How To List A Certificate On Your Resume: A Complete Guide (With Examples and Samples)

Introduction

Certifications are a professional and easy way to showcase your passion for learning and provide evidence of your expertise in your targeted department. Especially after the pandemic, when most conventional education platforms were shut down, certification courses helped students gain expertise in their desired field. It can add relevant information to your resume certificate, but unfortunately, people often overlook the true potential of their certifications earned.

Here in this blog, we’ll explain the importance of earning professional certification, how it's becoming a new way to highlight the strengths in your resume, and how to add certifications to your resume builder and use it to your advantage to stand out!

What Is A Professional Certification?

Professional certifications are documents awarded by accreditation institutions, such as boards, associations, organizations, etc. These certifications add credibility to your skill sets and certify you as one of the best candidates for the job role. To earn a professional certification, you must pursue a relevant course, study the modules well, complete the course in the specified duration, and finally clear the examination. The harder the certifications are to acquire, the more credible it is to give you an edge over other candidates for any job.

Example Of Professional Certification

Remember, training and professional certifications are two different things; similarly, honors and awards also don't fall under certification on resume.

Further in our blog, you’ll learn about types of certifications and how to use each for different purposes. 

But first, we will get you a clear understanding of how valuable it is to add a certification to your resume.

Why Should You Add Certification On Resume?

Certifications are like adding your accomplishment rather than just the responsibilities. 

Why shy away from highlighting your achievement!

A certification on resume is a representation of your urge to keep learning and your dedication to go an extra mile that others may not have thought of. 

But if still, you are wondering that why at all should you add a certification on resume, here are some reasons no one will ever tell you about:

Certification Makes The Interview More Conversational

Oh, you got a certification in Python!

When I was about to complete my B.tech in software engineering, I researched the most sought out programming language and finally settled at the Course by Janbask Training In Python!

Awesome, but why did you take this extra effort!

Because I am a life-long learner, and keeping myself updated keeps me motivated to take up any challenge and deliver the best results!

See how the conversation just because of certification on resume highlighted your technical skills and your soft skills.

Your certifications on resume reflect the employers that you have upgraded your skill-sets with time. In addition, they may ask specific questions related to the course, which gives you the chance to glorify yourself even better and speak at length about the particular skill you acquired.

Certifications Let You Negotiate Better

Willing to know the secret to get a better pay package than your counterparts? 

Get a certification! 

It lets you highlight your unique skill-sets and how they can be applied in real-life scenarios adding value to the job role. While you bring additional value to the table, you have an edge to negotiate for better paychecks.

Are you looking to add unique skill sets to your resume? 

Try an introductory program in data science or cloud computing.

A certificate On Resume Is A Differentiator

And to answer probably one of the most tricky questions, “Why should we hire you?” 

This question is set to see how you’re different from all the other candidates who may or may not have the same qualifications as you and what extra you bring. Certifications set you apart from other candidates that have gotten you the latest industry exposure and advanced skills; answer what extra the employers will gain by hiring you. 

Now that you know how important certifications can be for your resume, the question arises, where to add your certificate to resume? Do you mention the certification at the top section of the resume, or make it invisible by adding it at the bottom, or you’ll leave it hanging somewhere in between… No clue, right? We have the best suggestion for listing a certificate on your resume.

How To List Certification On Resume?

There are certain factors that you should keep in mind when listing certifications.

#1. Mention The Certification Title

List the complete title of the certifications on resume as a bullet under the heading "Certifications," using the same font and font size as on the resume. Make sure to spell out any abbreviations and type the name accurately. If a potential employer or hiring manager is unfamiliar with the certification, they must conduct a web search using the complete title.

#2. Mention The Affiliation Body

You'll need to specify the name of the organization that gave your certification to verify its legitimacy while adding certifications on resume. Make sure to spell this out and double-check for any errors. You can also include a URL to make it easier to find the certification for the interview.

#3. List The Date Earned

Mention the date when you acquired the certification, and if there is any validity period, mention that as well. Do not mention expired certifications on resume.

#4. Add The Prospective Date To Get The Certification

If you're working toward a certification, you can still include the certification on resume by adding the tentative date you may receive the certificate. Include an estimate of how far along in the certification process you are.

#5. Add Details Of The Associated Skills

If the skills are directly relevant to the job role you are applying for, then include them precisely below the certification on resume. It will explain the relevance of certification to the hiring manager. 

#6. Chronology

List your certifications on resume in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent certificate or any that are underway.

