Certificates (CERT) are programs of study that vary in length and are designed to prepare the student for occupational employment. The certificate is awarded upon completion of specific courses that have been industry validated and sequenced for the purpose of developing and upgrading skills in an occupation. Some examples are: Cosmetology, General Business, Medical Assisting, Petroleum Technology, Vocational Nursing, and Welding. Transfer options may exist at many colleges/universities through the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree (BAAS).