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10 certificates to put on your resume in 2024.

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Certificates are proven to boost your salary and increase your visibility and competitive edge to ... [+] employers

Studies show that earning a professional certificate and putting it on your resume can significantly increase your chances of being hired—and even lead to a salary boost.

For example, according to a salary survey undertaken by CertMag in 2023, 64% of U.S. respondents and approximately 40% of non-U.S. respondents agreed that gaining an IT certification led to them receiving a raise within the first year after completing their studies and achieving their certificate. They received a raise of between 3-20% respectively, according to the survey's findings.

Whether you're in the spring of your career, a seasoned professional, making a career pivot, looking externally for a new role, or are hoping to secure a promotion or pay raise, gaining a certificate this year should absolutely be on your 2024 must-do list.

But what are the most essential and in-demand certificates you should be learning and adding to your resume right now?

Certificates You Should Include In Your Resume

It's key to remember to have a strong focus when deciding which certificate you wish to study this year. It must have some purpose, and be interrelated with your overall career goals.

Otherwise, you may commence your study but you'll lack the motivation to proceed all the way until the end. And it will be harder for you to draw practical applications from your course and apply them into workplace scenarios, because you will have little if any opportunity to apply them.

Additionally, adding random certificates to your resume makes you look indecisive and confused about your career, painting a negative picture of your personal brand to employers.

Therefore, there must be a meaning behind the certificate you choose to embark on. Every certificate must complement each other and your long-term career goals.

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Bearing this in mind, let's take a look at 10 of the most popular certificates that are globally recognized by employers:

1. CPR Certification

CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) is a short course that you can undertake in person that teaches you how to save someone's life using an emergency first-aid procedure. There are many course providers that offer this as a combination of online and in person training.

Popularly offered by the American Red Cross and other non-profit organizations, a CPR certification is useful in a wide range of professions. It's not only an obvious requirement in healthcare and in first responder jobs, but it is also useful for roles that involve working with children and those who are vulnerable. These include carers, teachers, security, construction, and events management.

2. PMP Certification

If you're interested in landing a role as a project manager or programme manager or even more broadly within management or leadership, completing a project management course such as a PMP Certification is highly advantageous, and is coveted by many employers.

Similar certifications to PMP which are offered by the Project Management Institute, include CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), and PgMP (Program Management Professional).

3. AWS Certification

If your role requires you to use Amazon Web Services software, wouldn't it make sense to get a certificate in it so you can have an edge in your work? Thankfully, Amazon offers multiple role-based and speciality learning pathways through AWS certification, with exams administered by Pearson VUE.

Be intentional with your efforts to upskill, and ensure your certificates complement each other

4. Google Certification

Google offers a diverse range of certificates, primarily focused on enabling you to acquire in-demand skills within tech and business, such as analytics, project management, and technical support. Some Google Career certificates include the Google Data Analytics certification, Google Digital Marketing certificate, and the Google Cybersecurity certification.

5. Cybersecurity Certification

Speaking of cybersecurity, cybersecurity certifications are another set of certificates that employers view as necessary to the success of their business, especially as we continue to work remotely. Not only does Google offer this through Coursera, but you can obtain it from providers such as CompTIA and ISC2.

6. Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma is a skill that is helpful for careers within project management, quality management, supply chain management, production and manufacturing, and healthcare and IT.

You may often see it appear as a desirable or essential requirement in job adverts within these industries; and there are different levels, or belts within Six Sigma, so it's important to chart your career path carefully so you can pace yourself to study each belt. APMG International is one of the providers of this certification.

7. CISSP Certification

The CISSP certification (Certified Information System Security Professional) is one of the more advanced tiers of cybersecurity training, and "requires candidates to have at least five years of experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains," according to Knowledge Hut. "In addition, CISSP candidates must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of all aspects of information security."

8. ITIL Certification

ITIL means Information Technology Infrastructure Library, a framework designed to improve the customer experience with IT services. The ITIL certification teaches you best practices for managing IT services effectively and aligning them with business needs while improving overall service quality.

This certificate can be obtained from providers such as Skillogic and Axelos, and there are various certification paths , so it's important to assess which on is most relevant for your needs.

9. Microsoft Certification

Microsoft certifications vary depending on your role; for example, you could get a certificate in Power BI, Microsoft Azure, Office 365, or Microsoft Dynamics. And to eliminate all the extra noise, Microsoft Learn's platform allows you to filter by your role to get the best recommendations for courses you can pursue.

10. Salesforce Certification

CRM (customer relationship management) software such as Salesforce remain highly popular in organizations, particularly as big-name employers such as Amazon Web Services, the U.S. Bank, Walmart, Macy’s, and The Hershey Company, amongst others, are its avid customers.

This means that to secure or maintain a well-paid role within these organizations, you need to have prior experience and working knowledge of Salesforce, relevant to your job. Salesforce offers a vast array of certificates, from Salesforce Administrator to Salesforce Platform Developer.

There is a huge variety of Microsoft certifications that can help you increase your confidence ... [+] within your role

As the saying goes, there's no time like the present. Stop procrastinating and define your career goals, chart your path, and identify what certificates you need to help you achieve your vision. Take a moment to invest in yourself today.

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The Right Way To List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)

We’ll take you through exactly how to list certifications on your resume, including industry-specific qualifications to look into and where they belong on your resume.

3 years ago   •   11 min read

Let's cut straight to the chase: the key to effectively listing certifications is clarity and relevance. In 2024, where the job market is increasingly competitive and digital certifications are on the rise, it's more important than ever to highlight your qualifications in a way that stands out to employers. This means not only listing your certifications but doing so in a manner that aligns with current industry standards and expectations.

Good certifications are worth more than the paper they’re written on. Some are actually required before you can even apply for a job, while others are simply concrete proof of your skills. Either way, the right qualification can make or break a resume.

In this article, we'll guide you through the essentials of showcasing your certifications. We'll discuss why certifications are more relevant than ever in today's job market, the best ways to format and position them on your resume, and how to determine which certifications will make your application shine. Whether you're a seasoned professional or stepping into the job market for the first time, this guide will help ensure your resume's certification section is both impressive and effective.

When to include certifications on your resume (and when not to)

You should list certifications on your resume if:.

• It’s a job requirement : Some jobs will ask for specific licenses and certifications — sometimes, these are even legal requirements. If a job posting mentions a certification as a minimum requirement, you’re unlikely to even be considered unless you include it on your resume. If it’s in the “nice to have” section, it may not be as necessary, but listing it will still give you an advantage.
• It gets you past ATS : If a certification is mentioned in the job description, chances are either a recruiter or an applicant tracking system (ATS) will be screening out resumes that don’t mention it. Clearly listing certifications on your resume will prevent you from getting rejected automatically.
• It establishes credibility : Even in jobs where a certification isn’t strictly required, it can be a good way to demonstrate your skills. The more well-known or established the accreditation is, the more true this is. If you’re working or moving into a field with an industry standard certification, it might be well worth pursuing.
• You're changing careers : If you lack industry-specific experience, completing a short course or certification shows that you’re committed to changing directions (not just resume spamming) and shows that you have the technical skills needed for the job.

You should leave certifications off your resume if:

• It's not relevant to the job : Like anything on your resume, certifications should only be included if they’re actually relevant. You may have studied for ages for that nursing certification, but if you’re applying for a job in human resources, leave it off!
• It's a very short course : Unless they’re essential or deeply relevant, Coursera or similar courses that only take a few hours or days to complete aren’t usually significant enough to belong on your resume. The same goes for most short-form professional development courses, unless it's deeply relevant to the job you're applying for.
• The certification has expired : In the case of certifications that are only valid for a certain period (for example, CPR or First Aid certificates), don't list these on your resume if they're past the point of expiry — but do renew the certification if it's necessary for the job.

Got a certification that definitely belongs on your resume? Scroll down for a detailed guide to listing certifications on a resume.

Why certifications are relevant in 2024

In an era where remote work opportunities continue to rise, and digital skills are highly valued, enhancing your resume and staying up-to-date with relevant skills has become crucial. The right set of qualifications and competitive hard skills can significantly boost your resume by demonstrating adaptability, technical proficiency, and a commitment to staying current in a digitally-driven world.

Online certifications are far more common now than ever before, offering flexibility and accessibility in acquiring new skills. But, not all certificates are created equal. As there are now so many online courses available, choosing the right certificates from a recognized institution is crucial. Employers are far more open to accepting online certifications as proof of your skills. Still, you need to ensure you choose certifications that are recognized and respected in your desired industry.

How to list certifications on your resume

First things first: Here's how to list any certification on your resume.

• List the name of the certificate or qualification.
• Include the name of the certifying agency or where you obtained it. This is important for credibility, as it allows employers to verify the authenticity of your qualifications and assess their relevance.
• List the date you achieved the certification.
• Include a location (if applicable).
• Specify if the certification is still in progress. It's fine to list an in-progress qualification, as long as you add "in progress" or "expected [date]."
• If the certification has an expiration date, make sure you include the dates of validity.
• Use an ATS resume scanner to suggest industry-specific skills and keywords.
• Regularly update your resume to remove or update expired certifications.

How to format certifications on your resume

Use bold or italics for the certification name to draw attention to it, especially if it's a crucial qualification for the job you're applying for. The key is to enhance readability and highlight your qualifications without overwhelming the rest of your resume. For example:

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification - Atlas Institute, May 2022.

This technique helps your most essential certificates catch a recruiter's eye while keeping your resume professional-looking and easy to scan.

Where to list certifications on your resume

Here's a guide to the best places to list certifications on your resume:

In the education section of your resume

The education section of your resume is probably the most intuitive spot to include certifications, especially if they’re particularly significant. List your entries in reverse chronological order, with the most recent qualifications first. If you’re changing careers and don’t have any other relevant experience, you may even want to include your education section at the top of your resume. For example:

Under a section titled ‘Other’ or ‘Additional Information’

List a certifications in an additional section if you have more relevant work experience to emphasize first or you're running out of space on your resume. If you choose to include more than one or two certifications, list them on their own line alongside things like technical skills , awards, and language fluency .

Here's an example of combining your certifications with other skill sets.

Including a subheading makes it easy for a hiring manager to find your relevant certifications.

Here's another simple example of listing a certification, which mentioning who awarded it. Use this only if your certification is not widely known and the context of your certification could help.

