Having professional certifications on your resume is more important than ever. Why? Because the job market is rapidly evolving towards skills-based hiring.
Skills-based hiring is changing the way employers evaluate candidates. Instead of focusing only on degrees or previous job titles, many employers now place greater value on the practical hard and soft skills a candidate can demonstrate.
That is where certifications can make a real difference. They help validate your skills, show initiative, and make you stand out from other candidates with similar experience who may not have the same credentials.
In this article, we’ll show you how to list certifications on your resume the right way, so you can present your skills more effectively and make the most of this shift toward skills-based hiring.
Key takeaways: Listing certifications on a resume
Certifications are one piece of a larger resume strategy: they work best when aligned with your career objective and supported by relevant experience.
- Include the certification name, issuing organization, date earned, and expiration date if applicable.
- Place highly relevant certifications in your resume headline, summary, or a dedicated section.
- Less critical certifications can be included in the education section or elsewhere on your resume.
- Only include certifications that are relevant to the role you are applying for.
- Use the exact certification names and related terms mentioned in the job posting to improve ATS compatibility.
- Organize them clearly so recruiters can quickly identify your most relevant qualifications or use online tools like Jobscan’s resume builder to create a professional ATS-friendly resume.
- A well-structured certifications section can make your resume look more credible, targeted, and job-ready.
Follow the instructions along with other tips to make your resume stand out. If you’re reframing your career direction, review how to update your resume objective before placing your certifications.
Tip – Create a dedicated certifications section on your resume and list each credential with the full title, issuing organization, and completion date. If relevant, you can also mention expiration dates or related skills to give potential employers more context during your next job hunt.
What are resume certifications?
Certifications are credentials that demonstrate you have developed knowledge or skills in a specific area. They are usually awarded by professional organizations, universities, or recognized training platforms after you complete a course or pass an assessment. If you cannot afford a paid certification, the best step forward is opting for a free certification from platforms like HubSpot, Google, and AWS.
Listing degrees signals a broad understanding of a subject, but certifications are typically more focused and job-oriented. They are designed to help you build expertise in a particular skill or domain, such as project management, cloud computing, medical coding, network security, or Google Analytics.
In most cases, earning a certification involves completing training and meeting the platform’s or institution’s requirements, which may include an exam, quiz, or practical assessment. Availability of online certifications makes them more accessible and flexible for learners at different stages of their careers.
Why should you get certifications?
Certifications can strengthen your profile and improve your chances of landing better job opportunities or career advancement. They are especially valuable in fast-changing industries, where staying updated on new technologies, tools, and best practices can make a real difference.
According to our latest job seeker survey, more than half of respondents are actively taking online courses or building new skills to stay competitive in a challenging job market.
Certifications also signal initiative. They show employers that you are serious about professional growth, whether you are aiming for a promotion, trying to stand out in your current field, or preparing to make a career change.
“One of the most effective ways to improve your skills is to pursue a certification that is relevant to your desired job,” says Suzanne Berger, a career consultant at Fresh Perspectives. “Many certifications are designed to provide specific skills required for success in a particular role.”
In short, certifications can be a practical way to sharpen your skills, build credibility, and stay relevant in an evolving job market.
Read more: How to Show a Promotion on Your Resume: Expert Tips and Strategies
How to list certifications on your resume
First, you need to know what to include on a resume, and then understand the right way to present the certifications within.
Properly listing your certifications on your resume can improve your chances of getting an interview. Here’s a list of pointers on how to get it right:
1. List details like certificate name, date, and issuing organization
- Name of certification: Start with the full name of the certification. Use bold or italics if you want to make it stand out.
- Issuing organization: Follow with the name of the organization that issued the certification.
- Date of certification: Include the date you received your certification.
- Expiration date: If applicable, mention the expiration date.
- Location: If relevant, include the location where you received your certification.
When listing your certifications, follow the above guidelines to make sure your resume format is perfect. The same principles apply if you’re listing language certifications or proficiency levels. Consistency in formatting and placement matters for ATS readability.
If you have language qualifications, there’s a slightly different way to list languages on your resume alongside credentials. You can also reference our guide on language proficiency levels to ensure you’re using the right terminology (e.g., “Fluent,” “Professional Working Proficiency”) that hiring managers expect.
Here are a couple of examples:
2. Add certifications to sections depending on relevance and amount
Where to list certifications on your resume depends on a couple of things:
- How relevant is your certification to the job?
- How many certifications do you have?
If your certifications are NOT highly relevant to the job you’re applying to, list them in the education section of your resume.
Here’s an example:
If you have a certificate that’s highly relevant to the job you’re applying to, you need to show it off in your resume headline.
Your resume headline is a one-line statement at the top of your resume that features your main skills and areas of expertise; knowing how to list areas of expertise on your resume is crucial for this section.
The resume headline below shows employers that the candidate is “RHIT-certified.” RHIT means Registered Health Information Technician.
You can also list the most important certifications in your resume summary.
Your resume summary is a short statement that goes under your headline. It’s like an elevator pitch: a quick, punchy way to say “Here’s what I can do.”
