Cyfrin Updraft offers two types of credentials: certificates of completion and professional certifications. Both have value, but they serve different purposes.
Here’s how they compare:
Certificate of Completion
A certificate of completion shows that you finished a course and passed the course quiz or final exam.
What it means:
You completed the learning material
You passed the end-of-course test
You’re building foundational knowledge
Good for:
Tracking personal progress
Adding to your resume or website
Sharing on social to show you're learning
How to get it:
Finish all course lessons
Pass the course’s final quiz
Download your certificate as a PDF from the course page
Professional Certification
A professional certification shows that you passed a standalone, proctored exam designed to test your ability to apply skills in real-world scenarios.
What it means:
You met a recognized industry standard
You passed a rigorous, timed exam
You’re qualified to work professionally in the field
Good for:
Proving job-ready skills
Gaining credibility with employers or clients
Standing out in hiring or freelance platforms
How to get it:
Choose and purchase a certification (e.g. SSCD+)
Schedule and pass a proctored exam
Receive a formal, shareable credential
🧾 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Certificate of Completion | Professional Certification |
What it is | Proof you completed a course | Proof you passed a pro-level exam |
Skill level | Beginner to intermediate | Advanced and hands-on |
Exam format | 40 - 75 minutes exam | 90-minute proctored exam |
Proctored? | No | Yes |
Recognized by industry? | Informal | Yes, industry standard |
Used for hiring? | Sometimes | Frequently |
Downloadable? | Yes (PDF + public credential) | Yes (PDF + public credential) |
📝 Which one should I choose?
Just starting out? → Take a course and earn a certificate of completion
Want to prove your skills in a job or freelance context? → Go for a professional certification like SSCD+
Many learners start with completion certificates and then level up to professional credentials.
For more info, check out:
🔗 Professional Certifications →
🔗 Cyfrin Updraft Courses →