In a ‘Certifications’ section

As a rule, you shouldn’t dedicate too much space on your resume to listing certifications — one of two lines should generally be enough. But if you have several certifications and they’re all relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, you can create a dedicated certifications section to avoid cluttering up your resume. For example:

Creating a separate section to avoid clutter is a good idea if you’re listing more than one or two certifications.

In your resume summary or header

If you want to emphasize an essential and/or particularly well-known qualification (including professional licences), include this information in your summary or header. This isn’t the case for most certifications, so first make sure that it’s actually a crucial job requirement and that it’s a well-known and easily recognizable acronym, like PMP or HIPAA. For example:

If your certification is part of the job title you are applying to, you can consider including it directly in your header . Here's an example of a Certified Nursing Assistant's resume:

For roles like nursing where specific certifications are essential, it can be helpful to list your qualifications in your resume header.

In a projects section

If your certification included significant project experience, consider listing it in a dedicated projects section . This can be especially helpful if you’re changing careers and don’t have a lot of relevant work experience, as projects can help bridge the gap and include hands-on experience. Remember to list projects the same way you would any other experience, starting with an action verb and using numbers and metrics where possible. For example:

If you’re not sure if you’ve listed your certifications the right way, upload your resume to the tool below — it’ll scan your resume and give you detailed feedback and suggestions on how to improve your resume sections. It is also a good way to check if your resume is readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Use an acronym after your name

Maximize the impact of your prestigious certifications by using acronyms after your name. This immediately signals your qualifications to potential employers.

For instance, if you're a Project Management Professional, include 'John Doe, PMP' at the top of your resume. This tactic is particularly effective for certifications that are well-recognized in your industry.

Why you should consider adding certifications to your resume

Adding certifications can significantly enhance your resume by showcasing your commitment to professional development and proficiency in new skills. The right new skills can open doors to new career opportunities, potentially leading to higher salaries and advancement in your field.

In rapidly changing industries, certifications also ensure that your skills and knowledge remain up-to-date and you remain a competitive candidate for potential promotion. In the long run, certifications not only help with immediate job placement and salary benefits, but also help with long-term career satisfaction and growth.

How to determine what certifications are relevant for your resume

As with most skills on your resume, the best way to determine what skills are relevant for a position, is to look at the job description itself. See what skills are mentioned in the job description, and if you have any of the qualifications mentioned, list them clearly and prominently. Our comprehensive database of skills and keywords allows you to search for a specific job and instantly find the skills to add to your resume, including common certifications.

The next best thing is to network! The most reliable source of information is usually other people working in the industry. If you’re new to the field or changing careers, this step is extra important — our tips on how to ask for an informational interview will help you get started.

Another way to find skills and keywords for your resume is by using the tool below to search for the job you’re applying for. It’ll give you a list of relevant skills and keywords.

Recommended certifications by industry

Depending on your industry, there may be a set of common (or sometimes essential) certifications it would be helpful to pursue.

• Project Managers: Certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Prince2, and Lean Six Sigma.
• Human Resources : Jobs may require Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.
• Information Technology and Engineering : Some of the best are AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), CompTIA A+, Cisco, Google Cloud, and Microsoft certifications.
• Product owners and Developers: Agile and Scrum certifications.
• Accountant : Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification .
• Programmers : Oracle Java, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and EC-Council Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP) certifications — but when it comes to most programming languages, a good GitHub profile is far more valuable than specific certifications.
• Nurses and other Healthcare professionals: Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification.
• Business Professionals : Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) qualification.

How to ensure and show your certification is legitimate

Choose certificates that are from accredited and recognized institutions and well-known organizations. This is particularly crucial with the rise of online courses, where the quality and recognition of qualifications can vary. Mentioning the certifying body on your resume can help establish the legitimacy of your qualifications in the eyes of an employer, and be prepared to provide proof of your certifications if requested, which could include the certificate itself, a transcript, or a link to a verification page.

Frequently Asked Questions

If i have multiple certificates, how do i decide which to include.

Only include certificates and qualifications that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid listing certifications unrelated to the position, as they may distract from your relevant qualifications. If you have multiple certifications that demonstrate the same skills, include only your most recent, the most highly recognized, or those that showcase the highest level skills.

Do I need to list the certifying body or institution that granted my certificate?

Yes. Always mention the name of the institution or organization that granted your certificate. Certifications from renowned and accredited bodies are often viewed more favorably. Omitting this information might raise questions about the legitimacy or significance of your certification.

Should I include the grade of my certificate?

Generally, most certifications are pass/fail, and the grade you achieved is not necessary. The focus should be on the certification itself and its relevance to the job. However, it could be worth mentioning if you achieved an exceptionally high grade or honor (such as graduating top of your class).

How often should I update the certifications on my resume?

You should regularly update your resume to reflect any new certifications. Keeping your resume current ensures potential employers see the most accurate representation of your skills. It's especially important to update certifications that have expiration dates or require renewal.

What is the difference between licenses and certifications on a resume?

A license typically refers to a legal permission to practice a certain profession or activity, and is often mandatory for certain jobs. A certificate usually indicates completion of a course to acquire certain skills or knowledge and is not generally required for a position.

Should I create a separate resume certification section?

Yes, especially if you have multiple relevant certifications. This makes your resume more organized and helps in drawing attention to your key qualifications.

Should I include online course certifications?

Yes, but be selective. Include online certifications that are relevant to the job and from reputable providers. They can demonstrate continual learning and skill development.

What are the risks of including expired or irrelevant certifications?

Listing expired certifications can reflect poorly on your professional image, suggesting outdated skills. Irrelevant certifications may distract from your pertinent skills and experience. Only include certifications that are current and relevant to the job.

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Why and How to List Certifications on a Resume – Guide w/ Examples

Want to include certifications on your resume, but not sure how?

We don’t blame you - it’s not as simple as it seems.

If your certifications are critical for the job, it’s essential to include them on top of your resume in the summary or contact information section, or you risk the recruiter skipping over your resume entirely.

Or, if they’re not, you should create a dedicated section for all your important certifications instead of cluttering up your other sections. 

And in this article, we’re going to teach you how to do all that!

Want to skip all the hassle of creating a resume from scratch? We got your back. You can choose any of our free resume templates to get a professional and modern resume without breaking a sweat.

What Are Certifications?

Certifications are documents awarded by accredited institutions, such as boards, associations, or professional organizations. 

Obtaining any certification shows that you possess or that you’ve developed a certain skill or that you’ve reached a certain level of technical proficiency. 

To get a certification, you typically need to be able to meet certain requirements and criteria, pay a fee, or even pass an assessment test at times. The harder a certain certification is to acquire, the more likely it is to give you an edge over other candidates for the job.

Based on your profession, there are countless certifications out there. Here are some popular examples: 

• CompTIA A+ : Popular certification for information technology professionals.
• PHR : The HR Certification Institute awards this certification to HR professionals who have mastered both the technical and personal aspects of human resource management.
• NCLEX-RN : Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse assistants can obtain this certification from their state’s Board of Nursing.

Why Get Certified??

As we already mentioned, earning a certification shows that you’re devoted to your field of work and provides evidence of your skills and work experience . 

In a nutshell, adding a professional certification to your resume is undeniable proof that you’re competent in a specific skill or field of work. In some positions, certification might be a mandatory requirement for simply being considered for a job.

For other roles, it can be an added bonus that helps you stand out amongst other equally qualified candidates.

Even if the certification isn’t a requirement to get the job, it can certainly do the following for your job hunt :

• Boost your resume
• Draw attention to your application
• Prove that you’re a valuable hire

When to Include Certifications on Your Resume

While certifications are not mandatory on a resume, there are some cases when you should definitely do it if you want to take your resume from good to great . 

Here are some of those cases: 

#1. The employer requires it

This is probably the top reason why you should include certifications on your resume - they’re a must for the job . 

If a potential employer lists a certain certification in the job description and you fail to include it on your resume, the hiring manager may disqualify you on the spot. 

As such, make sure to check the job ad and company website thoroughly before you submit your application for any job opening. 

#2. To demonstrate your skills

In certain situations, a certification may not be required for the job, but still prove invaluable to your application.

Let’s take, for example, computer skills . They’re a must for most jobs today, whether or not they’re in the IT field. So, if you’re applying for, say, an office assistant position and you list an IT-related accreditation, the hiring manager will know that you’re also great with computers.

Compared to other candidates with similar experience, this certification may be enough to give you the upper hand in the hiring process.  

#3. To highlight your industry knowledge

Another great reason to include your certifications in your resume is if they can further highlight your years of experience in a certain industry. 

As we already mentioned, some certificates can only be obtained if you’ve worked a certain number of years in the field. In turn, listing such certifications on your resume can be an additional “voucher” for your experience. 

#4. To make up for limited practical experience

Certifications can also be used to make up for the lack of work experience . 

Let’s say you’re a recently graduated graphic designer with little professional experience in the field. However, you’ve practiced graphic design a lot in college, as well as in your free time, and have gained the necessary skills for the job. 

In such a case, listing a graphic design-related certification may be able to balance out your lack of work experience. 

How to List Certifications on a Resume 

Now that you know all about certifications, including how they can benefit your resume, it’s time to learn how to add them to your resume the right way :

How to Format Your Certifications 

In 90% of cases, you should create a dedicated resume section to list your certifications. 

Here’s how you’d format such a section: 

• Add the title of the certification. List the full title of the certificate underneath the section header as a bullet point. Make sure there are no typos in the title and that any abbreviations are spelled out.
• Include the name of the awarding organization. Adding the name of the organization or institution that certified you can make the certificate much more legitimate. Here too, make sure to double-check for any spelling errors.
• List the date you earned your certification. Additionally, make sure to add the date your certificate was last renewed, in case it’s a certification that requires renewal. If you’re in the process of obtaining a certification, you can list it on your resume by including the anticipated obtainment date.
• List the date your certification expires. In case your certification has an expiration date and you still haven’t renewed it, add the expiration date too. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t add expired certificates to your resume.
• Provide details (optional). If the space allows it (remember, your resume should optimally be one-page-long ), add a sentence describing the skills related to the certification. This can help the hiring manager see how it’s relevant for the job.

Where to Add Certifications to Your Resume 

There are several places where you can add your certifications to your resume. As mentioned above, the most common one is under a dedicated “Certifications” section . 

Alternatively (and depending on how important the certification is for the job), you can also use these three resume sections to list them:

• Your resume summary
• Your contact information
• Your education section

Let’s go through each possibility in more detail: 

#1. List certifications under the “Certifications” section 

Every resume contains mandatory sections (e.g. contact information, work experience, resume summary, skills) and optional resume sections (e.g. internships , volunteer work, hobbies and interests , etc.).

