
- Average Salary: $78,060
- Job Outlook: 12% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in English or another subject with a blockchain certificate
Should I Also Get a Blockchain Certification?
Yes, you should also get a blockchain certification because it proves to employers that you have specialized knowledge and professional skills. Some jobs will still require blockchain certifications regardless of your other education. Even if it isn’t required for a specific job, a blockchain certification will help you stand out in a competitive field.
Best Blockchain Certifications
- Certified Blockchain Professional. This certification is provided by the Blockchain Institute of Technology and is primarily for professionals who want a credential to show their blockchain expertise. To be eligible for the certification, you must pass an exam and show proficiency in certain blockchain skills like creating smart contracts. The cost of the exam is $1,995.
- Certified Blockchain Expert. The Blockchain Council provides this exam-based training program to help professionals increase their skills in blockchain technology. It’s self-paced and can be completed within eight hours. The certification costs $149 and does not need to be renewed.
- Certified Blockchain Architect. This is also another blockchain certification program provided by the Blockchain Council. It offers expert training and blockchain certification courses on decentralized blockchain applications and blockchain architecture. It costs $299 to take the six-hour training program and exam.
- Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional. This blockchain certification program is suitable for industry leaders and business analysts looking to learn how to build blockchain applications. This course is provided by 101 Blockchains, and it costs $399. It takes four weeks to complete five modules and pass the qualifying exam.
- Certified NFT Professional. This program from 101 Blockchains provides you with in-depth knowledge of the Ethereum blockchain and non-fungible tokens. It costs $399 to complete nine modules and take the professional exam.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Blockchain Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for blockchain is worth it if you want to enter the blockchain industry quickly or transition into one of the many blockchain fields from another related career. A college certificate for blockchain is proof that you have a formal education in blockchain. In addition, a blockchain college certificate is a stepping stone to earning other advanced degrees.
Blockchain Certificates FAQ
Yes, blockchain coding is challenging for many people. It is commonly thought of as a complex and daunting technology to learn. However, with the right teachers and up-to-date blockchain training courses, you can navigate the industry, become a professional, and build an exciting career in blockchain.
The major blockchain programming languages are Solidity, Python, JavaScript, C++, and Java. You can also learn about PHP, Golang, WebAssembly, Rust, and Ruby to increase your range of knowledge. These languages help you build solid blockchain-based solutions suitable for different industries.
Yes, like any technology, blockchain can be hacked. Despite being a decentralized network, there are some vulnerabilities that make blockchain technologies susceptible to attack. However, focusing on blockchain security and the right blockchain architecture can prevent most hacking attempts.
You can learn blockchain by enrolling in a recognized university or college offering blockchain degree programs or certificates. You can also learn blockchain by signing up for a paid or free blockchain training program from a blockchain institute. You can also attend in-person or online courses through a blockchain bootcamp.
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