#7. Format For Certification On Resume

Here is the format for presenting the details of any certification on resume:

• Name of Certification
• Name of Certifying Body 
• Date of Certification Obtainment

If you want to get that job, pay attention to highlighting your certifications on resume the right way. Here are the best ways how to include certifications on resume:

Where To Put Certification On Resume

Adding certifications on resume can be tricky; you need to understand the job description well and highlight the certification on resume accordingly. Here are the most effective ways how to list certifications on resume:

1. Certifications in the Resume Objective

The resume summary, or resume objective, section is excellent to include the required and recommended certifications on resume. However, mention only one certification in the resume objective section leaving much space for the content.

How To Add Certification In Resume Sample - With Objective

2. A Dedicated Section For Certifications On Resume

We recommend adding a separate section for certifications on resume if you have more than two certificates. This resume style works well to include all relevant certificates on the resume, whether mandatory, suggested, optional, or online.

Make sure your certificates are listed in reverse chronological order.

How To List Certifications On Resume Sample - Dedicated Section 

3. Certifications In A Minor Section On Your Resume

Another certification on resume format that works great is a small dedicated certificates section. This smart resume space-saving tactic is especially effective when you have more work experience to highlight. 

Putting certifications in a side section is highly recommended for optional certificates.

How To Add Certification In Resume Sample - Small Section For Certification On Resume

4. Certification After Your Educational Qualifications

Adding certification after your educational qualification is normal practice, but that’s not the right approach. Certification on resume after academic quality should be added when: 

• You only have one certification (and it’s not job-critical)
• You took your certification courses throughout your university career

How To Add Certification In Resume Sample - Educational Qualifications

5. Certification In Your Contact Information

This is the perfect spot on a resume to emphasize valuable certifications on resume. Professionals such as doctors, chartered accountants, and lawyers frequently include a necessary certification in the contact information section after their name.

6. Certification By Your Work Experience

If the certifications are most relevant to your current job role, you can also highlight them in the Experience section. When referring to a specific skill that you applied the most in your previous job role, adding your certifications on resume will make things more relatable.

How To List Certifications On Resume - With Work Experience

7. Certification In Video Resume

Mention your certification name, a skill acquired, and affiliation body precisely. There is no need to talk much about the certification, especially if it's not mandatory. However, while you introduce yourself in the opening statement, you may mention the verification in a few words.

Let us also share some insights about the types of certifications and how to evaluate which one should be a part of your resume. Check out our next section!

What Type Of Professional Certification On Resume Holds Value?

We are very confident that you have sharpened up your skill-sets through a training program or an online class. But, not everything can be mentioned on the resume. 

We have a clear distinction for you as to what certifications on resumes are valuable.

Mandatory Certification Specifically Mentioned In The  Job Description

These certifications on resume are a must-have before you apply for the job. Most of the time, recruiters specifically mention these certifications in the job description. For instance, you are applying for the role of Networking professional at CISCO; in that case, Cisco certified network professional (CCNP) is a much-required certification on resume.

In other fields like finance, to apply for chartered accountants, it is mandatory to have the CA certificate and license before applying for the position.

Certifications That Are Suggested

While thousands of applicants apply for a single job, recruiters narrow down the search criteria for certain KRA's, one of which is Certifications on resume. Therefore, if you have advanced skill-sets through a credible certification, you gain an advantage over the other applicants by adding certifications on resume.

We recommend you opt for the best certifications if you are willing to make a career in technology. 

For instance, Microsoft Certified: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, AWS Certified Developer, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, Project Management Professional(PMP), are highly sought-after certifications on resumes that grab recruiters’ attention. Moving ahead, we will also suggest where to put certifications on resumes.

Elective Certifications On Resume

These certifications on resume are neither recommended nor mandatory but still stand a lot of importance, especially for freshers to add weightage to their candidature. 

For instance, many students may hold a B.tech in software engineering, but only a few may have a specialized degree in coding or programming language like SQL. 

Adding such certification to your resume reflects your commitment to learning. However, concerning elective certification on resume , it is essential that you go through the job description carefully and only furnish details of the certificate if it relates to the job demand.

Example: You are applying for the position of Salesforce Developer and extended back during your college days, you had a certification - Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA)

Will you furnish this while applying for the role of Salesforce developer?

It's a big NO!

Certification On Resume That Demonstrate Industry Experience 

When you have limited industry experience, it is an excellent approach to feature your experience certifications on resume that proves you have acquired X years of experience in the industry. 