Certifications belong to the latter group as, in most cases, they’re not required for most jobs. That said, certifications are among the best optional sections you can add to your resume. 

Creating such a section is fairly easy. 

Firstly, position this section after all your essential sections, as such: 

Then, create a heading on your resume named “Certifications” or “Certificates” and format all relevant certificates according to the formatting rules we outlined above. 

One thing to keep in mind is that you should list your certifications in reverse-chronological order. Start with the most recent certificate and make your way from there.

Here is a real-life example of a “Certifications” section done well and one done not so well:

Certifications

First Aid Certification

American Red Cross, July 2018

Expires: January 2020

Skills acquired: CPR

#2. List certifications In your resume summary 

If you have a certification that’s required or super relevant for the job, you can also include it in your resume summary section.

For example, if you're a certified accountant , you can mention it in your summary as follows:

Just add one line and you're already one step ahead! You don't even need to rework your existing summary, just start or end the first sentence with the certification’s title.

For example:

• Certified CPR sports teacher with 15+ years of experience and solid organizational skills, seeking to preserve and improve the quality of sports education at Amigos Children's Academy. At Jefferson Elementary, raised sports team national results by 12% and led an exhibition team at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships. 
• Data analyst with 7+ years of experience analyzing business processes. Enthusiastic to handle big data interpreting and visualizing skills at 7EDGE. CCA certified in 2013.

If you really want your certification to be the first thing the employer sees, you can even include it in your contact information section, or as part of your job title. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

#3. List certifications in your education section 

Finally, you can also include your certifications in your resume’s education section .

This, however, is not a popular choice and you should only do it if:

• You only have one certification (and it’s not job-critical)
• You took your certification courses throughout your university years
• You want to list less important certifications outside the designated certifications section

Here’s what that would look like on a resume: 

Healthcare School of Hawaii, Aiea, HI

08/2013 - 05/2017

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 2017
• Learned to assist healthcare providers with medical procedures while obtaining vital signs per protocol, feeding and bathing patients, and dressing wounds.

5 Examples of Certifications on Resumes

Here are some examples of certifications on resumes for different positions, using our tried-and-tested resume templates :

#1. Certified Medical Assistant Resume Example

#2. Web Developer Resume Example

#3. Recruiter Resume Example

#4. Flight Attendant Resume Example

#5. Tech Resume Example

10 Top Certifications That Can Boost Your Career

Some of the most popular certifications you can acquire in 2024 are as follows:

• PMP Certification . The Project Management Professional is a global certification offered by the Project Management Institute for project managers.
• BC/BE. This certification stands for Board Certified/Board Eligible and is given to physicians who have completed their residency but haven’t passed their board exam.
• PALS Certification. Pediatric Advanced Life Support is for professionals who want to specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Forklift Certification. The Occupational Safety Health Administration offers training and then a license to safely drive heavy machines like forklifts inside warehouses.
• Scrum Master Certification. Scrum is a framework for managing complex projects and this course offers an entry-level credential to show professionals have an understanding of the methodology.
• Certified Nursing Assistant . The CNA certification is state-specific and is a must-have for anyone who wants to work in patient care.
• First Aid Certification. This certification provides the necessary knowledge to react effectively in emergency situations before the medics arrive. This includes stitching deep cuts, addressing injuries, and even handling broken bones.
• ASE Certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers the Automotive Service Excellence certification to test and certify a mechanic’s skills and abilities.
• CPR Certification . The most commonly requested certification from employers, this Red Cross certification can come in handy for pursuing a number of job opportunities that are not limited to the medical industry (e.g. teaching jobs, public-facing roles, and even companies can benefit from employees being CPR-certified).
• CISSP. This is one of the most popular network security certifications, perfect for information security professionals who already have a few years of experience and want their skills to be globally recognized.

Resume Certifications FAQs

Still have some questions? You’ll find your answers in this section!

1. Should I list online course certifications on my resume?

Yep! As long as the certifications are relevant to the job, you should include them on your resume.

Online certifications can especially help you if you’re a recent graduate with not a lot of work experience .

2. Is there a situation when I DON’T list certifications on my resume?

Definitely! You should only add certifications that add value to your resume .

If you’re a business analyst, for example, a Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) WILL help get you hired.

A bartending or CPR certification, though, won’t.

You also shouldn’t add certifications that are outdated (for obvious reasons) or ones that are just not that significant.

For example, if you’re a business analyst with 10+ years of experience, you shouldn’t include your business management certificate you got from some online course sometime in college.

So, to sum it up, you can skip certifications that are:

• Insignificant

3. What other sections can I list on my resume?

You can add a lot of interesting optional sections to make your resume even more competitive, such as: 

• Awards, Honors, Accomplishments
• Volunteering and Associations
• Extracurricular Activities
• Independent Projects, 
• Hobbies, Interests, Languages
• Publications, Training, Conferences

Make sure, though, not to over-clutter your resume, or get it to spill over to page 2 .

Look at it from the recruiter’s point of view - which of these sections would add value to you as a candidate and show that you can do the job right?

Then, choose accordingly.

Key Takeaways 

Now, let’s sum up everything we’ve learned about certifications in your resume:

• Adding a professional certification to your resume is proof that you have the competence to do something.
• Put job-critical resume certifications in four places, such as in your personal information section, in your resume summary, in your education section, or in a designated certification section.
• Always make your most noteworthy or relevant certifications visible and attention-grabbing.
• Don't include certifications that are outdated, irrelevant, or insignificant on your resume.

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There’s a certifying authority, the certification itself, the date of completion, and other details! But there is only so much space in your resume.

After experimenting for over 5 years with clients from different industries, our professional resume writers have created the winning formula for writing resume certifications.

And we will teach you everything about how to put certification on your resume.

Here are the things we will learn in this blog:

• Why a certification is necessary?
• When to add certification on resume?
• How to list certifications on resume?
• Where to add a certification on resume?
• How to put certifications on a resume sample?
• Certification lists for different profiles

We will share the winning formula with you for writing the certification section on your resume in this post. By the end of this post, your resume will have a certifications section that will outshine the competition.

Both landed jobs through campus placement. With their GPA, who wouldn’t hire them? They excelled in their respective companies and were having the time of their lives.

But as luck would have it, they both realized they needed a change. Why spend the prime years of their lives stuck in a single company? They had to explore!

Now, it was time to one-up their game—the time to start climbing the fabled corporate ladder.

Surprisingly, both of them knew that the journey of the corporate ladder would invariably begin with the humble resume. So both of them got into the science of resume making and started applying for jobs through different portals and sites.

While John landed quite a few interview calls, Robert was still waiting.

They had the same profile; they both came from stellar companies and were alumni of the same engineering college.

They were applying through the same medium, and in fact, they had made similar resumes too.

Then what was the difference?

The difference was the additional section of a list of certifications in John’s resume.

It became clear what was missing!

It counts if you are doing anything extra to upgrade your skills and knowledge in the cut-throat competitive world!

Does this sound exciting? If it does, there’s a lot more in store.

Why Are Certifications Necessary?

• Certifications are essential evidence of skills acquired and knowledge gained.
• They upgrade you with the latest technologies and recent theories.
• They give you an added advantage over other candidates
• Certifications increase your bargaining power for a better salary.
• Certification is a great economical alternative to expensive university education.

Even if the certification is not job-related, it can benefit your candidacy and help draw attention to your resume.

Also Read: How to write a resume in 2022?

When Should You Add Certifications on Resume?

James is a Marketing Manager with ten years of experience, working with a top-notch brand and delivering your best to the company.

Additionally, he is an MBA graduate from a decent B-school.

Your work experience and education sections look pretty sorted.

Now let us evaluate your certifications.

Your certifications list is:

• A course in Sanskrit Language (completed halfway)
• Bakery certification from Texas
• Certificate in Yoga and Meditation from Yoga Art Center
• Digital Marketing certification

It makes sense to add only those certifications list to your resume, which adds VALUE to your current portfolio!

For a Marketing Manager , Digital Marketing Certification goes a long way in letting the recruiter know the additional skill in the same domain.

The skill of digital marketing shall enhance the marketing career of this candidate. But rest of the certifications do not necessarily add value to a Marketing resume.

So whether the rest of the three certifications can be added or avoided depends upon the space constraint in the resume.

The rest of the three skills might showcase your learning stint but would not add much value while the resume is shortlisted for an interview.

At the same time, in the case of freshers, all the certifications matter a lot.

Because freshers are still deciding their path, any new certification will add value to the resume.

For example, a fresher might have done an online certification in Leadership Training.

This work showcases an essential skill of leadership. This significantly impacts the recruiter as leadership is the trait recruiters look for.

To make it a bit easy for you, these are the three criteria you can keep in mind while deciding on your certification in a resume:

• Add certification details when it translates to a skill essential for your next recruiter
• Value enhancement in the current role for working professionals as it increases the chances of getting shortlisted
• Value enhancement of soft skills, in case of freshers and graduates

Also Read: What is the perfect resume format to achieve maximum impact?

How to Put Certification on Resume

Certifications for their immense value addition to a professional’s journey shall be added as a separate section in the resume:

Things to keep in mind while adding the certifications section in a resume: -

• Add it separately to catch the recruiter’s eye
• Do not confuse it with training programs
• Always mention the certifying authority, date, and location
• Reverse chronological order
• Highlighting the key areas of the resume

Below is the important information that you need to add to your certification:

• Certification name,
• Certification body
• Obtainment date
• Location if applicable
• Expiry date
• If you are in the process of obtaining the certification

How to List Job-Critical Certifications on Resumes

If the certification is critical for getting into the job, you need to be aggressive while adding the certification to your resume.

Put the certification in these 4 places:

• On the resume Header at the side of your name
• In the resume summary
• In a separate Certification Section
• If needed, in the work experience section

How to Put “Extra” Certifications on Resumes When

If the certification is not relevant but can add value, then they are “extra” certifications.

Put these certifications lower down in the resume. in the “Additional Information” section.

How to List Certification on Resume Summary

Apart from a separate certification section, you can add your most important certification in the summary section.

UpGrad Certified Digital Marketing professional possessing 5+ years of experience........

How to List Certification on Resume Header

You can also add your certification as part of your resume Header like this:

Example: “John Doe, CPA.”

How to List Certification in Resume Education Section

You can also list the certifications in the education sections.

