Bring attention to your extra qualifications by listing your certificates.
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Greg Faherty
Certified Professional Resume Writer
ResumeCoach » How to Write a Resume » Certifications
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As anextra section on a resume, certifications can be helpful in making your candidacy stand outin the application process. Whether you have a long academic career with several degrees or masters, or vocational or technical courses which have resulted inprofessional certificates, there are manyways to include certifications on a resumeto attract the hiring manager’s attention.
Certifications and extra qualifications demonstrate a passion for the industryor position of a candidate as well as give evidence of specific expertise and skills.
Professional licenses are vital to include on a resumeto provide evidence of your suitability for the position, especially if these are requirements mentioned in the job description.
Find out the different acceptable forms of certifications to list on a resume in our guide onhow to include certifications in a resumethat will add value to your job application.
Remember, the hiring manager for any vacancy will spend no more than 6-8 seconds on a preliminary scan of your resume, so you need to ensure you include yourbest resume certificationswhere they can be seen.
Creating a winning resume can be a challenge for some jobseekers and finding thebest way to include certifications on a resumeis critical for some occupations, whether the applicant is seeking anentry-levelposition or is applying for a similar post to the one already held.
To get a headstart with your resume, you can either check out our guide onhow to write an effective resumeor try using anonline resume builderwhich will show youhow to include the right professional certificationsand licenses where it matters most.
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Listing certifications on the resume
Showing certifications on a resume is keyto standing out in the running for a job vacancy which is why it’s so important to understandhow to indicate resume certifications, memberships and licenses.
- Firstly, each applicant shouldassess their different certificatesand decide whether or not each certificate is relevant and significant enough to be included.
Some jobseekers will have along list of certifications to be mentioned on a resumewhile others may have very few or none at all. That is why it’s essential to decide which are yourbest resume additional certificationsso as not to include unnecessary details. - It is crucial for candidates to distinguish betweenwhat should be included in a certificates section on a resumeand what should be classed ashonors and awards. Keep in mind that certain accomplishments may have given you a certificate but they do not always fit thecategory of certifications and licenses for a resume. If in doubt, remember to refer to the job vacancy and stick to only using relevant certifications, either necessary or recommended for the job description.
- Depending on the candidate’s professional profile and the amount of pertinent certifications they have, some jobseekers may wish tocreate a certifications and licenses resume sectiondedicated specifically to this information, following the format explained below.
Whereas, there will be applicants who can simplyadd the suitable certifications in other resume sectionssuch aseducationor training. - Where to include certifications on a resumecan also depend on the importance of each qualification. Even if you decide to create a separate section, there remains the question as towhere to put a certifications section. Each candidate can choose whether to include this section before their academic information butit is vital not to list certifications on a resume as an afterthoughtif they are relevant to the position you’re applying to.
- Finally, if the certifications that you choose to include on a resume are also considered credentials or are requirements for the vacancyon offer, it is highly recommended to indicate the licenses or certifications in various sections. This could be as part of the initial name and contact information as initials in the case of licensed accountants, lawyers, doctors, nurses etc. Or you could allude to the diploma or license in aresume objectiveor skills section.
These are a fewtips for including certifications on a resumebut for more structured resume help, you could try using aresume templateto ensure anHR-approved resume layoutincluding resume boosting certifications.
Resume certifications format
The generally acceptedformat for a resume certifications sectionfollows certain rules:
- Write each certification inreverse chronological order, beginning with the most recently achieved or any that are in progress.
- Do not include less important or irrelevant certifications or licensesthat you have that do not relate to the job opening. If you feel they may not be directly related but could help your job application, it is advisable to include them in another area such as training, skills or accomplishments.
- Anyacronyms should be written out in full at least oncein order to be understood by hiring managers who are not specialist in your area and also toregister on Applicant Tracking Software(ATS)that many larger companies use in the hiring process.
- The acceptablecertification formatshould use the following structure:
Name of Certification/License/Membership
Name of Certifying body
Dates obtained and expiration (if applicable)
Location (if State appropriate)
- The acceptablecertification formatshould use the following structure:
Toconstruct a winning resumethat is easy to read and appeals directly to the prospective employer, check out our guide onhow to format a resumeor use anonline resume builderto get expert advice on ways to write each resume section.
Using expired certifications on a resume
It isnot acceptable to list old or expired certifications on a resume. If you have a certain certificate from a course or license from a degree etc. that has a possible expiry date, it is vital that yourenew your certification before this date in order to include it on your resume.
