How to List Certifications on Resume (Examples & Tips)

Learn how to add certifications to your resume. See examples, formatting tips, and the best certifications to put on your resume for more job calls.

Key Takeaways

Certification courses reflect your knowledge and expertise level in a subject. They may make you stand out from other candidates. They also show a keen interest in career advancement by upgrading their knowledge.

But before mentioning them, be sure you add the relevant and the latest ones.

Before the finalization step of applying for the particular job post, be sure to go through - how to add a certification on your Resume to gain insights as to how you can ideally add the accreditation and increase the chances of getting shortlisted.

Certifications focus on the fact that you have mastered a specific skill set. They show that you have in-depth knowledge related to the particular subject. For example, technology is a vast term, but Java is a very specific skill set under the technology domain.

So, if the employer is looking for Java Certification, they mean you have comprehensive knowledge of the subject. The proficiency of a particular skill may make you the ideal candidate for the job.

Parallel to the degrees, the certifications are issued by the accredited body and boards. You must enroll in the course based on fulfilling the eligibility criteria, paying fees, and passing the examination.

Why get Certified?

You know that in this technological era, new technologies keep on evolving. Think, if you are working on obsolete technology, will your Resume get shortlisted for the next job? Probably not!

So here comes the certification in the role. The certification on your Resume shows that you are proficient and keen on continuous career growth. You are undertaking certifications to keep your knowledge and skills at par with industry standards.

The thorough knowledge opens the door to many job opportunities.

When to Include Certifications on your Resume?

The employer requires it.

If certification requirements are mentioned in the job description, you must add the relevant certifications on your Resume; otherwise, the employer may reject your application.

The certification requirements indicate that the hiring manager seeks a proficient candidate with the desired skill set.

To demonstrate your skills

A resume reflects your skills and education. You can add the unique skills you acquired through your Resume to make it stand out.

For example - you are a commerce graduate, and after working for some time, you pursued certification in accountancy to enhance your knowledge and skills. Mentioning these skills is an added advantage, even if the employer doesn't require certifications.

To highlight your industry knowledge

There is a thick line of differentiation between subject knowledge and industry knowledge. After many years of working in a single industry, you get industry knowledge once you move to a higher designation.

In a nutshell, some certification mandates you to complete specific years in an industry. The purpose of these certificates is to show that you have broad-gauge knowledge.

To make up for limited practical knowledge

Although you may have less experience, your certifications can prove that you are the best fit for the job. Highlighting the relevant certifications can be enticing, as it shows you have good hands-on knowledge of the required domain.

When the employer requires a specific certification

Employers requiring specific certifications send a direct message to the candidates that they do not want someone with generic knowledge; the candidate must have far-reaching knowledge.

For example, an employer requiring Python certification indicates that one needs to work on a particular technology, so the required certification tells them you have next-level knowledge of the subject.

When should certifications not be put on a resume?

Not every certification on a resume is beneficial. You must thoroughly review the job description before applying for the position. Never put certifications on a resume in the following cases:

  • When the certifications are very old -There are new updates in the industry every few months; you need to mention the latest certifications and not spam the resumes by adding certifications you did 5 to 10 years ago.
  • Irrelevant certifications -The certification should be relevant to the job. For example, if you are applying for a Python job, mentioning the certification related to any other technology would not help.

How to list Certifications on a Resume?

List the title of the certification

The first step in adding certification to a Resume is adding the complete title. It is better to add it beneath the header section. Make sure to write the complete certification name rather than using abbreviations.

For example, you must mention Search Engine Optimization Certified rather than writing SEO certification.

Include the name of the certified Institution

If you add the name of the issuing body, it would be an added advantage as it shows the generosity and authenticity of the certification.

List the date you earned the certification

Mention the month and year the certification was issued. It helps the employer know how old and relevant the certification is. Also, mention the expiration date on the Resume, or if you will renew soon, mention that date.

Include the prospective completion date

If you are pursuing the certification course, remember to mention the expected completion date and the month the board will issue the certificate.