• You can only do this if you only have one certification.
• You have done the certification at your university
• You don’t want to focus on that certification over your other education

Bachelor of Nursing , Rasmussen University, Altamonte Springs, FL GPA: 3.4/5.0

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | American Red Cross | Jul 2024

1. Certifications Section Has to Be Separate

How to add certification in resume sample: tell us which image makes a better impact.

The second image is:

We are very sure that the image with a separate certifications section must have impressed you.

So go ahead and safely add all your training programs and certifications list in this section.

2. Certification on Resume vs. Training On Resume

Certifications and training both translate into a skill that can be applied in work.

But training does not necessarily end with a certificate.

Training programs do not have to be from a proper authority.

At the time of your final hiring, they will ask for proof of certification. At this time, it would be crucial to submit all documents.

For example, if you take up an online training course in, say, metaphysics. This might not necessarily get you a certificate though it would enhance your knowledge in the same.

For this reason, it is essential and safe to name the section “Training & Certifications” if you are adding both to the resume.

Mention all your training programs and certifications in this section.

Refer to the image below:-

On the way to building your resume, it makes sense to start searching for a job site for applying. Visit our guide on Best Job Search Sites.

3. Always Mention the Certifying Authority

There are zillions of certifications happening around the world.

But a certification from a renowned organization holds more value.

Along with it, the certification date is also important.

Of course, the certification pursued this year holds much more important than the one taken a few years ago.

But if you mention both the certifications without saying the date, they become irrelevant to the recruiter.

Certifying authority can be mentioned with the location and date using a separator.

4. Follow a Reverse Chronological Order

Certification should be listed in reverse chronological order, as given in the example.

This makes it easy for the recruiter to scan the resume for the latest certifications and quickly decide.

Let us see this image:

Also Read: How to write a reverse chronological resume in 2022?

Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Certifications on Resume

1. adding expired certificate.

Don’t add an expired certification on your resume, and it takes away valuable space.

2. Don’t Use Certificate Acronyms

Always add the full name of your certificate at least once before abbreviating. It improves your chances of passing the ATS system.

3. Including irrelevant certificates

Do not include an irrelevant certificate in the resume. It does not help you in getting the job.

Certifications Lists for Different Profiles

Not all certifications are worth your time. While many others reinforce your skillset and multiply your chances of landing the interview.

Let’s walk through an easy certifications list to include in your resume.

BLS Certification on Resume

The Americal Red Cross offers a Basic Life Support or BLS certification to the candidates. This certification teaches candidates the technics of basic life-saving measures.

This certification addresses that you are a responsible citizen and willing to help people.

Here is a BLS certification on resume example:

CERTIFICATION

• BLS Certification
• Americal Red Cross, April 2020- February 2022

Also Read: How to write a nursing resume in 2022?

FEMA Certification on Resume

The Federal Emergency Management Certificate or FEMA is another necessary certificate, best for candidates who are interested in emergency management. There are a series of courses and certifications. Some have an expiry date, and some don’t.

When you add FEMA certification to your resume, make sure to add Emergency Management Institute(EMI) as the accrediting body.

Here’s a FEMA Certification on resume example:

• Professional Development Series,
• Emergency Management Institute, September 2020

Also Read: How to write a management consultant resume?

CPR Certification on Resume

CPR certification in a resume is not only for medical professionals. It’s also an essential certification for teachers.

Here is how to put CPR certification on your resume:

CPR Certified, Americal Red Cross, April 2018 - February 2020

However, don’t add the information if you are applying for a job that doesn’t require it, for instance, Account management. Since it’s not relevant, you are better off without that certification on your resume.

Note : The CPR certification is only valid for two years. And make sure your certification is valid before putting it on your resume.

Certifications to Put on Resume: Google Certifications

• Google Developers Certification
• Data Engineering Certification
• Associate Cloud Engineer
• Professional Cloud Architect
• Professional Data Engineer
• Digital Marketing Certification
• AdWords Certification
• Mobile Advertising assessment
• Display Advertising assessment
• Shopping Advertising assessment
• Video Advertising assessment
• Google Analytics Academy
• Google For Education Training Center
• Machine Learning Crash Course
• Associate Android Developer
• Mobile Web Specialist
• Google Cloud Certified - Professional Data Engineer
• Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer

Also Read: How to write an IT resume?

Certifications to Put on Resume: Marketing Resume

Certifications to get into the marketing world are:

• Hubspot Email marketing certification
• AMA’s digital marketing certification
• Bing Ads accredited professional certification
• Pragmatic Marketing certification
• Digital Marketing certifications
• Google Adwords Certifications
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification
• HubSpot Inbound Certification

Also Read: How to write a marketing resume in 2022?

Certifications to Put on Resume: IT Resume

IT professionals can command a better salary by getting trained and certified in systems, networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

If you are in technical sales, then certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, Apple, and VMware would make sense.

Below are some of the certifications to get into the IT world which would help you climb the career ladder.

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Resume certificates for the following job profiles:

• Systems Engineer
• Systems Manager
• Systems Administrator
• Field Systems Technician

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• Information Technology Auditor
• Security Analyst
• Systems Auditor

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Security analyst
• Information security analyst

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

• Cloud Architect
• Cloud Manager
• Cloud Administrator

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Also Read: How to write a system analyst resume in 2022?

Certifications List for Business Analyst Resume

IIBA happens to be a global BA certifying body.

These are some globally recognized lists of certifications to get which will take you ahead in the analytical industry:

• IIBA Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)
• IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)
• PMI-Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Certification
• CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) for professionals with over five years of experience in the industry
• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis is best for freshers

Certifications List for Operations Resume

If you are an Operations maverick, it would surely make sense to take note of the certifications to get in the Operations domain:

• Six Sigma Certification
• Certification in International Supply Chain Professional (CISCP)
• Certification in International Transportation and Logistics (CITL)
• Certification in Warehousing
• Certification in Strategic Operations

Certifications List for HR Resume

These are the Certifications to get into the HR industry:

• Certification in PHR®: Professional in Human Resources
• Certification in SPHR®: Senior Professional in Human Resources
• Certification in SHRM-CP: SHRM Certified Professional
• Certification in SPHRi®: Senior Professional in Human Resources — International
• Certification in PRHi®: Professional in Human Resources — International
• Certification in GPHR®: Global Professional in Human Resources

Where to Put Certification on Resume?

This question holds a lot of importance because the recruiter gives just 6 seconds to the resume.

The certifications section could be placed in a resume just after the Education section to make more sense as certification is part of education.

But, to play it smartly, you can add up a certification in your career summary to highlight it in the best possible way.

Let us look at this summary:-

In this example, this operations manager has very smartly highlighted the six sigma certification in the resume summary.

It is not to say that this certification will not go on the certification list on the resume.

But it is to play it correctly to make the maximum impact on the recruiter.

Accredited Certifications

Certifications surely help potential employers know your worth.

But these days, there are millions of institutions and education bodies offering millions of certificates.

In this huge gamut of certifications, recruiters place importance on only those certifications which are accredited.

Accredited certifications are backed by standard and reputed authorities.

These authorities are like the ISO of products and services.

You can get a fair idea of accredited online certifications on this link .

FAQs Around Certifications on Resume

Q. when should i not list my certifications on resume.

You can skip adding certification to a resume if the certification is not relevant to the job you are applying for.

Q. What Other sections Can You List on Your Resume?

There are a lot of sections that you can add to your resume. Such as:

• Awards & Honors
• Accomplishments
• Volunteer Experience
• Extra-curricular Experience
• Hobbies & Interests
• Training & Conferences

Q. Should You List Online Course Certifications on Resume?

Absolutely! If the online course is relevant for the job you’re applying for, then you should include it in your resume.

Online courses can help you get noticed, especially if you are a fresher.

However, make sure to keep the certification list conscious and write it in a separate section.

Key Takeaways

Now that we have all the knowledge about how to write certification on a resume, here are the key takeaways:

• Add certifications that give you a skill relevant to your recruiter
• Add certifications in a separate section in the resume
• Certifications are not training. And, they are different from technical skills as well.

Go to Hiration career platform , which has 24/7 chat support, and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them)

As you write your resume , many of the things you need to include may have an obvious place: Your past jobs go in your work experience section, your education goes in your education section, and your skills go in your skills section . But what about certifications? They’re not quite experience or education, but they can be just as—if not more—important to you landing your next job.

We’ll tell you exactly when to include certifications on your resume and how, but first...

What Are Certifications?

A certification is a standardized professional credential—that is, everyone with a certification must meet the same requirements—issued by professional associations, organizations, or companies. You often need to pass exams and may need to meet certain education and experience requirements to obtain one. For example, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is issued by the Product Management Institute , and in order to receive it you must have a minimum number of months of experience leading projects, complete a minimum number of hours of project management training or a lower-level certification from PMI, and pass the PMP exam.

A certification that checks all of these boxes but is issued by a government or regulatory body and/or is legally required in order to do a certain job is called a license, says Heather Yurovsky , Muse career coach and founder of Shatter & Shine . For example, to legally practice as a nurse in New York State you must have a NYS nursing license , which requires completing an approved nursing degree, undergoing background checks, and passing the NCLEX exam. Teachers, doctors, social workers and other mental health professionals, accountants, and lawyers are also among the professionals who often need licenses to practice. Licenses are also more likely to require ongoing education and training to stay current in your field and can expire if you don’t keep them current, Yurovsky says.

Meanwhile, certificates and online courses are not certifications. They’re not standardized and are often education-based rather than experience- or assessment-based. Certificates might be issued by universities, colleges, or vocational schools and show that you completed a set of classes (usually fewer than a degree) or they might “showcase your completion of online courses and learning and development trainings,” Yurovsky says. For example you can get a certificate in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus or a Front-End Web Developer Certificate from edX. Individual companies may require certain certificates when hiring for roles, but you generally aren’t shut out of a career without one. When relevant, certificates still belong on your resume, but you might consider putting them in your resume’s education section (especially when issued by a school) or otherwise distinguishing them from your certifications. If you want to include online courses and certificates on your resume, read more here .

When Should You Include Certifications on Your Resume?

If you have a certification or license that is required or preferred for the role you’re applying to, definitely put it on your resume. Beyond that, “like with all information in your resume, you want to feature certifications that are relevant to the role you're pursuing,” Yurovsky says. Think about whether a certification shows how qualified you are as a candidate for this specific role. For instance, if you’re applying for a help desk or other IT support role, a CompTIA A+ certification that proves you’ve been tested on your IT skills will add to your resume even if the job description doesn’t ask for it.

