What Are the Easiest Trades to Learn?
Completing a trade school certification program lets you save time and money while you earn the qualifications you need to start a rewarding career.
Some trades require a few years of vocational schooling, plus multiple licensing exams and regular testing for certification renewal. However, there are also trades you can learn through a few months of on-the-job training.
Relatively Simple Requirements
Along with offering shorter training periods, some of these easy trades only require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a background check and drug screening, and pass a single exam before applying for jobs in your chosen fields.
If you want to get your credentials as quickly as possible, consider pursuing one of the following trades and certifications.
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Patient Care Technician
A patient care technician is responsible for performing tasks that help treat and comfort patients in hospitals and nursing facilities. Duties for these workers include serving meals, helping patients go to the restroom, changing bedding, and checking vital signs.
Patient care tech programs take anywhere from six weeks to two years and offer exams through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Depending on which program you choose, you may be able to become a certified patient care tech in anywhere from six weeks to two years.
Medical Assistant
Similar to a patient care tech, medical assistants work with doctors and nurses to care for hospital, doctor’s office, and nursing home patients. T
hey also perform clerical duties like data entry, answering phones, and scheduling appointments.
Most medical assistants take certification exams through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) after completing a six- to nine-month program. Learn how to become one.
Pharmacy Tech
Drugstore, hospital, and assisted living facility pharmacy technicians have several responsibilities.
Along with helping the pharmacist fill prescriptions, these workers interact with customers and patients, process payments, and manage records and inventory.
Many people obtain this certification after completing on-the-job training and passing a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.
See: how to become a pharmacy tech.
Veterinary Assistant
Vet assistants work in pet hospitals, animal clinics, labs and veterinary offices and are responsible for restraining animals during examinations, administering pet medications, and monitoring animals after surgeries.
You can complete most veterinary assistant training programs in less than a year, then take your certification exam through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Floral Designer
If you want to work in a flower shop or open your own, consider becoming a certified floral designer.
With this credential, you can make money creating beautiful flower and plant arrangements for weddings, parties, and other events.
After a five-month training program, students can take an exam through the American Institute of Floral Designers and earn their florist certification.
Here is how you can become a floral designer.
Interior Designer
Completing an interior design trade program usually takes about a year or less.
During that time, you’ll learn about the basics of color theory and design styles and take classes on furniture arrangement, creating color schemes, and working with clients.
You can then get your certification by passing the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.
Graphic Designer
Employers hire graphic designers to create logos, web pages, brochures, and other marketing materials to promote their brands.
While you can take a graphic design training course or degree program, many people build their portfolios by taking online courses and getting certified in graphic design software programs like:
- Canva
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Crello
- Photopea
- Pixlr
CDL Truck Driver
CDL truck drivers often spend days or even weeks on the road, transporting cargo from shippers and delivering it to various destinations across the country.
Training programs teach aspiring long-haul truckers how to drive large vehicles like flatbeds, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks.
The trucking company that conducts your program usually gives you your test and presents you with your certification.
Restaurant or Hotel Manager
Most restaurant and hotel managers start in entry-level roles and work their way up.
Those working in higher-end restaurants and hotels often take hospitality and management courses at their local community college as well.
You may also need certification from your state health department to show potential employers that you understand proper safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
Personal Trainer
Gyms, health clubs, and sports teams hire personal trainers to create customized workout plans and motivate clients during recommended exercises.
You’ll need an understanding of human anatomy, physiology and exercise science, as well as a GED.
Along with a certificate from the National Federation of Personal Trainers or the National Academy of Sports Medicine, you’ll need to be first aid and CPR certified.
Here are the steps to becoming a trainer.
Selecting a Quick and Easy Trade
As you can see, there are several skilled trades you can learn in under a year. Once you decide which industry best suits your talents and career goals, you can enroll in a relevant vocational school program or find a job in your chosen field to get some on-the-job training before taking your certification exam. Earning your credentials is an excellent way to make a good impression on potential employers.
If you want more information on trades in general, check out this article on the best trades to get into.
