3 key takeaways
- Learn what certifications are and why they're important to list on your resume
- Discover how to list certifications in your resume sections
- Get certification types along with samples and examples of resume certifications across industries and experiences levels
Knowing how to list certifications on a resume is just as important as earning them.
These credentials reinforce your professional qualifications, boost your credibility, and help your job application stand out, but only if they’re listed clearly, strategically, and in the right context.
In fact, certifications can give your resume a competitive edge. When listed correctly, they show prospective employers you’re qualified, committed to professional growth, and aligned with the role’s requirements.
In this guide, you’ll learn when certifications belong on your resume, how to format them for clarity and impact, where to place them based on your experience level, and which types of credentials matter most in 2025.
What are certifications?
Certifications are official credentials awarded when you complete a course, assessment, or training program through a recognized institution. They serve as proof of your skills, knowledge, or expertise in a particular area and can strengthen your resume by backing up what you say you can do.
Across industries, certifications can validate proficiency in specialized tools or tasks, whether that’s coding languages, clinical procedures, or project management frameworks. They align with industry standards, promote career advancement, and offer a clear competitive advantage in the hiring process.
Not sure how certifications differ from degrees or professional licenses? Here’s a quick chart breakdown to clarify the terms.
💡Pro Tip: Some roles require both a degree and a license or certification. Make sure you include the right mix based on the job description.
When certifications belong on your resume
Not every certification needs to be listed in your resume, but the right ones can make your content more targeted and effective.
Focus on certifications that directly support your qualifications for a specific role or demonstrate up-to-date expertise in your field.
Include certifications when they:
- Are mentioned in the job description as required or preferred
- Show technical skills or specialized knowledge relevant to the role
- Help explain a career pivot or fill gaps in traditional experience
- Reflect your commitment to professional development
A Robert Half survey found that employers are willing to offer salary premiums for candidates with in-demand certifications, especially in fields like IT, accounting, and project management. Certifications in security, privacy, and compliance can command a 19% salary premium, while those in project and program management may yield up to 17.7%. It’s a clear signal that the right credentials don’t just strengthen your resume, they can directly impact your earning potential.
Certifications can also boost visibility in applicant tracking systems (ATS) by reinforcing keywords from the job posting—allowing a recruiter or hiring manager to find you when they search the system for essential certifications.
They’re also especially helpful if you’re changing careers or have limited experience. Including a certification in data analytics, digital marketing, or another in-demand skill can show you’re qualified even without direct work history in the field.
📌 Resume Myth: You should include every certification you have
Just because you earned a professional certification doesn’t mean it belongs on your resume. Stick to credentials that are hyper-relevant to the job and industry—and always make sure they’re current and not expired.
Certifications can also boost visibility in applicant tracking systems by reinforcing keywords from the job posting. Used strategically, they’re more than just resume enhancements—they’re proof you’re qualified and invested in your work.
Used strategically, when you list certificates, they’re more than just resume enhancements; they’re proof you’re qualified and invested in your work.
💡Pro Tip: Want to get it right every time? Teal's Job Matching compares your resume content to any job description so you can focus on what's most relevant for that specific role—including certifications.
How to list certifications on a resume
Certifications are a powerful way to boost your resume if you list them with clarity and intent.
Follow these five steps and learn how to add certifications to your resume in a way that’s clean, ATS-friendly, and aligned with today’s resume best practices.
Step 1: Decide where to put certifications on your resume
Where you put your certifications on a resume depends on how essential they are to the role. A well-placed credential can act as a high-impact resume enhancement, especially in competitive or regulated fields.
Where to put certifications on a resume
- Next to your name: If a certification is essential to your role or widely recognized in your industry, consider placing the acronym next to your name in your resume Contact Information section.
- Professional summary: Use this section to call out a certification if it’s a standout qualification or directly tied to the job title.
- Dedicated certifications section: Best for resumes that include multiple active credentials.
- Resume Education section: Ideal for educational credentials earned through universities or academic programs.
- Additional information: Use this for supporting details like online courses, licenses, or expired credentials that still add relevant context.
Step 2: Choose the right certifications to list
Not every certification adds value to your job application. Focus on relevant qualifications—the ones that speak directly to the role and align with current industry standards. It's also key to tailor your list of certifications just like you would your skills or resume work experience. The goal is alignment, not volume.