Think about what each of your certifications is saying to a recruiter or hiring manager who reads your resume and what transferable skills it communicates. For example, that PMP certification will show that you can manage teams through complex projects and that you likely have strong leadership, communication, and organization skills, which might add to your qualifications not just for a project management job, but for any role where you have direct reports or are overseeing complicated processes. And, as the name suggests, a Google Analytics Individual Qualification shows that you’re an expert in Google Analytics, which might add to your value when being considered for a marketing, content, or data role.

Use the same principles to decide what to leave off your resume. You want your resume to be tailored so it’s clear to recruiters why you’ve applied to this job. Irrelevant qualifications could leave them confused or make them think you applied to a job that’s not in your field accidentally or indiscriminately. So that CPR certification from your summers as a camp counselor can probably come off your resume as you look for a full-time sales role, and the fact that you’re licensed to teach in Florida probably doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a job in tech—unless you want to pivot to edtech.

How Do You List Certifications on Your Resume?

If you’ve decided to list your certifications or licenses on your resume, there are a few places you can do it. You might consider making a “Professional Certifications,” “Licenses,” or similar section or, Yurovsky says, you can include them in your “Education” section—which you might consider renaming “Education and Certifications” for clarity.

Generally, your certification and license sections should go at the bottom of your resume—below your work experience but above education. However, you always want to lead your resume with the most important information, so if you’re an entry-level candidate , you might consider moving your certifications and licenses up to the top of the page.

For each certification and license that you list on your resume include:

• The full name of the certification (any common abbreviation can be included in parentheses)
• The issuing organization (or state)
• The date you earned the certification
• The location (if applicable and not implied by the issuer)
• Additional additional details or add-ons (if applicable)

If you’re still working on the certification, give your reader the proper context and avoid any awkward interview moments by including “In Progress” next to the name of the certification and/or “Expected” before the month and year you’re on track to complete the program, Yurovsky says.

How would this look in practice? Here are a few examples:

Certifications Project Management Professional (PMP) , Project Management Institute - June 2020 Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) , Scrum Alliance - January 2017

Licenses Professional Educator License (PEL) | State of Illinois | Expected: January 2021 Endorsements: Elementary Education, Special Education

You can also immediately signal that you have your most important certification or license by including it in a resume summary or headline . Particularly in the case of licenses or certifications that are “key to the position at hand,” Yurovsky says, you might also include the abbreviation next to your name at the top separated by a comma. For example, if you’re a registered nurse applying for a nursing role at a hospital, you might write, “Priya Anand, RN” at the very top of the page; or if you’re applying to a position that requires a CPA, go ahead and put “Timothy Oluwa, CPA” as your header. When you literally can’t do the job without that qualification, making it crystal clear that you’ve already jumped that hurdle will only help you.

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Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them)

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by Regina Borsellino, original published at The Muse

As you  write your resume , many of the things you need to include may have an obvious place: Your past jobs go in your work experience section, your education goes in your education section, and your skills go in your  skills section . But what about certifications? They’re not quite experience or education, but they can be just as—if not more—important to you landing your next job.

We’ll tell you exactly when to include certifications on your resume and how, but first…

What Are Certifications?

A certification is a standardized professional credential—that is, everyone with a certification must meet the same requirements—issued by professional associations, organizations, or companies. You often need to pass exams and may need to meet certain education and experience requirements to obtain one. For example, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is issued by the  Product Management Institute , and in order to receive it you must have a minimum number of months of experience leading projects, complete a minimum number of hours of project management training or a lower-level certification from PMI, and pass the PMP exam.

A certification that checks all of these boxes but is issued by a government or regulatory body and/or is legally required in order to do a certain job is called a license, says  Heather Yurovsky , Muse career coach and founder of  Shatter & Shine . For example, to legally practice as a nurse in New York State you must have a  NYS nursing license , which requires completing an approved nursing degree, undergoing background checks, and passing the NCLEX exam. Teachers, doctors, social workers and other mental health professionals, accountants, and lawyers are also among the professionals who often need licenses to practice. Licenses are also more likely to require ongoing education and training to stay current in your field and can expire if you don’t keep them current, Yurovsky says.

Meanwhile, certificates and  online courses  are not certifications. They’re not standardized and are often education-based rather than experience- or assessment-based. Certificates might be issued by universities, colleges, or vocational schools and show that you completed a set of classes (usually fewer than a degree) or they might “showcase your completion of online courses and learning and development trainings,” Yurovsky says. For example you can get a certificate in  Cybersecurity Technology  from the University of Maryland Global Campus or a  Front-End Web Developer Certificate  from edX. Individual companies may require certain certificates when hiring for roles, but you generally aren’t shut out of a career without one. When relevant, certificates still belong on your resume, but you might consider putting them in your resume’s  education section  (especially when issued by a school) or otherwise distinguishing them from your certifications. If you want to include online courses and certificates on your resume, read more  here .

When Should You Include Certifications on Your Resume?

If you have a certification or license that is required or preferred for the role you’re applying to, definitely put it on your resume. Beyond that, “like with all information in your resume, you want to feature certifications that are relevant to the role you’re pursuing,” Yurovsky says. Think about whether a certification shows how qualified you are as a candidate for  this specific role.  For instance, if you’re applying for a help desk or other IT support role, a  CompTIA A+  certification that proves you’ve been tested on your IT skills will add to your resume even if the job description doesn’t ask for it.

Think about what each of your certifications is saying to a recruiter or hiring manager who reads your resume and what  transferable skills  it communicates. For example, that PMP certification will show that you can manage teams through complex projects and that you likely have strong leadership, communication, and organization skills, which might add to your qualifications not just for a project management job, but for any role where you have direct reports or are overseeing complicated processes. And, as the name suggests, a Google Analytics Individual Qualification shows that you’re an expert in Google Analytics, which might add to your value when being considered for a marketing, content, or data role.

Use the same principles to decide what to leave off your resume. You want your resume  to be tailored  so it’s clear to recruiters why you’ve applied to  this  job. Irrelevant qualifications could leave them confused or make them think you applied to a job that’s not in your field accidentally or indiscriminately. So that CPR certification from your summers as a camp counselor can probably come off your resume as you look for a full-time sales role, and the fact that you’re licensed to teach in Florida probably doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a job in tech—unless you want to pivot to edtech.

How Do You List Certifications on Your Resume?

If you’ve decided to list your certifications or licenses on your resume, there are a few places you can do it. You might consider making a “Professional Certifications,” “Licenses,” or similar section or, Yurovsky says, you can include them in your “Education” section—which you might consider renaming “Education and Certifications” for clarity.

Generally, your certification and license sections should go at the bottom of your resume—below your work experience but above education. However, you always want to lead your resume with the most important information, so if you’re an  entry-level candidate , you might consider moving your certifications and licenses up to the top of the page.

For each certification and license that you list on your resume include:

• The full name of the certification (any common abbreviation can be included in parentheses)
• The issuing organization (or state)
• The date you earned the certification
• The location (if applicable and not implied by the issuer)
• Additional additional details or add-ons (if applicable)

If you’re still working on the certification, give your reader the proper context and avoid any awkward interview moments by including “In Progress” next to the name of the certification and/or “Expected” before the month and year you’re on track to complete the program, Yurovsky says.

How would this look in practice? Here are a few examples:

Certifications Project Management Professional (PMP) ,  Project Management Institute  – June 2020 Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) ,  Scrum Alliance  – January 2017

Licenses Professional Educator License (PEL) | State of Illinois | Expected: January 2021 Endorsements: Elementary Education, Special Education

You can also immediately signal that you have your most important certification or license by including it in a  resume summary  or  headline . Particularly in the case of licenses or certifications that are “key to the position at hand,” Yurovsky says, you might also include the abbreviation next to your name at the top separated by a comma. For example, if you’re a registered nurse applying for a nursing role at a hospital, you might write, “Priya Anand, RN” at the very top of the page; or if you’re applying to a position that requires a CPA, go ahead and put “Timothy Oluwa, CPA” as your header. When you literally can’t do the job without that qualification, making it crystal clear that you’ve already jumped that hurdle will only help you.

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• Getting Ahead
• 9 Free Certifications Online...

9 Free Certifications Online to Enhance Your Resume

9 min read · Updated on August 15, 2024

Free certifications online are an excellent way to get noticed.

If you're searching for a job, listing certifications on your resume is one way to bump up your credentials and get noticed by employers. Certifications are also evidence of the experience and skills listed on your resume, verifying them for hiring managers. They basically say, “Hey, I know how to do this, and here's proof.” So, if you have time and want to give your resume an impressive boost, it's worth exploring free certifications online. 

Why do certifications matter?

Depending on your industry and level, some jobs will require specific certifications. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure you've completed those. For other jobs, certifications are a nice bonus that could give you an advantage over other applicants.

Certifications have additional benefits outside the job search, as well. They can help you negotiate your salary , enhance your credibility and personal brand , and network with professionals in your field. You can even learn some new skills along the way.

And if you're wondering whether free courses hold as much weight as courses you pay a lot of money for, the answer is “yes, they do.” Several free certifications online provide highly sought-after skills for a variety of industries, as you'll see in the next section. 

9 free certifications online to boost your resume

While some certifications you can get online can be costly, there are a number of free options that'll help strengthen your resume. Keeping your field in mind, consider these free certifications online:

1. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

HubSpot, a growth platform used by big-name companies including Doordash, Subaru, and SurveyMonkey, offers a number of free certifications online through Hubspot Academy . These courses range from content marketing to social media to growth-driven design.

However, its Inbound Marketing Certification is one of the most popular offerings. It includes 11 lessons and takes about four and a half hours to complete. With this course, you'll solidify your skills as an inbound marketer, gaining additional knowledge around content strategy, social media promotion, and conversion optimization strategy.

2. Alison's Certification in Supervision Skills

Alison is an online learning website that offers free certification courses from top experts. It offers more than 1,300 free certifications in a range of topics — everything from software development to law. You can even search course options by “ life stages ” depending on where you are in your career.

Are you a manager, or looking to be promoted to one? Then, Alison's certification in supervision skills is for you. Whether you're a newer manager or have years of experience, this course will help you navigate tricky situations at work. In a span of three to four hours, it will cover several different topics to help you become a better team leader and cover strategies to help you resolve team conflict. To get started, create a free account.

3. Advanced Google Analytics course

The Google brand offers several free certifications online. If you rely on Google Analytics to do your job, you might consider taking some of its free online courses . Options include Google Analytics for Beginners, Advanced Google Analytics, and Google Analytics for Power Users.