Provide details about the related skills

You can mention the skill set and knowledge you acquired from the certifications. Mention the detailed description of your potential skills gained through the course.

Where to add Certifications to your Resume?

List certifications under the 'certification' section

The first step in putting certification on a resume involves creating a separate section for it, where you can add all the detailed information about the certifications, such as the title, accredited body, date of expiration, etc.

The separate section is more eye-catching, and the recruiter can know about the skills you have mastered.

List Certifications in Your Resume Summary

The resume summary is the first section of your Resume, where you can write the crux and main highlights about your career objective, skills, and education. As it is the first thing, the hiring manager will likely review it.

When the employer finds it right at the beginning, your chances of getting shortlisted are high.

List certifications in your Achievements/Education Section

You can only add certifications in the education section not much relevant to the job or that you did some time ago, like during your university years. If it is the latest to show your caliber to undertake the job, then there may be a particular section to mention about them.

Best Certifications to Put on a Resume

The top certifications to put on a resume catering to the different industries are:

Certification in the medical field

You can get the certification after completing the degree program. In many medical jobs, you need to complete the certifications as they make you eligible to work in the specific healthcare department.

Certification in Technology

If you work in the technology domain, you must obtain a certification in technology, be it in coding, development, cybersecurity, or anything else. The realm of technology is so vast that you need to have specific skills.

The technology upgrade also makes the certification programs vital to express your knowledge of the latest technologies.

Business Certifications

Business certifications are industry-specific and necessary for those who want to work in higher management. You can get certifications to gain knowledge about a specific business field, such as resource management, IT, financials, or marketing.

Finance and accounting certifications

The finance and accounting department's role is tremendous, whether large-scale or small-scale; almost every company needs a finance and account expert.

The finance and accounting certifications show ongoing learning, and you are up-to-date with the latest laws.

Certification in Software and IT Industry

You may need a specific software certification as demanded by the employer. Many jobs need software-specific knowledge, and learning in the software and IT domain will take you to the next level in your career.

Tips to Add Certifications on Resume

You need to keep the following things in mind when working on how to put certifications on your Resume:

Go through the job description

Check the employer requirement; if it is mandatory to have the certifications done, make a different section by the name of "certifications" and mention all the details.

Add only the relevant one

You may have completed many certifications, but adding irrelevant ones needs to make more sense. Add only one that your employer is looking for.

Make the different sections for certifications

Make a separate certification section where you can mention all the detailed aspects of the certification, starting from title to date to credits. Also, highlight this in the Resume Summary.

Things to Avoid While Adding Certifications to a Resume

Don't include just the abbreviations

You need to mention the complete title rather than just specifying the short form. For example - if you are undertaking or have undergone the nurse certification, you need to mention the complete title, for example:

  • A-GNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • ACNP-BC - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • ACRN - HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse

Spelling Errors

Check your Resume before finally applying. One small spelling mistake leaves a wrong impression on an employer, making you reject the application even if you have the potential to serve the organization.

Do not spam the Resume

Do not add any certification just for the sake of adding it. Spamming leads to unnecessary stretching of the Resume, and as a result, employers may lose interest in other important skills. So, add every detail by rigorously visiting the website and job description.

Frequently asked questions

How to add AWS Certifications to Resume?

AWS is a specific skill of cloud computing that shows the hands-on AWS knowledge through certifications. Mention the particular AWS certificate that you have obtained along with the date. If you have multiple certifications, make a separate section for AWS certifications.

How to add Coursera Certifications to Resume?

Several factors decide whether the Coursera certifications are impactful or not. For example, if it is of substantial length or the provider is reputable. Depending on the importance, you can add your Coursera section to the Certification, Additional, or Education sections.

How do you list in-progress certifications on a resume?

In-progress certifications show the certifications that you are currently doing. You can write the title of the resume and mention it in progress alongside. You can also add an expected date of completion. Example:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (In-progress)
  • Sunshine Nursing Home
  • Expected Date of Competition 2025

Should online courses be included in a Resume?

Yes, you can mention online courses if they are helpful in the current job or if your employer is looking for specific certification courses candidates need to have.