- Highlight certifications that appear in the job description or are frequently required in your field
- Remove outdated or irrelevant credentials
- Only include certifications that are current, recognized, and actually enhance your professional credibility
Step 3: Format certifications clearly and consistently
An ATS-friendly resume depends on clean, consistent formatting. Resume organization is key.
- Use consistent punctuation and line breaks
- Match your font and size with the rest of your resume
- Align dates with how you format your work experience
When it comes to listing certifications, here's an example of the structure.
Step 4: Add brief context when needed
Sometimes, the name of a certification doesn’t tell the whole story. Adding a short line of context can show why the credential matters or how it supports your career goals, especially helpful when switching industries or highlighting online courses. Just keep descriptions short—just enough to explain value without overwhelming the layout.
Step 5: Keep your resume Certification section up to date
Certifications aren’t static, and neither is your resume. Regularly review and update your certifications section to reflect your most current credentials.
- Remove anything expired or outdated unless it still holds weight in your field
- Add new certifications as you earn them
- Check formatting and placement every time you update to ensure consistency
Remember, a current, relevant certification list signals you’re serious about professional development and your career—especially at a glance.
Types of certifications
The right certification can help you gain credibility, land interviews, or break into a new field, especially when it’s aligned with your industry and career goals.
Below are the most common types of professional development certifications and examples of where they’re most impactful.
Professional certifications
Professional certifications are industry-recognized credentials awarded by established organizations to validate expertise in a specific role or field. They’re often tied to career advancement, skill development, and employer trust.
Examples:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Finance
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Operations/Project Management
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – Cybersecurity
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) – Marketing/Data Analysis
Technical certifications
Technical certifications validate your ability to work with specific tools, platforms, or technologies. These are especially valuable in IT, data, and engineering roles—but also benefit professionals in adjacent fields like marketing or design.
Examples:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Cloud Computing
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Networking
- Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator – Systems Administration
- Oracle Certified Java Programmer (OCP) – Software Development
Industry-specific certifications
These certifications are designed for professionals working in specialized fields where regulation, safety, or standardization is critical. They help signal deep subject matter expertise and a strong understanding of industry requirements.
Examples:
- Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – Healthcare
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – Finance
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) – Operations
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Agile/Software Teams
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) – Marketing
Academic certifications
Academic certifications are awarded by colleges and universities and often represent successful completion of a structured program in a specific subject. They can complement a degree or act as standalone credentials for professionals looking to expand or shift their skill set.
Examples:
- NYU: Certificate in Digital Marketing
- UC Berkeley: Data Science Certificate
- Georgetown University: Leadership Coaching
- University of Texas at Austin: Business Foundations
- University of Pennsylvania: Social Impact Strategy
Online certifications
With the rise of platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning, online course certifications have become widely accepted, especially when offered by recognized institutions or in-demand programs. These can be a flexible, affordable way to upskill and demonstrate initiative.
Whether it’s a Meta Marketing Certificate, Google IT Support certification, or a university-issued program completed online, digital learning is increasingly part of the professional development conversation.
Certifications on resume examples
To get a clear picture of the best methods for adding certifications to a resume, check out these resume examples across roles, industries, and seniority level below.
Resume Certifications section example
Here are three examples of how to list certifications in a dedicated "Certifications" section on your resume.
Certifications on resume example - DevOps engineer
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) | Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) | June 2023
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | Amazon Web Services| October 2022
- Certified Jenkins Engineer | CloudBees, Inc. | August 2021
- Docker Certified Associate (DCA) | Docker, Inc. | March 2022
Certifications on resume example - Copywriter
- Google Ads - Search Advertising Certification | Google - 5/23
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification | HubSpot Academy - 7/22
- Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer | Copyblogger - 11/21
Certifications on resume example - Administrative assistant
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) - Word/Excel/Outlook
Date of Completion: September 2022
Issued by: Microsoft
Professional Administrative Certificate (PAC)
Date of Completion: December 2021
Issued by: International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
Date of Completion: August 2023
Issued by: IAAP
💡Pro Tip: If you're still working toward a certification, you can list it, but make sure to include the expected completion date and clearly note that it's in progress like the example below.
Name of Certification (Acronym) - In progress
Certifying Body | Anticipated Completion
Example:
Project Management Professional (PMP) - In progress
Project Management Institute | Anticipated Completion December 2025
Examples of certifications in contact information
If a certification is essential to your field, adding it next to your name in your resume header can instantly signal credibility and alignment before a hiring manager reads a single bullet point.
