Certificate vs Certification

[vintage_jacket]

I've learned this the hard way. Certificates are not the same as certifications. I've taken many online courses (free, paid, training for exams) but ultimately they didn't qualify me for XYZ.

Example, I wouldn't list a free/paid project management course under Education and Certifications on a resume/app.

If it was a significant course, I'd likely add it as a job accomplishment bullet, "Completed XYX towards...," or "Received XYZ certificate in X software/industry education."

If I can't put it on a resume without explaining it to HR, it's not a certification.