When it comes to advancing your teaching career, you’ve likely come across the terms "endorsements" and "certificates". Both are valuable, but knowing the key differences between them can help you make informed decisions about your professional growth. Depending on your state’s education laws, you may need an endorsement, a teaching certificate, or both to teach in a public or private school system. 

Keep reading to explore the differences between these qualifications, factors to consider when choosing one, and how they can support your career advancement. 

Difference Between Endorsements and Certificates 

Although endorsements and certificates are often discussed together, they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick breakdown of each: 

What Is an Endorsement?  

An endorsement is an additional qualification that focuses on a specific teaching discipline or subject area. For example, you could earn endorsements in areas such as literacy, early childhood education, or business. Endorsements allow you to specialize and expand the range of subjects or student groups you're qualified to teach. 

What Is a Certificate? 

A certificate—commonly referred to as a teaching license—is a credential required to legally teach in a state or region. It’s often issued by a state’s education department after you meet certain prerequisites such as completing an accredited teacher preparation program and passing licensing exams. 

Key Differences

• Purpose: Certificates grant legal permission to teach, while endorsements demonstrate expertise in a specific area of teaching. 
• Scope: Certificates are broad and general, while endorsements are subject-specific or skill-specific. 
• Requirement: Certificates are mandatory to teach, but endorsements are often optional, depending on your state's regulations and your career goals. 
• Renewal: Certificates are often valid for a certain number of years and must be renewed, while endorsements may be permanent or require periodic renewal.

Should I Choose an Endorsement or Certificate? 

The decision to pursue an endorsement or a certificate depends on your career goals, the requirements in your location, and the pathways available to you. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice: 

Program Content 

Think about the skills or knowledge you seek to gain. A certificate program will cover teaching fundamentals, while endorsements focus on honing expertise in areas you’re passionate about. 

Accreditation 

Ensure that the program you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. For example, WGU's School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

Time and Cost

Certificates take longer to obtain since they involve more coursework and exams, while endorsements typically require fewer classes and can be completed faster. Cost is also an important consideration—evaluate financial aid options or employer reimbursement programs that may be available to you. 

Career Advancement

Endorsements often pave the way for advanced teaching roles or specialization opportunities, while certificates provide the foundation you need to begin or continue teaching.

Longterm Goals

If you know that you want to specialize in a certain subject area or work with a specific type of student population, an endorsement may be the better choice. However, if you're unsure about your long-term goals or want more flexibility in your teaching options, a certificate may be the way to go.

Divergent Career Paths 

Both endorsements and certificates can lead to various career paths beyond classroom teaching. For instance, obtaining advanced qualifications can pave the way toward becoming a school principal, curriculum specialist, or instructional coordinator.

Common Teacher Endorsement Areas 

Common endorsements include specializations that align with specific teaching needs. Examples include: 

• Literacy 
• Early Childhood Education 
• Biology 
• Physical Education 
• Chemistry 
• Speech 
• Business 
• English as a Second Language (ESL) 

Earning an endorsement can greatly enhance your teaching career by allowing you to develop specialized skills and knowledge. It also shows potential employers that you are dedicated to continuous learning and improving your practice. Additionally, many states offer salary increases or bonuses for teachers who hold endorsements in high-demand subject areas.

Common Certification Programs 

Certificates target broader competencies required for teaching roles. Some popular certification programs include: 

• Elementary Education 
• Special Education
• Digital Learning Design 
• STEM Teaching and Learning 
• Education Leadership 

Certifications demonstrate a well-rounded knowledge and competency in the subject matter. They also provide professional development opportunities for educators, allowing them to stay current with best practices and advances in their field. Additionally, some employers may require certain certifications for specific teaching positions, making it a valuable credential to have on your résumé. 

Deciding What’s Best for You 

Endorsements and certificates both serve to enhance your teaching credentials and provide career flexibility. Your choice should align with your professional goals, state requirements, and the types of students or disciplines you wish to teach.

WGU’s School of Education offers industry-recognized, accredited programs that can support you on your path to becoming an exceptional educator. Whether you want to explore a teaching license or gain a specialized endorsement, WGU has tools, resources, and expert guidance to help you thrive. Take the next step in your teaching career today!