Here’s an example:
Do you have multiple certifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for? If so, create a separate section titled “Certifications”.
Usually, this section comes after education section your resume. However, it can be placed higher if your certifications are very important for the job.
List multiple certifications in reverse chronological order, with the most recent one first. Here’s an example:
3. Format your certifications for ATS
One of the most effective resume tips is to ensure your resume passes through an application tracking system (ATS) and is indexed correctly. This means you need to follow strict technical formatting. Why?
Most companies use computer software to sort and filter resumes. This software is called an applicant tracking system. When you submit your resume, it is stored in the ATS database. Recruiters and hiring managers then search that database using specific keywords to find relevant candidates.
Most ATS software searches for specific text strings. They don’t necessarily recognize semantic similarities. For example, if you only use an acronym, but the recruiter searches for the full phrase, you might not show up in their search.
- The “Full Name + Acronym” Rule: Always spell out the complete name of your certification first, followed by the acronym in parentheses.
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- Correct: Project Management Professional (PMP)
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- Why: This ensures that whether the recruiter searches for “PMP” or “Project Management,” your resume is flagged.
- Consistent Dating: Place the date on the same line as the certification name or directly below it. Avoid putting dates inside the parentheses with the acronym (e.g., PMP 2023), as this can confuse older parsing software.
- Standardized Headers: Use clear, simple headings like “Certifications” or “Professional Credentials.” Avoid creative titles like “My Badges” or “Accreditations,” which an ATS might not recognize as a certification category. If you’re listing certifications alongside skill proficiency levels (e.g., “Proficient,” “Advanced”), ensure consistency—ATSes parse these descriptors differently. For more on formatting skill levels appropriately, see levels of skill on your resume.
4. Leave out irrelevant certifications
Relevance matters. If your certifications are not in any way relevant to the job you’re applying for, leave them off your resume. They can distract from your strongest qualifications. If a less relevant certification still adds some value, place in the education or additional information section.
When you add certifications that don’t relate to the job, it can confuse the hiring manager.
For example, let’s say you’re applying for a financial analyst job, but your resume has a culinary arts certification. This may be a great personal achievement, but it doesn’t matter for financial analysis.
If a hiring manager sees this, they may doubt your understanding of the job requirements or be distracted by it instead of your relevant skills and experience.
5. Include certification in progress on your resume
If you are currently working toward a certification, you should still include it on your resume. Showing certifications you’re working on proves you care about growing your skills and professional development.
To list a certification you are working on, add the certification name, the issuing organization, and your expected completion date. Write “In Progress” next to the certification title. You can also say “Expected [Month, Year]” for clarity.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum Alliance: “In Progress, Expected May 2025″
Google Data Analytics Certificate, Google: “Started January 2024, Expected June 2024″
Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute: “In Progress, Expected September 2025″
6. Tailor your certifications to the job
These days, simply listing your certifications on your resume is not enough. To truly stand out, it’s crucial to tailor your certifications to the job you’re applying to.
Remember, recruiters and hiring managers are searching in their database of applicants for specific keywords to find relevant candidates. Those keywords can include job titles, qualifications, certifications, and other skills on your resume.
According to a Jobscan survey, over 99.7% of recruiters said they use filters, with 50.6% filtering specifically by certifications and licenses.
That’s why listing relevant certifications can be so valuable. If a certification aligns with the role and appears in the job description, including it on your resume can improve your chances of being found during an ATS search.
7. Use a resume builder to create ATS-compatible resumes
Jobscan’s free resume builder makes it easy to follow formatting guidelines, add certifications in the right section, include certifications in progress, and more. You can import an existing resume, start from scratch, or pull information directly from your LinkedIn profile.
Using this tool is the easiest and most effective way to properly list all of your certifications as it helps you create a well-structured resume that uses the right keywords. This way, you can impress hiring managers.
Bonus Read: 50+ Resume Objective Examples for 2026
- In step 4 (“Additional”) of the builder, click on “Add Certificate.”
- Add the applicable certification name, issuer, date, and url.
- They will be formatted and automatically for your resume.
- Click “Add Certificate” again to add more.
Below is a screenshot of the “Certificates” section of the resume builder. The image also shows the fields to add the name, issuer, date, and url.
Where to place your certifications based on your career stage
The placement of your certifications should act as a “volume knob”, turned up when you need to prove your skills and turned down when your career history speaks for itself. This same principle applies to how far back you should reach in your career history when listing accomplishments and experience. Older certifications and older roles should be weighted differently depending on your career stage. For guidance on timeline and depth, see our article on how far back your resume should go.
Entry-level applicants and career changers
Resumes with no work experience need a way to stand out. If you’re a recent graduate or still in school, including your expected graduation date alongside your certifications are often your strongest evidence of ability and shows hiring managers your timeline and demonstrates active learning.
- Strategy: Place your Certifications section above your Professional Experience.
- Why: When you lack years of relevant work history, certifications like a Google Data Analytics Certificate or CompTIA A+ act as a proxy for experience, proving you have the “hard skills” to do the job from day one.
Mid-career professionals
At this stage, your certifications should validate and complement your work history. So, writing your work experience comes first.
