Having certifications on your resume is more important than ever. Why? Because the job market is rapidly evolving towards skills-based hiring.
Skills-based hiring means employers are less focused on college degrees and job titles. Instead, they care more about the specific skills and abilities you bring to the table.
Certifications show employers that you have the skills they want. This will help you stand out from other candidates with similar backgrounds who lack certifications.
In this article, we’ll show you how to list your certifications on your resume properly. This will allow you to take advantage of the new trend toward skills-based hiring.
What are certifications?
Certifications prove you have learned certain skills. They are usually awarded by professional organizations or universities.
How are certifications different from regular school degrees? Degrees provide a broad overview of a field. Certifications are more targeted, focusing on one specific area.
For example, you can get certified in network security, medical coding, Google Analytics, cloud computing, or project management.
To earn a certification, you need to complete a course and pass an examination. You can take these courses in person or online.
Why should you get certifications?
According to our latest job seeker survey, over half of respondents are actively taking online courses or upskilling to stay competitive in a challenging job market.
Why? Because certifications can lead to better job opportunities and promotions.
In industries with lots of fast-paced innovation, certifications are especially valuable. This is because they can keep you up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.
Certifications also show employers that you’re committed to professional development. This is especially useful for those looking to advance in their career or pivot to a new one.
“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 are a good way to boost your career and stay competitive!
How to list certifications on your resume
Properly listing your certifications on your resume can improve your chances of getting an interview. So it’s important 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 the certification.
- Expiration date: If applicable, mention the expiration date.
- Location: If relevant, include the location where you received the certification.
When listing your certifications, follow these guidelines to make sure your resume format is perfect:
Here are a couple of examples:
2) Add certifications on your resume to the education section
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 area of expertise.
This resume headline 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. However, it can be placed higher if the 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) Leave out certifications on your resume that are not relevant
If your certifications are not in any way relevant to the job you’re applying for, leave them off your resume.
When you add certifications that don’t relate to the job, it can confuse the hiring manager.
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.
4) 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″
5) 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.
Why? Because most companies use computer software to sort and filter resumes. This software is called an applicant tracking system (ATS).
How ATS works
When you submit your resume it goes directly into an ATS database. Hiring managers search the database for suitable candidates by typing keywords into the ATS search bar. These keywords can be skills, job titles, or certifications.
According to a Jobscan survey, over 99.7% of recruiters said they use filters, with 50.6% filtering specifically by certifications and licenses.
If you have certifications that don’t appear in the job description, don’t list them on your resume. (Or mention them in your education section if you think they have some relevance to the job).
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.
It helps you create a well-structured resume that uses the right keywords. This way, you can impress hiring managers.
- In the editor, 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.
When should you include certifications on your resume?
You should include certifications on your resume when:
- They are required – Some jobs specifically require certain certifications. Even if one is not required, certifications can give you an advantage.
- They are relevant – If the certification is related to the job you’re applying for, include it. It shows you have the skills or knowledge the employer is seeking.
- They add value to your application – Include certifications that enhance your professional profile. Even if they’re not directly related to the job. For example, a project management certification can be valuable in many roles.
- You lack experience – If 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 changing careers.
Free certifications to add to your resume
If you recently graduated or lack relevant work experience, free certifications can help you stand out.
Free certifications might not be as impressive as paid ones. But they still show employers that you’re interested in professional development. Plus, you’ll learn some useful skills!
Here are some free certifications anyone can get online:
Marketing: HubSpot Academy’s Inbound Marketing Certification – This course covers the fundamentals of inbound marketing, including content marketing, social media strategy, and SEO.
Project Management: Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Basics – An introductory course that covers basic project management concepts and practices.
Data Analysis: Great Learning’s Free Data Analytics Courses with Certificates – These courses cover the basics of data analytics and are taught hands-on by experts.
Cybersecurity: Cisco’s Introduction to Cybersecurity – A course that introduces the basics of cybersecurity and the potential career paths in this field.
Human Resources: OpenLearn’s Introducing Human Resources Management – A course that covers the basics of HR practices and theories.
Finance: Corporate Finance Institute’s Free Finance Courses – These include introductory courses on financial analysis, accounting, and reading financial statements.
Digital Marketing: Google Digital Garage’s Fundamentals of Digital Marketing – A comprehensive course covering all aspects of digital marketing, including email marketing, social media, and e-commerce.
Healthcare: Alison’s Diploma in Healthcare Management – Covers essential topics in healthcare management, including decision-making and managing change in healthcare.
Paid certifications to add to your resume
Paid certifications are usually more comprehensive than free ones. Some are highly valued as they show a deep level of knowledge and skill in their field.