The Advanced Google Analytics course , for example, is made up of four units that cover a variety of topics, from creating custom metrics to understanding user behavior with event tracking. The idea is to help you analyze website traffic and find ways to continue to grow your audience using new marketing strategies.

If you don't use Google Analytics, look into certifications for other tools you use. For instance, Tableau, Salesforce, and Asana offer certification programs — though they may not all be free.

4. FEMA certifications

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers free online courses for those  who have emergency-management responsibilities in the workplace. This is a great resume addition for anyone who might have to handle emergencies as part of their job.

In order to enroll in the certification course, you'll need to create a FEMA student identification number (SID). This is free and simply helps FEMA prevent identity theft as you move forward.

5. Coursera IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Coursera is an online learning platform that pairs professionals up with a number of top-ranked schools, including Yale, Duke, and Stanford, and big-name companies, like Google and IBM. You can join the website for free, and tap into thousands of courses and more than 13 professional certificate programs, including its professional certificate in data science from IBM .

This course has more than 71,000 ratings and averages 4.6 stars. You'll learn how to create and access a database instance on cloud and write basic SQL statements, as well as pick up additional data science, machine learning, Python programming, and data visualization skills. 

Although you can join Coursera for free with a seven-day trial, after that you'll have to pay a subscription fee for some courses, which usually runs from $39 a month to $79 a month. This will give you unlimited access to all the site's courses and certifications. If you're hesitant about making the commitment, you can cancel before the end of your trial. 

6. edX Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies program

edX is an online course provider that partners with more than 100 institutions to cover a range of professional certification topics , from Python programming to corporate finance and American sign language.

While it's worth noting many of the edX professional certification programs cost a couple hundred dollars, edX still offers a number of free courses, including Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies . 

The course is led by a Harvard University professor, who will teach you how to identify smart entrepreneurial opportunities and solve problems in societies with emerging economies. The course is about six weeks long, and you can expect to spend three to five hours working on it each week. Once you've completed the course, you have the option to order a verified certificate for $125.

7. Google Ads Search Certification

Skillshop is a training platform owned by Google to help you master any Google tool. To utilize certification courses through Skillshop, you'll have to have or set up a Google account. 

If you use Google Ads as a part of your job, then you could get one of several Google Ads certifications in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), search, display, and measurement. The Google Ads Search Certification , for example, is built for beginners and will help you showcase your ability to build a digital marketing and Google Search strategy.

To earn your certifications, you'll need to answer a set of questions within a specified time limit and earn a minimum score to pass. If you fail, you have the option to retake it.

8. Child Nutrition and Cooking

If you work with children or hold a position in childcare, like a Daycare Worker, Babysitter, Nanny, or School Cook, having a Child Nutrition and Cooking certification could be helpful to grab the attention of those hiring for such positions. 

Stanford Online offers several free courses, including its Child Nutrition and Cooking certification course. The course is taught through the Coursera platform as an 11-hour, learn-at-your-own-pace course. Enrolling is free, and you can pay $39 at the time of enrollment to purchase the course and receive the certification at the end.

9. The Science of Wellbeing

Yale Online offers the Science of Wellbeing certification course through the Coursera platform. The course includes 10 modules that cover everything from misconceptions about happiness and how to overcome biases to strategies for practicing and building healthier habits. 

This is a course that virtually anyone could benefit from to boost their wellbeing and productivity at work. As a resume booster, it could be ideal for those in helping professions that work with others, like Nurses, Therapists, Coaches, and Teachers. It's free to enroll in the course, or you can purchase the course by paying $49 at the time of enrollment and receive the certification at the end.

How many certifications should I have on my resume?

When it comes to certifications on your resume, quality is more important than quantity. There's no limit to the number of certifications you can include, as long as each one is relevant to the job and adds value to your resume. Also, even though certifications are a great way to enhance your resume, there are plenty of candidates that get hired without certifications on their resume when they're not a requirement for the job.

How to list your certifications on your resumes

Ready to add your certifications on your resume ? TopResume's career advice experts suggest adding them toward the bottom of your resume in your “Education” section or in a standalone section called “Certifications.”  

Remember to only include the certifications that support your career goals and are most relevant to your job search. If the certification is required for the job or particularly impressive, you could also mention it in your professional summary at the top of your resume and add the acronym after your name with your contact information.

Also add your certifications to your LinkedIn profile and personal website. Certifications are not only a great way to enhance your resume but can also boost your personal brand and credibility. 

Free certifications online boost your employability

As you can see, if you don't currently have any certifications to list on your resume, there are a number of websites, organizations, and companies that offer free certifications online to remedy that. Determine which free certifications online align with your career goals and enroll!

Does your resume list your certifications to stand out? If you're not sure, submit it for a free resume review to find out. And in the meantime, why waste your time Googling? Get expert career advice delivered straight to your inbox .

This article was originally written by Carson Kohler. It has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

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The Top 10 Job Skills Employers Want

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75+ Free Certifications to Help You Land Your Dream Job

The following free courses and certifications cover a variety of fields, including technology, business, marketing, and medicine.

Customers Interviewed by:

Are free certifications valuable? YES! Free certifications are a great way to learn new skills and show employers that you are committed to professional development.

Certifications also allow you to incorporate valuable keywords into your resume and LinkedIn profile . You can also multiply your chances of getting an interview by 2.9 times by including professional certifications.

“One benefit of earning free certifications is acquiring industry knowledge that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile as keywords,” says job search expert Steph Cartwright . “You may not be able to demonstrate these areas as skills or expertise, but adding them as additional training or courses completed gets these keywords in front of recruiters.”

Free certifications are one of the best ways to separate yourself from other candidates. The advantage they give you can be the deciding factor that leads to securing a job interview .

75+ free certifications that are actually free

The following courses are 100% free and so are the certifications you can earn. This list does NOT include free courses don’t come with certifications, and it doesn’t include free courses that make you pay for certifications.

However, this list does include some LinkedIn Learning courses. While LinkedIn Learning requires a subscription, you can sign up for a one-month free trial. LinkedIn’s course content tends to be short, so one month is plenty of time to take a course, earn a certification, and then cancel your subscription.

You can also take free courses from platforms like Udemy and Coursera . While these don’t offer free certifications, you can still learn valuable skills that can enhance your expertise.

Here is the list of free certification courses that can advance your career:

AWS certification

Amazon Web Services is a cloud computing platform that many companies use. While AWS training is free, you do have to pay for the certification exams. 

However, the free course listed below will teach you the basics and present you with a free certificate upon completion.

• Getting Started with AWS Services Fundamentals for Beginners (SkillUp) (4 hours)

Project management certification

No matter what the industry, qualified project managers are always in demand.

Project managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a project are taken care of, from budgeting to timelines. Without a project manager professional (PMP), it is very easy for a project to spiral out of control. 

• PMP Basics (SkillUp) (9 hours)
• Project Management (Great Learning) (1.5 hours)
• Project Management (Saylor Academy) (62 hours)
• Fundamentals of Project Management (Philanthropy University)
• Project Managment (The Open University) (35 hours)

Google certification

Google provides a variety of free courses that come with certifications. These credentials are globally recognized and can significantly enhance your career prospects.

• Google Analytics Certification (5 hours)
• Certified Trainer Course (21 hours)
• YouTube Music Certification (4 hours)
• YouTube Music Rights Management Certification (4 hours)

Cyber security certifications

The cyber security field is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. In the past year, demand for cyber security jobs increased by 43%.

However, employers are having a hard time filling those roles because of a shortage of talent. If you are looking for a new career, consider the rapidly expanding field of cyber security and information security.

• Introduction to Cybersecurity (Cisco Networking Academy) (15 hours)
• Cybersecurity Essentials (Cisco Networking Academy) (30 hours)
• Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (The Open University) (24 hours)
• Introduction to Cybersecurity (The Open University) (24 hours)
• Cybrary offers a wide range of free cybersecurity courses, from beginner to advanced levels.

Salesforce certification

Salesforce is a popular CRM (customer relationship management) software for small businesses. It requires no technical knowledge and provides users with a platform to manage their customer relationships, sales data, and marketing campaigns. 

• Trailhead is an online learning platform designed by Salesforce. You can earn badges as you progress through the various modules.

IT certifications

Information technology (IT) covers a wide range of topics, including computer science, software engineering, electronics, semiconductors, the Internet, telephones, wireless technology, and UX design.

• FreeCodeCamp.org offers a wide variety of IT certification courses that are 100% free.

Python certification

One of the most popular programming languages, Python is easy to learn and has powerful libraries for more experienced programmers. 

Python is also one of the most in-demand languages among employers. If you’re looking to get started in programming, Python is an excellent language to learn.

• Python (Kaggle) (5 hours)
• Introduction to Programming with Python (Harvard University) – To unlock Harvard’s free certificate, you have to set up an account via GitHub. It’s all explained in the first assignment .
• Python (Basic) Skills Certification Test (HackerRank) – This is not a course but a test. Upon passing the test, you can promote yourself using the HackerRank certificate.

Data analytics certification

According to The World Economic Forum , data analysis is one of the most in-demand job categories in the U.S. across all industries.

Data analysis is the process of studying big data in order to figure out what it means. This can be done in a number of ways, but most data analysis involves using some type of software to examine the data, look for patterns, and create data visualizations.

• Data Science Fundamentals (Cognitive Class) This includes three courses, all suitable for beginners.
• Data Analysis: Hypothesis Testing (The Open University) (9 hours)
• Understanding Data (Marginal Revolution University) (6 hours)

Excel certification

Excel is a powerful tool that can help you organize, analyze, and present data. It can be used for a variety of purposes, from creating charts and graphs to tracking expenses.

• Excel for Beginners (Great Learning) (2 hours)
• Build Your Excel Skills (LinkedIn Learning) (10 hours)

Accounting certifications

There are many opportunities for growth and advancement in the bookkeeping and accounting industry, and the pay can be good.

The following free courses teach you about the basic rules of double-entry bookkeeping and how to use this information to create a balance sheet and a profit and loss account.

• Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting (The Open University) (8 hours)
• Fundamentals of Accounting (The Open University) (8 hours)
• Free Bookkeeping Courses (Alison) Alison offers 35 free courses in bookkeeping and accounting.

Nursing certifications

Like most professionals, nurses should always continue learning and growing.