- Strategy: Place certifications below your Professional Experience but above your Education.
- Why: Your recent accomplishments are your primary selling point, but specialized certifications provide the “proof of specialization” that justifies your seniority in a competitive market. If your accomplishments are lacking quantifiable results, your certifications become even more critical in signaling active skill development and staying current in your field. For tips on how to structure and present accomplishments examples or presenting accomplishments without numbers, review our detailed guides.
Executive-level applicants
For leaders, certifications are supporting details that should not distract from high-level impact.
- Strategy: “Tuck” certifications away at the bottom of your resume.
- Why: At the executive level, your “Major Career Achievements,” like scaling a department or managing a $10M budget, are what matter most. Using a structured approach like the STAR method to frame these achievements helps hiring managers immediately understand your impact and leadership capability.
How to handle expired vs. evergreen certifications on your resume
When managing your credentials, the primary rule is honesty over history. Employers in a skills-based market view certifications as a validation of what you can do now, not just a record of what you once knew, so it’s important that you don’t lie on your resume.
This applies whether you’re listing expired certifications, in-progress credentials, or renewals. Misrepresenting the status of any certification can have serious consequences. If you’re unsure about what crosses the line, read about what constitutes lying on a resume and the risks involved.
Read More: 10 Resume Lies to Avoid
- Evergreen Certifications: These are “lifetime” credentials that do not expire (e.g., many university certificates or foundational technical trainings). You should list these indefinitely, as they represent permanent knowledge gains.
- Renewable Certifications: For credentials like CPR, AWS Cloud Practitioner, or Cisco’s CCNA, the expiration date is a critical metric of competency. Always include the issue date and expiration date so the recruiter knows your status is active.
- The Lapsed Certification Dilemma: Should you leave a lapsed certification on your resume?
- Keep it if: It is highly relevant to the role and you are currently in the process of renewing it. Label it clearly as (Expired) or (Renewal in progress, Expected Month/Year).
- Remove it if: The certification is a legal or safety requirement (like a medical license). Listing an expired “must-have” can be seen as a liability or an attempt to mislead. If you’re concerned about how gaps on your resume interact with expired credentials, learn strategies for addressing resume gaps professionally.
When should you include certifications on your resume?
You should include certifications on your resume when they strengthen your application in a meaningful way. This is especially true if your certification is required for the role, directly relevant to the position, or helps validate a skill the employer is looking for.
If you’re making other changes to your resume, like adding new skills or work experience, make sure your certifications are included alongside these updates. This helps create a cohesive picture of your qualifications. Learn more about how to update your resume strategically to reflect your current expertise.
If a job specifically asks for a certification, it should absolutely be included. Relevant certifications can also help demonstrate that you have practical knowledge in a particular area, making your profile more aligned with the role.
Even when a certification is not directly tied to the job title, it may still be worth including if it adds professional value. For example, a project management certification can support a wide range of roles by highlighting skills such as planning, coordination, and execution.
Additionally, if you’re wondering how to write a resume when you lack experience, certifications can show that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job. This is especially helpful if you’re a recent graduate or looking for a career change.
FAQs
List the full certification name, followed by the issuing organization and the date you earned it. If your certification has an expiration date, include that as well. Highly relevant certifications can be placed in your resume headline or professional summary, while others can be included in a dedicated Certifications section or under Education.
Include certifications when they are required for the role, directly relevant to the position, or add clear value to your application. They can be especially useful if you are early in your career, have limited work experience, or are transitioning into a new field. Certifications help demonstrate your skills and make your profile more credible to employers.
Certifications are credentials that validate your knowledge or skills in a specific area. They are typically awarded by universities, professional associations, or recognized training providers. Unlike degrees, which offer broad academic knowledge, certifications are more focused and usually tied to practical, job-relevant skills such as project management, cybersecurity, or digital marketing.
Yes, certifications in progress can be included on your resume. Just make sure to clearly indicate their status by adding terms like “In Progress” or mentioning an expected completion date. This shows employers that you are actively working to build relevant skills.
That depends on how important they are to the role. If a certification is essential or highly relevant, place it near the top of your resume, such as in the summary or headline. If it supports your application but is not a primary requirement, include it in a separate Certifications section. Less relevant certifications can appear lower on the page or under Education.
The best certifications to include are those that are relevant to the role or industry, demonstrate important job-related skills, and come from credible or well-recognized providers. Employers are most likely to value certifications that strengthen your fit for the position.
You should avoid listing certifications that are not relevant to the job, as they can distract from your strongest qualifications. It is also best to leave out outdated certifications that no longer carry weight in your industry or do not reflect your current capabilities.
Yes, online course certifications can be worth including, especially when they are relevant to the role and come from reputable platforms or institutions. They can help highlight specific skills, recent learning, and a commitment to professional development.
Yes, certifications can strengthen your resume by validating your skills, improving credibility, and helping you stand out in a competitive job market. They can also improve your visibility in applicant tracking systems when they match the keywords used in a job description.
Certifications can help you build new skills, stay current with industry trends, and improve your career opportunities. They show employers that you are proactive about learning and serious about growing in your field.
