e-Learning Blog

In recent years, more people have been wondering, "Is it possible to obtain qualifications through e-learning?" To conclude, many qualifications can be studied through e-learning, and in some cases, the entire process including exams and obtaining certificates can be completed online.

Traditionally, obtaining qualifications typically involved attending vocational schools or certification courses. However, securing study time while working was difficult, and the burden of commuting and costs was a significant challenge. This is where e-learning for qualification study emerged. As long as you have an internet connection, you can study at home or during your commute using a computer or smartphone, making effective use of limited time.

Additionally, e-learning is well-equipped with video lectures, text materials, quizzes, and progress management features, making it significantly more efficient for learning compared to self-study. Recently, official recognition of e-learning-based study has been granted for some national and private certifications, increasing the number of cases where candidates can aim to pass exams without attending a physical school.

Of course, not all qualifications can be completed entirely through e-learning; some require taking exams at designated test centers or practical skill tests. However, for qualifications that mainly focus on written exams and knowledge acquisition, e-learning is chosen by many as an efficient and practical method of study.

By using e-learning, you can aim to acquire qualifications in a wide range of fields. Here, we will introduce some particularly popular areas.

IT-related Qualifications

The IT field is highly compatible with e-learning, and many qualification courses are available online. For example, from national qualifications such as the "Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination" and "IT Passport" to vendor certifications like "CompTIA," "AWS Certification," and "MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist)," a diverse range of learning opportunities is available. You can repeatedly take mock exams and past questions online, enabling efficient preparation for passing the exams.

Programming Certifications

Programming skills are a field that is difficult to understand systematically through self-study alone, but by utilizing e-learning, you can learn step by step. Certifications such as the "Java Programming Certification Exam" and the "Python Engineer Certification Exam" offer well-prepared online materials and practice environments, allowing practical learning at home. The appeal lies in being able to feel skill improvement simultaneously with obtaining the certification.

Business Skill Certifications

Business skill-related certifications are highly popular among working adults. For example, qualifications such as "Nissho Bookkeeping," "Financial Planner (FP)," "Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant," and "Business Skill Test" can be studied from basics to advanced levels through e-learning. By cultivating practical skills through video lectures and case studies, these certifications are chosen by those aiming for career changes or career advancement.

Language Proficiency Certifications

E-learning is also widely utilized in the language field. Certifications such as "TOEIC," "Eiken," and "Chinese Proficiency Test" allow easy study of listening and reading skills even on smartphones. Services offering AI-based pronunciation practice and online mock exams are increasing, making them suitable for those aiming for overseas study or a global career.

Medical Qualifications

In the medical field, it is common to study the knowledge portion through e-learning, while practical skills and clinical parts are conducted separately in person. For example, qualifications such as "Medical Office Administration," "Registered Salesperson," "Specialized Nurse Training," and "Certified Physician" increasingly allow foundational learning to be done online. Especially for medical office administration and pharmacy dispensing office administration, it is characteristic that learners can study at home and obtain the qualification by passing the final exam.
> Case Study: Transitioning the in-person certified physician exam to an online exam using Moodle

Education and Welfare Qualifications

With e-learning, it is also possible to obtain qualifications related to education and welfare. For example, qualifications such as the "Childcare Worker Exam," "Care Training," and "Mental Health Management Certification" typically involve studying the theoretical parts online, while practical skills and training are supplemented through in-person sessions. This approach is especially attractive for those aiming to earn qualifications while working, as it makes balancing study and work easier.

When aiming to obtain qualifications, there are many advantages to using e-learning. However, there are also points to be cautious about and cases where it may not be suitable. Here, we will take a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of e-Learning

Learning without being bound by time or place

As long as there is an internet connection, you can study anywhere—on the commuter train, at home, or in a café. This is especially advantageous for working adults and homemakers aiming for qualifications while balancing work and family, as it allows them to make use of spare moments.
Example: A full-time office worker practices TOEIC listening on their smartphone during their commute.

You can progress with learning at your own pace

There is no need to attend at fixed times like in classroom-based schools, allowing you to quickly move through parts you understand and repeatedly study areas you find difficult.
Example: Watching video lectures on bookkeeping level 3 journal entry problems multiple times until fully understood.

Costs can often be kept low

Compared to in-person schools, the cost of materials and operational expenses is lower, so tuition fees are often set at a more affordable rate. Since transportation costs are also unnecessary, you can reduce the total cost.

Access to the latest materials and testing environments

E-learning allows you to utilize digital-specific features such as online mock exams and AI-based learning progress management. Another attractive point is that the materials are promptly updated according to the trends of qualification exam questions.

Learning records are automatically managed

Even those who find it difficult to create their own study plans can clearly see "how much more they need to study" as their progress is recorded by the system.

