When trying to decide if a credit course or a non-credit course is better for you, consider the following:

What are my time-management skills? Am I self-disciplined? Pursuing a credit course means going to classes at least once a week. The professor often reminds students regularly about assignments or exams. In non-credit courses it is up to you to keep track of upcoming assignments and pending exams. There is no one there to remind you.

In addition, non-credit courses require a certain amount of knowledge of the computer and internet. Non-credit courses are often taken online, however they can also be face-to-face, and require the student to know at least the basics of both. If you have doubts about your technology capabilities check with the instructor to find out what kind of assignments you will have to do via computer and internet to see if you feel comfortable signing up for the class.

It is important to know the difference between non-credit courses and credit courses. Non-credit courses, like the name suggests, have no credit towards a degree associated with it. There are no official grades (often only a passing or failing grade). Often individuals will sign up for these courses for pleasure, education, to enhance their skills, increase their employment potential or because they are simply interested in the subject. The instructors of these courses often have different qualifications of credit professors and follow different regulations and guidelines. Non-credit courses often cost only a small percentage of what a 3-credit college course would cost, which is another reason individuals are often interested in taking them.