One of the main disadvantages of online certification programs is the lack of instructor supervision. While instructors communicate with students through online discussion forms and email, students are responsible for guiding themselves through coursework and ensuring all assignments are done on time. Due to this lack of supervision, students with procrastination issues may find completing coursework difficult. "Disadvantages of Online Classes," an article from Kennesaw State University, notes that a person's personality directly affects how well he'll perform with an online program; those prone to procrastination, for instance, may find online coursework to be more of a burden than a convenience.
The cost associated with online certification programs is typically more expensive than traditional classroom instruction. For example, Sessions College offers online website design certification programs, which as of 2011 cost an average of $5,800 for eight courses. Emory University offers an in-class website design certificate program, which costs anywhere from $4,745 to $5,060 for four core classes, one or more design track courses, and the capstone course.
Another significant disadvantage for online certification programs is the computer system requirements students must meet to successfully complete them. The exact requirements will vary from program-to-program. Students who don't have the necessary computer power will either have to forego the program or purchase a new computer or software prior to starting it, which can dramatically increase its cost.
If you're planning on using coursework taught in an online certification program toward an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree, you may be disappointed to learn many online certification programs aren't transferable to a two- or four-year degree program. By not determining if an online certification program features transferable credits, you may end up wasting time and money by completing non-transferable coursework. If you're interested in transferring credits taken within a certification program, speak with the program director to determine if your credits may be transferred and what colleges or universities accept them.