The Stanford Center for Continuing Education offers a variety of online medical resources, including podcasts and full-fledged courses. These resources are free and offer certificates of completion.

• Sign up for Stanford Medicine .
• Browse the catalog and enroll . By selecting “Online Course” and then “Enduring Materials” you should find plenty of open resources with free certificates..
• Claim your certificate. Once you finish a course, you can claim your certificate via the catalog page. Some courses require passing an assessment to unlock your certificate.

Machine learning certification

Machine learning, a key part of artificial intelligence (AI), is changing how industries work by allowing systems to learn and improve on their own.

Jobs in this field are in high demand, especially in tech, finance, and healthcare.

• Intro to Machine Learning (Kaggle) (3 hours)
• Intermediate Machine Learning (Kaggle) (4 hours)
• Machine Learning Explainability (Kaggle) (4 hours)
• Intro to AI Ethics (Kaggle) (4 hours)
• An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (The Open University) (6 hours)
• Machine Learning with Python (freeCodeCamp) (300 hours)
• Digital Skills: Artificial Intelligence (FutureLearn)

Business certifications

Business certification can be beneficial for both early-career professionals and those with more experience.

For early-career professionals, business certification can demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. For those with more experience, business certification can help you stay current with industry trends and developments.

• Introduction to Business (Saylor Academy) (62 hours)
• Free Business Courses (Alison)
• Business Analysis Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) (1 – 2 hours)
• Business Analysis Foundations: Business Process Modeling (LinkedIn Learning) (1 -2 hours)
• Business Analyst and Project Manager Collaboration (LinkedIn Learning) (Less than 1 hour)
• Business Benefits Realization Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) (1 -2 hours)

Technical writing certifications

Technical writing is about providing technical information to readers in a way that is easy to understand. It’s found in a variety of formats, including user manuals, how-to guides, and online help documentation.

Typically, technical writing pays more than non-technical writing.

• Technical Writing (Saylor Academy) (86 hours)
• Technical Writing Essentials (Alison) (3 hours)

Digital marketing certifications

According to LinkedIn , digital marketing ranks among the top 10 most in-demand jobs.

Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of activities, including social media marketing, content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and more.

• Inbound Marketing (HubSpot) (5 hours)
• Social Media Marketing (HubSpot) (4 hours)
• Social Media Marketing (Great Learning) (2 hours)
• SEO (HubSpot) (4 hours)
• SEO Certification Course (HubSpot Academy) (4 hours)
• Danny Sullivan on SEO (LinkedIn Learning) (1 hour)
• Content Marketing (HubSpot) (7 hours)
• Email Marketing (HubSpot) (4 hours)
• Email Marketing (Great Learning) (2 hours)
• Inbound Sales (HubSpot) (3 hours)
• Email Marketing Course (HubSpot Academy) (4 hours)
• Fundamentals of Digital Marketing (Skillshop) (40 hours)
• Digital Skills: Digital Marketing (Future Learn) (4 hours)
• Content Marketing Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) (1 hour)
• Content Marketing (HubSpot Academy) (7 hours)
• Content Marketing Basics (Great Learning) (2 hours)

Cloud computing certification

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, including storage, processing power, and applications, over the internet (instead of relying on local computers).

Google Cloud Computing Foundations offers free beginner courses in cloud computing. Each course takes about 8 hours. The courses should be completed in the order listed below:

• Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Cloud Computing Fundamentals
• Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Infrastructure in Google Cloud
• Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Networking and Security in Google Cloud
• Google Cloud Computing Foundations: Data, ML, and AI in Google Cloud

Photoshop certification

Photoshop is a software program for editing photos and other images. Many jobs require Photoshop skills, especially jobs like graphic design, web design, or user interface design.

• Online Free Course Photoshop Certification (EDUCBA) (2+ hours)
• Photoshop Quick Tips (LinkedIn Learning) (33 minutes)

MongoDB certifications

MongoDB is a powerful NoSQL database that offers both speed and scalability. It’s a versatile and powerful database that can be used in a variety of business applications, including web development, e-commerce, content management, and real-time analytics.

The following courses can be found at MongoDB University , which offers numerous free courses with certification upon completion. 

• MongoDB Basics (8.5 hours)
• MongoDB for SQL Pros (2 hours)

MATLAB certification

MATLAB stands for Matrix Laboratory. It’s a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language whose basic data type is the matrix. 

The following free courses can be found at MathWorks , which offers a variety of courses about MATLAB.

• MATLAB Onramp (2 hours)
• Machine Learning Onramp (2 hours)
• Reinforcement Learning Onramp (3 hours)

Front-end developer certification

Front-end development is a highly popular and in-demand job, as businesses constantly seek skilled professionals to create engaging and user-friendly websites and applications.

• Introduction to Front-End Development (SkillUp) (12 hours)
• Front-End Development Libraries (freeCodeCamp) (300 hours)
• Front-End Development – CSS (Great Learning) (1 hour, 30 minutes)
• Front-End Development – HTML (Great Learning) (2 hours)

How to list free certifications on your resume

Here’s a quick guide to listing your certificates on your resume:

• Create a ‘Certifications’ section after listing your education.
• Include the certification’s title followed by the issuing organization.
• Add the date you earned it.
• List the skills and knowledge you gained if space allows.
• Keep the format consistent and professional.

Here’s an example:

How to add free certifications to LinkedIn

Here’s a quick guide to adding your certificates to your LinkedIn profile:

• Go to your LinkedIn profile and click on the “Add profile section” button.
• Select the “Licenses & Certifications” option.
• Enter the name of the certification in the “Name” field.
• Enter the issuing organization (e.g., HubSpot, Coursera) in the “Issuing Organization” field.
• Add the issue date and, if applicable, the expiration date.
• Check the box for “This certification does not expire” if it is a permanent certification.
• Enter the credential ID if available (optional).
• Provide the credential URL, if applicable, which links to your certification (optional).
• Save the changes to update your profile.

Some of the most popular free online certificates can be found at the following websites: Hubspot Academy LinkedIn Learning Free Google Certifications Skillshop Great Learning freeCodeCamp.org DataCamp Saylor Academy Kaggle Cisco Networking Academy Cognitive Class OpenLearn SkillUp

Free certifications may not be as valuable as formal degrees or paid certifications, but they demonstrate a strong commitment to career development and a desire to stay current in your field. Free certifications can be particularly beneficial when making a career change . serving as evidence of your skills and knowledge in a new job.

Several platforms offer free courses high-quality free certification courses, including HubSpot Academy , LinkedIn Learning , Google Skillshop , Alison , and The Open University .

There are several free online courses that award certifications upon proof of completion. HubSpot Academy offers certifications in Inbound Marketing, Social Media Marketing, SEO, Content Marketing, and Email Marketing. Google Skillshop provides a Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course with certification.

Yes, Google offers several free certificates through its various platforms . Notable free certification courses include the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing on Google Skillshop, which covers digital marketing basics and provides a certification upon completion.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission .

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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The 9 Most In-Demand Professional Certifications You Can Get Right Now Want to boost your qualifications but not sure which certificates to pursue? Check out these in-demand professional certifications to pick your path.

By Dan Bova Jun 19, 2023

Professional certifications are vital additions and improvements to your resume. In fact, the right professional certifications can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs or break into new industries even if you don't have a specific degree.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your current position or switch careers, you need to know about the most in-demand professional certifications you can get ASAP. Let's take a closer look.

What are professional certifications?

Professional certifications are credentials you earn through short-term classes or programs, depending on the subject matter. Once you earn a certification, you can put it on your resume, join certain organizations and qualify for different positions.

As an example, you may need a professional certificate to become a project manager at your current place of employment. To become a certified professional, you'll attend a certification program from an organization like Google.

Think of professional certifications as extra qualifying credentials on top of degrees. In many cases, degrees are combined with certifications to show that a job candidate has the skills and practical expertise to fulfill a position's requirements.

Professional certifications typically take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to earn (although a few may take several years), and some just require you to take a test without completing a program beforehand. A certification exam covers the fundamentals of the topic and lets you demonstrate competency. They're often required for certificates in information technology, healthcare and business management.

Many professional certifications require several years of experience or a degree before you can apply for them. Completing online courses also allows you to qualify for critical career path certificates. Organizations like the Project Management Institute offer certification courses for professional development and continuing education purposes.

Related: Get CompTIA-Certified on Your Own Time and Kickstart Your IT Career

Why do you need professional certifications?

You may need a professional certification for a variety of reasons, including:

• You want to progress your career. Some high-level and high-paying positions in your field may require you to have one or more certifications on top of a degree and several years of experience.
• You want to enter a new field or industry. In some cases, a certification can stand in as a degree if you already have a bachelor's in another major. For instance, if you have a bachelor's degree in English but you wish to become a teacher, a teaching certification could qualify you for teaching positions.
• You want to maximize your salary potential and resume attractiveness. Simply put, if you wish to earn a promotion or qualify for a higher pay grade, you might need a professional certification so management can justify the pay raise.
• You just want to learn more about your field or a specific subject. Since professional certification programs take less time to complete than degree programs, they are optimal opportunities to learn more about a particular topic without committing a few years of your life to the process.

For these reasons and more, you might want to know about the most in-demand professional certifications to pursue. However, you should look at factors like pricing, continuing education units and more to find the right certification for your needs.

Related: Climb Up the Career Ladder with This Certification Training

Top 9 in-demand professional certifications

Good news: there are dozens of different professional certifications you can earn in the near future. However, it's wise to prioritize your professional certification education.

To that end, here are nine top professional certifications that should help you in a variety of different industries and jobs.

1. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Project management is one of the most in-demand skill sets in business, finance, technology and more. If you want to become a supervisor or manager in any capacity, you'll need a certificate proving you have the skills needed to succeed.

That's where the CAPM certificate comes in. This associate-level certification is perfect if you still need to gain experience managing company projects. You need 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education. Then you'll need to pass a 150-question exam and pay a fee of up to $300.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Another good project management certificate to complete is the PMP certification . This advanced certification is perfect for professionals with project management experience. It marks you as a capable project management specialist, and it requires 7500 hours of project leadership experience. If you have a four-year degree, you can cut down the hours requirement to 4500 hours instead.

You'll also need 35 hours of education project management. Pass the 200-question exam and pay the fee of up to $555, and you'll get the certificate in no time.

3. IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC)

Business analytics is a growing field, and it's no surprise why. Businesses need a lot of data to understand their customers, and those who can analyze that data are invaluable employees.

