How to Effectively List Certifications on Your Resume with Samples

A certification is an official document that can be professional-, trade-, or industry-specific. These documents, often provided by accredited associations or boards, offer validation that you possess skills and qualifications to help you meet the demands of the position you seek. Providing impressive skills detailing your qualifications and certificates on your resume shows you are qualified for competitive positions. To obtain a certification, it is typically necessary to pay a service fee, complete courses or meet specified qualifications, and pass an assessment or examination.

Employers want to see your certifications because they indicate your skill level, show expertise in your field, and offer concrete proof that you are a valuable hire to a company. The process of obtaining certifications is often time-consuming but can prove beneficial because certifications show a determination to learn, a dedication to the profession, and substantiated proof that you are qualified. Additionally, if you are undergoing a career change or starting out in your field, a certification can help you customize your resume and provides evidence to employers that you possess the skills necessary to succeed in your position.

It is important to consider different aspects when deciding what certifications to include on your resume. Consider the following reasons when deciding which specific certifications to include on your resume. You should include noting a certification on your resume if the certification:

• Shows job required certifications: One of the primary reasons to list a certification that you have is to fulfill the job requirements listed by the employer. Consider checking the company website and job listing to ensure that you have the certificates needed to qualify for the position you seek.
• Highlights industry-specific experience: To earn some certifications you must have a certain number of years of experience. Highlighting these certifications can prove to an employer you have a higher level of experience in your industry which qualifies you for the position.
• Evidences additional skills: Some certifications can prove you have qualifications beyond those listed for the job and thus increase your chances of being selected to interview. For example, an administrative professional may want to highlight a Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) to demonstrate depth of knowledge and expertise in the field beyond the basic required skills.
• Supplements for any limited practical experience: It is particularly important to include certified experience and training on your resume when you have limited experience within the field you are applying for. Certifications can communicate your abilities when there is limited practical experience and can give you an edge and opportunity to interview even when entering a new field.

There are different ways to show off your skills on a resume and numerous resume formats to choose from with tips to help you create an effective resume. Here is a generally accepted method to format your resume certification section:

1. Use reverse chronological order. List the most recently earned certifications or any in-progress first. Include the date earned or the projected date the certification will be completed. Doing this indicates that you are keeping your skills updated and are an evolving employee who seeks to improve on your qualifications.
2. Include the official name of certification or license. In the same clear and legible font used throughout the resume, include the official title of the license or certification you hold.
3. Acknowledge the awarding board, organization, or association. By including the name and location (if applicable) of the awarding organization or institution, you provide information necessary for your certification to be verified.
4. Note the date the certification was earned. Providing this pertinent information indicates to employers how long it has been since you completed this certification and for how long you’ve had the needed skills. The date can also help to verify the authenticity of your certificate and show that your certification is current.
5. Include any crucial skills. If room permits, add central skills required to acquire the certification. This can be a quick reference guide to the recruiter, especially if they are unfamiliar with the particular certification.

In order for your resume to sufficiently highlight your skills and qualifications, place your certifications in an easy to locate and clearly defined area. Some areas on your resume where you might consider placing this valuable information are:

• By your name: Often certification initials and abbreviations can go directly with your name within the contact information located on top of the page. This helps ensure your qualifications are quickly noticed and easily associated with the position you seek.
• In the prior work experience section: The job experience section can include both your practical experience and your certifications showing both your hard and soft skills for the position.
• Within a designated certification section: It is typically a good idea to place a certification section near the top of your resume, particularly if you have a good amount of certifications and less work experience due to a career change or being new to the field.
• In the resume summary: Some recruiters go directly to a resume summary (if one is included) to find the main points or qualifications of an applicant. Including your core certifications within this section can help you land an interview.

Below are some examples of how you can list current certifications on your resume:

Example 1: By your name

Daniel Ashton, CPA

Phone: 212-867-3234

E-mail: dashtoncpa@email.com

Example 2: Within prior work experience

By The Numbers Associates

Certified Public Accountant, Issued October 2008

2008-Current

Example 3: In your licenses and certifications

Notary Public, Texas

Texas Department of Business, issued December 2019

Renewal date: November 2021

Example 4: As part of the resume summary

Certified Public Accountant and Notary Public with over 10 years’ experience seeking to utilize skills to improve company productivity, organization, and customer service satisfaction.