In the case you’re taking a course orhave not yet completed the necessary requirementsto be licensed in a specific area, you can include these certifications, simply by adding‘in progress’to the description and stipulating theanticipated completion date.
Finally, it is very important to not include any certifications that you do not possess, that is to say it isstrongly advised not to lie on a resume!
Types of certifications to include on the resume
There are differenttypes of certifications that should be included on a resumedepending on the type of jobseeker and the industry and position that the resume is for.
Anappropriate resume certification could be vocational, technical or academicsuch as Master degrees or extra courses. Certifications to list on a resume also include anyprofessional licenses, courses and certificatesauthorized by prestigious organizations, universities, societies etc. which provide evidence to show that the candidate has the relevant training and expertise to take on the responsibilities required of the successful applicant.
Certifications that shouldn’t be included as key elements of a resumebut could be added in a cover letter or in a different section to provide evidence of other knowledge and to demonstrate enthusiasm and initiative for learning arecertificates that you have been awarded for participating in free online coursessuch as Udemy or Lynda etc. as they are accessible by everyone and do not always provide a professional source.
Certifications in nursing, teaching, IT, driving, accounting, language, project management, hospitality, etc. are considered official and vital for a job seeker whose resume looks to capture the attention of hiring managers in that particular industry.
Someexamples of appropriate certifications to list on a resumeare the following:
ServSafe (Food handling certification for hospitality industry)
OSHA Certification (Used in health and safety for multiple industries)
PMP – Project Management Professional Certification
ESL Certification (or other language certifications)
CPA – Certified Public Accountant
RN – Registered Nurse + Speciality
PEM – Professional Engineering Manager Certification
CBAP – Certified Business Analysis Professional
CDL – Commercial Driver’s License
Certifications on a resume Examples
As it can be challenging to knowhow to list certifications on a resume, we’ve created some samples for you to use as a guide:
- Professional Secretarial Certificate, Detroit City College, Detroit, MI
- Notary Public, NYS Division of Licensing Services, New York
- Safe ChildCare Certification, Boecker Public Health Academy & Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
- Food Handler Certificate, ServSafe Online (exp. January 2019)
- First Aid, American Red Cross (exp. May 2020)
- QuickBooks Desktop Certificate, Intuit Quickbooks & Certiport
Theseresume certification examplescan help candidates find the best way to include their relevant certificates but to facilitate the task, it’s also possible to use aresume builderthat will have a ready-made certifications section to complete step-by-step.
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I'm Greg Faherty, a Certified Professional Resume Writer with a proven track record of helping job seekers create compelling resumes that stand out in the competitive job market. My expertise goes beyond mere certification, as I have successfully assisted individuals in various industries, from entry-level positions to executive roles. I hold certifications in resume writing, ensuring that my knowledge is up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
Credentials:
- Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
- [Additional Certifications, if applicable]
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article on certifications in resumes:
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Importance of Certifications: The article emphasizes the significance of certifications and extra qualifications as a means to showcase a candidate's passion, industry-specific expertise, and skills. Professional licenses are particularly highlighted as crucial evidence of suitability for a position.
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Placement of Certifications: The article provides insights into where to include certifications on a resume. It suggests creating a dedicated section for certifications and licenses, ensuring they are visible and not treated as an afterthought. The placement could vary based on the candidate's professional profile and the importance of each qualification.
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Certifications Format: The recommended format for listing certifications on a resume is discussed in detail. The reverse chronological order is advised, with each certification including the name, certifying body, dates obtained and expiration, and location (if applicable). The importance of writing out acronyms in full is emphasized for better understanding by hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Software (ATS).
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Handling Expired Certifications: The article explicitly states that it is not acceptable to list old or expired certifications on a resume. It provides guidance on how to handle certifications that are in progress or have not yet been completed.
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Types of Certifications: The article categorizes certifications into various types, including vocational, technical, academic, and professional licenses. It suggests including only relevant certifications on a resume and provides examples of certifications in different industries, such as nursing, teaching, IT, and project management.
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Certification Examples: The article concludes with examples of certifications that can be listed on a resume. These examples cover a range of industries, including hospitality, health and safety, project management, language, and more.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive guidance on the role of certifications in resumes, their placement, format, and types, making it a valuable resource for job seekers looking to enhance their candidacy.