To prove your data analytics skills, consider pursuing the IIBA Agile Analysis Certification. This standalone certification designates you as an adaptable, high-performing data analyst in changing and evolving environments. To acquire this certificate, you'll need to finish an 85-question exam in two hours, plus pay the exam fee of up to $525.

Notably, you don't have to complete any eligibility requirements besides two to five years of agile-related experience. To maintain this certification, you must pay for recertification every three years.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Aspiring or current supply chain managers should consider the CSCP certification. This is a globally recognized supply chain certificate proving you are a credible, experienced supply chain management specialist.

Fortunately, many supply chain professionals will already have most of the requirements needed to acquire this certificate. You need a bachelor's degree or equivalent, at least three years of related business experience and at least one other approved certification. Then you just need to pass the exam after paying a fee of up to $969.

5. CompTIA A+ Technician Certification

IT professionals can often benefit from pursuing certificates that prove specific skill sets. The CompTIA A+ Technician Certification is perfect for beginning workers who want to get into the technology field without formal computer science degrees or education.

When you graduate from this certification program, you'll be able to troubleshoot technology of all types. It's a perfect certificate for pursuing support specialist or help desk technician positions, plus it qualifies you for further on-the-job training. You need to pass the written exam and pay a minor fee to acquire this certificate.

6. SHRM-CP Certification

Every business needs a team of human resources professionals. The SHRM-CP certification could qualify you for open HR positions, and there are other good reasons to pursue this human resources certification as well.

For example, HR professionals with this certification have more credibility than others, qualifying them for higher-value positions. Once you have this certificate, you'll likely also earn 14% to 15% more than your peers. In other words, it's a fantastic progression certificate to pursue if you know you want to stick with the HR field.

To get this certificate, you should apply for the program and study for three to four months before taking the exam. It takes about four hours to complete, but most candidates complete the exam and earn their certificates before the allotted time expires.

7. Google Digital Marketing and eCommerce Professional Certification

Google offers a handful of very desirable certificates as well. One of them is the Digital Marketing and eCommerce Professional certificate, which is split into seven courses with distinct focuses. These help you develop new insights and knowledge into digital marketing and online commerce strategies for your brand.

It's a go-to marketing certification choice for those who want to become digital marketers without marketing degrees. It takes about six months to complete with 10 hours of study per week, and you have to pay $39 monthly for a Coursera subscription. Still, this adds up to less than $300 over the six-month timeframe for most students.

8. Google Project Management Professional Certificate

Then there's the Google Project Management Professional Certificate: another in-demand certificate to pursue for project management specialists and team leaders across industries. The certificate program includes 140 hours of instruction and many different practice-based assessments.

Upon completion of this certificate program, all students can apply for jobs at Google and many other employers throughout the US. It takes about six months to complete and once more, you need to pay a $39 per month fee for Coursera's subscription.

For this program, you can take advantage of financial assistance from Google. All in all, it's a great certificate to pursue for middle-level managers wanting to increase their skills and job responsibilities.

Don't forget to check out Google's other certificates in Google Analytics, Google Cloud security and machine learning and more.

9. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

The IBM Data Science Professional Certificate is a stellar choice for future data scientists and IT professionals. It doesn't require any prior knowledge of computer science or programming languages, and it entails nine courses in total.

Not only will completing this certificate program qualify you to work in entry-level data science jobs, but you'll also get an IBM digital badge. You can add this to your portfolio and resume, making you more likely to be hired. You can even earn up to 12 transferable college credits since the lessons are ACE recommended.

To complete the program, you'll need to take about 11 months of study. You'll also need to subscribe to Coursera for $39 per month. In total, expect to pay around $429 for 11 months of study.

Related: 4 Benefits of Earning a Certification in Your Field of Expertise

Get the certification you need to propel your career

Ultimately, any professional certification could be just what your professional portfolio needs.

Some other excellent professional certifications that look great to potential employers include:

• SEO certification.
• AWS fundamentals certification.
• Social media marketing certification.
• SFP (Sustainability facility professional) certification.

Consider acquiring one or several certifications in the near future, and fuel your career.

Check out Entrepreneur's other guides and resources for more information on this topic.

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids  include  This Day in History , Car and Driver's Trivia Zone ,  Road & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars , The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff , and  Wendell the Werewolf . 

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun  if you want to feel better about yourself.

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Best Business Certifications of 2024

A business certification can make your skills stand out and help you get the right salary.

Table of Contents

Business professionals often change positions to gain a better salary, more desirable benefits and new opportunities and attaining business certifications is a great step to take toward that change.

Defining a “business certification” can be difficult. To narrow the field, we reviewed general business and management credentials, customer resource management (CRM), supply chain, sales and purchasing certifications. Most of the certifications we selected are vendor-agnostic — not tied to a specific system or application — and we researched several credentials from SAP, SAS and similar companies that specialize in business applications.

The best business certifications

Certified associate in project management (capm).

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has been around since 1969, helping business workers develop careers in project management , mainly through professional development and certifications.

The CAPM is ideal for up-and-coming project managers. You need to show proof of a high school diploma, GED or global equivalent. The single exam has 150 questions, costs $225 for PMI members or $300 for nonmembers and is available through Pearson VUE . By the time you take the exam, you need to have attained 23 hours of project management education. The certification is valid for five years, and you must retake the exam to maintain the credential.

PMI has other certifications aimed at the business community, such as the Project Management-related credentials: Professional (PMP), PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP) and PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP).

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

If you’re interested in analyzing business needs and coming up with solutions, take a look at the CBAP by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). The CBAP is an advanced certification aimed at managers and leaders with more than five years of business analysis experience. More precisely, you need at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience over the last decade and 900 of those hours must directly relate to four of the six BABOK Guide knowledge areas. On top of that, you need at least 35 hours of professional development credits (earned over the last four years), plus two references.

The CBAP exam has 120 multiple-choice questions, based on scenarios and case studies and is available through PSI . The exam costs $350 for IIBA members or $505 for nonmembers and a $145 application fee is required. To maintain the CBAP, credential holders must earn at least 60 continuing development units within three years of achieving certification.

The IIBA offers related credentials, such as the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA), Certificate of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA), Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC) and Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA-CBDA).

>> Learn More:  5 Best Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Certifications

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

APICS is all about supply chain management . As part of its goal to develop qualified operators, supervisors and leaders, it offers the Certified Supply Chain Professional ( CSCP ) and a few other certifications. The CSCP covers supply chain concepts and technology, plus strategies for end-to-end operations, from supplier to company to consumer.

To earn the CSCP, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, at least one other approved certification and at least three years of related business experience. You also need to pass an exam that costs $1,365 to $1,900, depending on your APICS membership status.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP from PMI is among the most recognized and sought-after certifications for both business and IT. The requirements are stiff. Option one requires a high school diploma, associate degree or global equivalent; 60 months experience leading projects; and 35 hours of project management education. Option two is a four-year degree, 36 months leading projects and 35 hours of project management education.

You must pass a 180-question exam to earn the PMP, which is available through Pearson VUE. The exam costs $405 for PMI members and $575 for nonmembers. You maintain the PMP certification by earning 60 professional development units every three years. 

SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM

Are you SAP savvy? SAP, a European multinational software program, stands for “systems, applications and products.” The software is used by companies around the world to manage business operations and customer relationships across several lines of business, including human resources, marketing, sales, manufacturing and supply chain. [Read our guide to marketing certifications .]

The SAP Certified Application Associate – CRM recognizes a consultant’s skills in understanding and using SAP CRM software, including how it integrates with other SAP solutions like NetWeaver. SAP recommends that candidates have a combination of experience and training before sitting for the certification exam; training courses are available if needed. The exam has 80 questions and costs between $208 and $519, depending on how many attempts you want. You can take the exam through the SAP Certification Hub.

Salesforce Certified Administrator

If you’ve ever worked with or considered using a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, you’ve likely heard of Salesforce. From help desk and lead management to sales and customer service, Salesforce is an all-in-one CRM platform that scales with a business’ needs as it grows. The platform has become so popular since its launch in 1999 that it’s considered an industry leader and one of the best CRM solutions available. 

If you’re looking to leverage the platform at an administrative level, Salesforce offers a certification program to increase your knowledge of the platform. The program requires you to take several classes and workshops before completing a proctored credential exam. The classes and exam typically cost a few thousand dollars.

Salesforce suggests that anyone seeking this certification should already have a decent handle on the platform, since the certification seeks to build upon their understanding of existing features and functions. Once you complete this program, the company also offers the Advanced Administrator certification to further your knowledge of the platform.

HubSpot Inbound Marketing

HubSpot is a CRM platform that helps businesses handle their marketing, sales and help desk needs. While the platform covers various specialties, the HubSpot Inbound Marketing certification teaches how to use content creation, social media and other inbound marketing methods to your advantage.  

This is a free certification course consisting of seven lessons, complete with 24 videos and seven quizzes, which takes almost five hours to complete.  

Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle is a leading cloud database software company that helps apply the nebulous digital concept to numerous business functions. More than 2.2 million people have earned their OCP credentials and our initial research found more than 1,000 job openings for the designation.

With numerous certification paths spanning the platform’s cloud-based and on-premises software and hardware solutions, Oracle offers free learning courses in a wide range of specialties. Once you’re ready for an exam, you must purchase a voucher at prices ranging from $95 to $245. These vouchers are good for six months, giving you enough time to hone your skills with the Oracle platform before committing to a test.

Job site search results

The following table lists the top business-related certifications based on the number of open positions on a single day that call for the certification specifically. This isn’t a scientific analysis in which every job description is examined (especially when the numbers reach the hundreds or thousands); it’s just an overall glance at search numbers as of March 13, 2023.

Other business certifications to consider

The American Purchasing Society is the membership organization behind the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM), Certified Green Purchasing Professional (CGPP), Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing (CPDW) and Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC) programs.

If your career involves the creation, use, retrieval and disposal of business records, check out the Institute of Certified Records Managers ( ICRM ), Certified Records Analyst ( CRA ) and Certified Records Manager ( CRM ) programs.

On the global front, the Institute of Management Consultants offers the Certified Management Consultant ( CMC ) certification and NASBITE’s Certified Global Business Professional ( CGBP ) focuses on global business management and marketing, supply chain management and trade finance. [Check out these accounting and finance certifications .]

Finally, the Business Relationship Management Institute has two certifications: the Business Relationship Management Professional ( BRMP ) and Certified Business Relationship Manager ( CBRM ).

Kim Lindros and Andrew Martins contributed to this article. Some source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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