Many certifications are awarded to individuals who have worked a particular duration on a specific project, even if it's an internship. Such certification on resumes works well for freshers.

Online Certification On Resume / Free Online Certification On Resume

With the changing dynamics of working from home, the edutech industry has transformed itself and paved the way for learners to take online courses. But at the same time, there is a lot of debate around whether to furnish online course certification or free online course certification on resume.

What do you think about it?

We suggest online certifications on resumes should be added if they are relevant to the job role. However, whether the job description demands it or not, furnish certification on resume only if it adds value.

With learning becoming more digitized and outcome-based, every profession has a certification or free online course. And certifications on your resume go a long way to highlight your skill-sets. 

Essential Tips To Add Certification On Resume The Right Way

Including certificates on your resume can help you stand out to a potential employer. Here are some helpful hints to consider when determining which qualifications to add or where to list certificates on a resume:

• Carefully read the job description to determine which certifications on your resume are relevant.
• Determine whether your certificates are required, preferred, or optional for the position.
• To list your relevant skills, select the appropriate section on your resume. While listing old certification on a resume, mention precisely just as a talking point instead of taking precious resume space.
• There is no need to mention expired certifications on resume unless the certification is an essential one.
• Before abbreviating, make sure you list the certification name in its entirety at least once. This increases your chances of passing an ATS scan significantly.
• Certifications on resume should not be confused with awards or honors, certificates from free online courses, or certificates for training. Use the same font as used in the overall resume.
• When sending a digital resume, hyperlink the accreditation body for easy reference when you mention certifications on resume.
• Grab some of the best certifications that add immense value to your resume. 

Here are the top 10 certifications you should opt for:

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)
4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
5. DevOps Engineer
6. Salesforce Developer
7. Data Science - Master
8. Machine learning - Master
9. VMWare Administrator
10. Microsoft Azure Solution Architect

• Put most essential certifications at the top of the resume 
• List certifications on resume lower down if they’re a bonus
• Make an effective resume that mentions your certifications and skill-sets

Wrapping Up!

Don’t you pay much attention to what story or photos you should put on your Insta profile? Why do you spend so much time on it? Because it's impressive, people love to see your expedition and all that!

So, when it comes to your career, you just can't miss the bullseye!

Certifications on resume reflect your commitment to learning, upgrading yourself to be the best at what you do. You just need to pay attention to what the job description demands and how you may add the relevant certifications on resume. certifications on resume make the hiring manager aware of your capabilities and your value as a resource.

Don’t know which certification course will get you your dream job, reach out to us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to list a certificate on your resume via online courses?

Ans:- How to add certifications in your resume, See Only have an online certification on your resume if it is relevant to the employment you're seeking and received from a reputable institution. If it fits these two criteria, you can use the forms suggested in this article to include them in your resume.

Q2. How to add ongoing certifications on a resume?

Ans:- When mentioning ongoing certifications on your resume, mention the words "in progress" below the certification name, as well as a projected completion date.

An example of how to include a certification-in-progress on a CV is as follows: Microsoft Azure Certification (in progress)

Expected date of completion: Nov 2024

Q3. Which certification should you leave off your resume?

Ans:- Remove any certifications that have expired or aren't relevant to the job you're applying for. Also, don't mention any certificates that aren't particularly outstanding.

What are the job roles that can be pursued through online master data science course?

Online master data science course opens the gate for several job roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Engineers, Database Admin, Machine Learning Engineer, Data architect and others.

Q4. What are the various skills imparted through online data science course?

Ans:- Online data science course teaches you concepts related to R programming, Python, machine learning, deep learning, regression analysis, systems engineering and many more. It polishes your coding potentials in Python and R, and teaches you the way to use simple statistical aspects. 

Q5. What is the main objective of the data scientist course?

Ans:- The objective of data scientist course includes offering a training to make you an expert in the concepts of Data science analysis. The data scientist course also aims at teaching you to control structured or unstructured data to organize a business and make you job-ready for future. 

Q6. What is the future scope of data scientist course online?

Ans:- The future career opportunities of data scientist course online is vast and assumed to develop further. Attending a data scientist course online will help you get the desired job with a higher salary than other IT experts. There is also a huge demand of experts in this field for future but the talent to satisfy the demand is poor. So bagging a data scientist course online will prove that you hold strong roots in the job market.

Q6. How does data science certification online help in maintaining a prosperous career ahead?

Ans:- Pursuing data science certification online will help you maintain a proper career ahead by learning latest innvoations, taking the certification exams and forming an alliance with online communities to understand the field thoroughly.