Disadvantages of e-Learning

Self-Management Required

Because of the high degree of freedom, a strong will to continue studying is necessary. Unlike commuting schools, there is no "enforcement," so many people give up due to being overwhelmed by busyness.
Example: Starting out motivated to study but neglecting the course after one month.

Difficult to ask questions or seek advice

Since there are no opportunities to meet instructors or peers directly, it may not be possible to resolve doubts on the spot. Many services allow questions via email or chat, but responses can sometimes take time.

Not suitable for qualifications involving practical skills

Qualifications that require practical exams, such as caregiving, nursing, and construction, can have their theoretical parts studied online, but ultimately, in-person lectures and practical training are mandatory. It is important to note that e-learning alone cannot complete these qualifications.

Dependent on communication environment and devices

When using video lectures or mock exams, an unstable internet connection can hinder learning. Studying only with a smartphone may also reduce efficiency due to the small screen size.

Difficult to maintain motivation

It tends to be a form of studying alone, making it hard to get the atmosphere of "working hard together with peers" like in a commuting school.

As such, e-learning has the major advantage of being "efficient and convenient," but it also has the disadvantage that "self-management skills are required." It is important to consider which you prioritize and choose a learning method that fits your lifestyle.
> What is e-learning? Explanation from purpose, history, advantages and disadvantages, usage, to points for introduction!
> What are the advantages and disadvantages of universities adopting e-learning?

Schoo

An online learning service for working adults, offering a wide range of courses from business skills to certification preparation. It provides both live and recorded classes, allowing users to choose according to their learning style. It is especially strong in IT and marketing certification studies.

Udemy

It is one of the world's largest online learning platforms. With over 200,000 courses, it covers a wide range of genres from national certification preparation to specialized qualifications and practical skills directly related to work. Since it is a one-time purchase model, a major advantage is that you can learn repeatedly at your own pace.

STUDYing (STUDYing)

This is a learning service aimed at acquiring qualifications in a "short period and efficiently." It is designed primarily for smartphones, making it attractive for learning during spare moments. It is a popular service strong in preparing for national qualifications such as Administrative Scrivener, Bookkeeping, Real Estate Transaction Specialist, and Small and Medium Enterprise Consultant.

O-Hara Certification

This is an online course offered by O-Hara, a major certification school. It supports challenging certifications such as Certified Public Accountant, Social Insurance Labor Consultant, and Tax Accountant. Its strength lies in leveraging many years of success records and know-how even in the online format.

TAC (TAC WEB SCHOOL)

This is the e-learning version of the major qualification school TAC. It offers comprehensive video lectures, study materials, and question support, covering a wide range of qualifications such as IT Passport, Inheritance Certification, Pension Certification, Type 1 Securities Sales Representative, and Financial Planner (FP). It is recommended for those aiming for difficult qualifications.

Gacco

An online course platform collaborating with universities and companies. Many courses are free, making it ideal for career advancement and relearning. It can be used more as a place to supplement the basic knowledge and skills necessary for obtaining qualifications rather than the qualifications themselves.

Totara Learn

An open-source learning management system used worldwide. It excels in advanced learning management, training planning, and talent development management. It is designed for large organizations and companies that require customization. It is suitable for large-scale and systematic qualification education such as "in-house qualification management" and "mandatory business qualifications (ISO, labor safety, security qualifications)" in large corporations and public institutions.
> What is the corporate LMS "Totara Learn"? A thorough explanation of features effective for talent development and benefits of implementation

Moodle

It is the most widely used open-source learning management system in the world. It features a wealth of plugins and customization options. It is used extensively from educational institutions to corporations. In addition to language-related and IT-related qualification studies at universities and vocational schools, it also supports business certification and in-house qualification systems as corporate training. It is ideal for organizations seeking flexible operation.
＞ [Moodle Basic Course] What is Moodle?

By utilizing e-learning, even busy working adults can progress with their studies and aim to obtain qualifications without being constrained by time or location. The range of qualifications supported has expanded from practical ones directly related to work, such as real estate agents, bookkeeping, and IT-related certifications, to business qualifications that lead to career advancement.

The advantages include "making effective use of spare time," "being able to learn at your own pace," and "easier cost control," while on the other hand, there are disadvantages such as "continuing learning depends on self-management" and "it is difficult to accommodate qualifications that require practical skills."

From easily accessible services like Schoo and Udemy introduced this time, to courses for challenging qualifications such as those offered by Ohara and TAC, and further to systems for companies and educational institutions like Totara Learn and Moodle, there are diverse options depending on the intended use.

By choosing e-learning that fits your lifestyle and the qualifications you aim for, and by making and following a study plan, obtaining qualifications is entirely achievable. Please make good use of e-learning and connect it to your career and skill development.

Human Science Co., Ltd. has supported the implementation and operation of Totara Learn and Moodle as a certified partner for many years. When using these services, please feel free to contact us.
＞ Totara Learn Implementation Support
＞ Moodle Implementation Support