How CertTrack Compares to Your Current System
Most companies track certifications in spreadsheets, HRIS, or project management tools. Here's an honest comparison of how those approaches hold up — and where CertTrack fits.
CertTrack vs. Spreadsheets
The most common alternative. Spreadsheets are flexible and familiar, but they put the compliance burden entirely on you.
| Feature | Spreadsheets | CertTrack |
|---|---|---|
| Expiration alerts | ❌ No automatic alerts — manual monitoring required | ✅ Automated 60/30/7-day email alerts |
| Document storage | ⚠️ Separate folder/email — not linked to records | ✅ PDF upload attached to each certificate record |
| Audit-ready reports | ❌ Export and format manually each time | ✅ One-click audit export |
| Role-based access | ❌ Usually shared without access controls | ✅ Employee / manager / admin roles |
| Setup time | ✅ Immediate — everyone knows Excel | ⚠️ 15–30 minutes to import and configure |
| Error risk | ❌ High — formula errors, stale data | ✅ Low — structured data with validation |
| Cost | ✅ Free (already paying for Google/Microsoft) | ⚠️ $49–$149/month |
CertTrack vs. HRIS / HR Software
e.g. Gusto, BambooHR, Rippling
Most HRIS tools track employees — not certifications. They're excellent for payroll, onboarding, and benefits. But expiration date tracking for OSHA cards, contractor licenses, or facility permits is at best a workaround (a custom field with no alerting logic). If your HR tool doesn't automatically alert you 60 days before a crane operator's certification expires, it's not solving the compliance problem.
CertTrack vs. Project Management Tools
e.g. Asana, Monday.com, Notion
Project management tools are great for tasks and deadlines. But a certification expiration isn't a project task — it's a recurring compliance obligation tied to a person, not a project. Modeling this in Asana or Notion requires significant custom setup and still won't give you audit-ready reports or document storage per credential. It's the wrong abstraction.
Who CertTrack Is For
Construction companies
OSHA certs, contractor licenses, equipment operator certifications, subcontractor COIs
Healthcare organizations
RN/MD/PA licenses, DEA registrations, BLS/ACLS certifications, facility permits
Property management companies
Vendor COIs, property manager licenses, building permits, inspection certificates
Start your free 14-day trial
No credit card required.
Or read our guide to employee certification tracking