Here are some of the most prominent paid certifications:
Marketing: Digital Marketing Institute’s Certified Digital Marketing Professional – This program offers extensive training in digital marketing strategies including SEO, PPC, social media, and email marketing.
Project Management: Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification from the Project Management Institute – Recognized globally, this certification demands extensive project management experience and knowledge.
Data Analysis: Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) – Ideal for data analysts and data scientists, this certification focuses on end-to-end understanding of the analytics process.
IT and Cybersecurity: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – A globally recognized certification in the field of IT security, focusing on areas like risk management and network security.
Graphic Design: Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – Specializing in Adobe products, this certification is ideal for graphic designers looking to validate their skills in Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Human Resources: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) – Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management, this certification is aimed at those who set up policies, act as a liaison for employees and stakeholders, and handle day-to-day HR tasks.
Finance: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – Offered by the CFA Institute, this certification is highly esteemed in the fields of investment and financial analysis.
Healthcare: Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) – Offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality, this certification focuses on healthcare quality management at all levels.
Environmental Science: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional Credentials – Offered by the U.S. Green Building Council, this certification is key for professionals working in green building and sustainable design.
Online certifications to add to your resume
Free online certifications provide valuable knowledge without the financial commitment. They prove initiative and continuous learning. Paid online certifications are often more comprehensive and recognized by employers. They show a deep understanding of a specific field and are ideal for career advancement.
Online certifications are great. They are available to everyone right away.
Here are some of our favorite online certifications:
Marketing: Google’s Fundamentals of Digital Marketing – A beginner-friendly course covering SEO, email marketing, e-commerce, and social media marketing.
Cybersecurity: Cisco’s Introduction to Cybersecurity – An introductory course that covers cybersecurity fundamentals, types of cyber threats, and best practices.
Data Science & AI: IBM SkillsBuild – Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals – Covers machine learning, neural networks, and AI applications across industries.
Programming: freeCodeCamp’s Responsive Web Design Certification – Teaches HTML5 and CSS3 for creating responsive, user-friendly websites.
Project Management: PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP)® – A globally recognized certification requiring knowledge of project management processes and leadership.
Data Analytics: Certified Analytics Professional – Focuses on data-driven decision-making and analytics methodologies.
Cloud Computing: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – Covers cloud computing concepts and Microsoft Azure services.
Key takeaways
What are certifications?
- Certificates prove you have specific skill sets; they are usually awarded by professional organizations or universities.
- Certificates are increasingly crucial in a job market favoring skills-based hiring.
- Certificates are more focused than degrees.
Benefits of certifications:
- They enhance skills and knowledge, leading to better job opportunities and promotions.
- Certificates keep you updated with the latest technologies and trends.
- They show commitment to professional development.
How to list certifications on a resume:
- Formatting – Include the certification name, issuing organization, date of certification, and expiration date (if applicable).
- Placement – Highly relevant certifications should be added to the resume headline or summary. Others can be listed in the education section or in a separate section.
- Relevance – Exclude certifications that are not relevant to the job to avoid confusion.
Resume optimization:
- List certifications as they appear in the job description for better ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility.
- Use online tools like Jobscan’s resume builder to create a professional ATS-friendly resume.
FAQs
List the certification name, followed by the issuing organization. Include the date you received the certification. If applicable, mention the expiration date.
Place highly relevant certifications in your resume headline or summary. Others can go in the education section or a separate certifications section.
Include certifications when they are required, relevant, or add value to your application. They are especially helpful if you have limited work experience or are changing careers. Certifications can make you stand out by proving your skills to employers.
Certifications are credentials from professional organizations or schools that prove your expertise in a specific skill. Unlike degrees, which cover broad subjects, certifications focus on specialized areas like project management, cybersecurity, or digital marketing.
Yes, you can list certifications that are in progress. Indicate that they are ongoing by writing “in progress” next to the name or expected completion date.
Place essential certifications in your resume headline or summary. If they are important but not required, put them in a “Certifications” section. Less relevant ones can go under “Education” or at the bottom of your resume.
Certificates that are good on a CV include:
• Certificates that are directly relevant to the job or industry you are applying to.
• Certifications that demonstrate essential skills for the position.
• Well-recognized or accredited certifications in your field.
Don’t list certifications that are not relevant to the job, as they can distract or confuse the employer. Avoid listing outdated certifications that no longer hold value in your industry.
Yes, especially if they are relevant to the job or showcase important skills. Ensure they are from credible sources and add value to your profile.
Yes, certifications help you stand out, prove your skills, and make your resume more likely to pass through hiring software (ATS). They are especially valuable for career changers or those with limited work experience.
Certifications improve your skills, make you more competitive, and open up better job opportunities. They show employers you’re committed to learning and staying updated in your field.