Resume certification examples in contact information
Taylor Morgan, PMP
Jordan Kim, RN
Alix Rivera, CPA
Examples of certifications in Education
If you have academic certifications to add to your resume, listing them in the Education section of your resume can help keep your resume organized, and make it easy for hiring managers to review the full scope of your qualifications.
Resume certification example - Brand strategist
Education
- Master of Marketing and Communication New York University (NYU), New York City
- Graduation Date: December 2020
- NYU School of Professional Studies Branding Certificate
- Date of Completion: August 2021
- Issued by: New York University (NYU) School of Professional Studies
Resume certification example - Graphic designer
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | 2019
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Advanced Graphic Design Certificate | Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | 2020
- UI/UX Design Certification | Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) |2021
Resume certification example - Data analyst
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics University of Texas at Austin, May 2022
- University of Texas at Austin Data Analytics Certificate - University of Texas at Austin, December 2022
Resume certification example - Backend engineer
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
MIT Professional Education Software Development Certificate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Date of Completion: May 2023
Examples resume certifications in a professional summary
Adding your certifications to your professional resume summary can help you catch the attention of hiring managers, recruiters, and prospective employers quickly.
Resume certification example - Backend engineer
Highly skilled Back-end Engineer with 5 years of experience designing and developing robust and scalable back-end systems. Proficient in Java and Spring Framework. AWS Certified Developer with a proven track record of deploying and managing microservices architecture for cloud-based applications.
Resume certification example - Customer service
Customer-centric Remote Customer Service Specialist with 3 years of experience providing exceptional customer support. Certified in Zendesk Support and skilled in resolving complex inquiries across multiple communication channels. Demonstrated ability to maintain high customer satisfaction levels while working remotely.
Resume certification example - Data Analyst
Data Analyst with a strong analytical mindset and 4 years of experience in data manipulation and visualization. Proficient in SQL and Python. Google Analytics Certified with a history of generating actionable insights to optimize business performance and drive growth.
Resume certification example - Human resource specialist
Human Resources professional with 5+ years of experience in human resource management supporting employee relations, talent acquisition, and compliance. SHRM-CP certified with a proven ability to streamline HR processes, improve engagement, and align people strategy with business goals.
Resume certification samples
Here’s a list of certifications for professionals of various career levels. The example certifications include various certification types including professional, technical, and industry-specific credentials.
Certifications for entry-level roles:
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) - Word/Excel/PowerPoint
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
- Google Ads - Fundamentals
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL Foundation Certification
Certifications for mid-level roles:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Google Ads - Search Advertising Certification
- Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Data Professional (CDP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Tableau Desktop Specialist
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
- Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM)
- Google Analytics Advanced Certification
Certifications for senior-level roles:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)
- Google Ads - Display Advertising Certification
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)
- Data Management Association Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
Mistakes to avoid when listing certifications on a resume
Now that you understand the significance of resume certifications let's take a look at some things you should avoid when listing certificates on a resume.
Listing irrelevant certifications
Even if you have minimal work experience, don't list certifications that aren't relevant to the job you're applying for. Including irrelevant certifications can clutter your resume and distract from the qualifications that matter.
The only caveat is that if a certification demonstrates a transferable skill or an area of knowledge that might interest a prospective employer, it may be worth including.
Not providing enough information
Neglecting to include essential details like the certifying organization, year received, and what skills or knowledge the certification covers can hurt your credibility. This additional information also helps employers understand the relevance of (and the effort you put into) your credentials.
Misrepresenting or exaggerating certifications
Honesty is vital on a resume. Don't say you've obtained a professional certification or completed a course if you're still in progress or only partially completed it (unless explicitly stated). Also, you should never list certifications you don't have, as misrepresenting your qualifications can have negative consequences on your professional reputation and career.
Not tailoring your certifications to each job application
The certificates you list on your resume might change depending on the job you're applying for. Make sure to highlight the credentials that are most relevant to each specific job description.
Build a resume that highlights the right certifications
Certifications can help you stand out, demonstrate ongoing professional development, and support career growth—but only when they’re presented clearly and strategically.
Whether you're early in your career, making a pivot, or leveling up in your current field, the right credentials show hiring managers that you’re qualified, current, and ready to contribute. Keeping your certifications up to date—and aligned with your goals—is key to staying competitive.
But you don’t need to be a certified professional resume writer to get it right.
Teal's AI Resume Builder has all of the sections you need to list certifications correctly. You can also use Teal’s Job Matching to compare your resume against any job description and surface exactly what to emphasize—so your resume always highlights what matters most.
