How to List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)

Anyone can say they’re skilled. A certification proves it.

Employers want to know that your knowledge is real, tested, and up to date. That’s why certifications matter on a resume. But many job seekers aren’t sure where to list them—or how much detail to include. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to put certifications on a resume the right way to boost your credibility and improve your chances of getting hired.

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What Are Certifications?

Certifications are documents that prove you have the knowledge and professional skill set to do a specific job or task. 

Usually, you earn one by completing a course or passing a test through an accredited institution, such as a university, industry association, or professional organization. 

Certifications demonstrate you have technical skills gained through specialized training or study and verified through examination. While completing a training can lead to certification, not every course automatically grants one, making them even more valuable.

Almost every profession has certifications you can earn. Whether you work at a fast-food restaurant or at a tech giant like Google, certifications help prove your expertise. Some examples include:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Administered by the Scrum Alliance, this certification is recommended for current and aspiring Scrum leaders across industries.
• OSHA Forklift Certification: This certification allows you to operate forklifts safely and is ideal for construction and industrial jobs.
• HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: One of the most respected certifications in digital marketing, it shows mastery of inbound marketing strategies.
• ISSA Personal Trainer Certification: This is a widely recognized certification for fitness professionals that has been trusted for over 34 years.

When to List Certifications on a Resume 

Adding certifications to your resume is a smart way to stand out, especially since only 22% of resumes include them. But how do you know when to list them? Here are the main situations:

• When the employer requires it: Some jobs can't be done without certain certifications, and most job postings clearly list these requirements. Including them is essential, not just to show you’re qualified, but also to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• To highlight your skills and industry knowledge: Even if a certification isn't required, including one that's directly relevant shows you've gone above and beyond. It proves specialized knowledge and sets you apart from other candidates.
• To compensate for limited experience: If you're a career changer, recent graduate, or have gaps in your work history, certifications can boost your credibility. They show employers that you're committed to learning and have the potential to succeed on the job.

How to Add Certifications on a Resume

When writing your resume, follow these steps to add your certifications effectively: 

Step 1: Write the Certification's Name

Always list the full title of your certification. If it has an acronym, spell it out first, followed by the acronym in parentheses. For example, “Project Management Professional (PMP).” This ensures your resume is ATS-friendly. 

Step 2: Include the Certifying Agency or Institution’s Name

Naming the organization that issued the certification validates your credentials. Always use the full name for clarity. For example, "Project Management Institute." 

Step 3: Add the Date Earned

Include the year you earned the certification. This helps employers understand how recent your credential is and whether it may require renewal or updates. 

When finished, your standard certification entry should look like this: 

Pro tip: If you’re still working toward earning your certification, simply write “In Progress” where the earned date would go. 

Step 4: Add Other Optional Details

Most certification entries only need the title, the institution's name, and the year earned. But in some instances, they may require extra details, such as: 

• Expiration date: For certifications that require regular renewal, showing the expiration date proves your credential is current.
• License number: Certain professions, like nursing, therapy, or law, require a license number for credibility.
• Location: Some licenses are state-specific. Including the state or region confirms you’re legally allowed to practice there.

Take a look at this nurse practitioner resume example: 

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Where to Put Certifications on a Resume

Deciding where to include your certifications depends on how relevant they are to the job and your level of experience. Here are four sections where certifications can be placed effectively: 

Resume Header

For jobs that legally require a license, like nursing, accounting, or medicine, placing your credential next to your name in the resume header ensures it’s immediately visible. For example, "Alexandra Nowak, CPA." 

Professional Summary

Similar to headers, roles that require a certification benefit from including the credential in the resume summary. Start your paragraph by briefly stating your certification, then highlight the skills and achievements that make you a great fit for the role. 

Like this: 

Education

If you're a recent graduate with a relevant certification for your target role, including it in your education section will make you stand out. Opt for this placement if it’s not a requirement for the position. See this example: 

Dedicated Certifications Section

Creating a separate section for your certifications works best if you're an experienced professional with several certifications to highlight. Organize them in order of relevance to the role or by date obtained, following this simple format: 

Pro tip: Using Zety’s resume templates can help you quickly add your certifications without second-guessing where they should go or having to adjust your formatting to get it right. 

Key Takeaways

You're ready to start impressing employers with your credentials and specialized knowledge. Before you go, remember these key points: 

• Certifications show verified skills and help build trust with employers.
• Include certifications if the job requires them, if you want to highlight specific hard skills, or if you need to compensate for limited experience.
• Clearly listing certifications improves your chances of passing ATS.
• Including the certifying organization and completion date adds credibility and clarity.
• Required licenses and credentials should appear in your resume header or professional summary.
• Optional but relevant certifications can strengthen your profile, especially for entry-level or career-changing candidates.
• A dedicated certifications section works best for experienced professionals with multiple credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should certifications be listed on a resume?

Certifications should be listed using their full name, certifying organization, and date earned to ensure clarity and ATS compatibility. You can add certifications in several resume sections: 

• Header or summary: If they're legally required for the role
• Education section: If you're a recent graduate and have an optional certification that showcases your commitment to learning
• Dedicated certifications section: If you're an experienced candidate with several certifications to show off

How many certifications should you list on a resume?

In most cases, listing three to five certifications is enough. You should add only the certifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Focus on credentials that support the role’s requirements or highlight valuable skills. Listing too many unrelated certifications can distract employers and make your resume harder to scan.

Are certifications considered skills?

Certifications are not skills, but they prove that you have mastered specific skills. While skills show what you can do, certifications show that your abilities have been tested and verified by a recognized organization. Including both on your resume strengthens your profile and helps employers trust your qualifications.

Which certifications are most in-demand?

The most in-demand certifications depend on your industry, but employers consistently value credentials in IT, healthcare, finance, and project management. 

Popular examples include IT security and cloud certifications, healthcare licenses, CPA credentials, and project management certifications. Reviewing job postings in your field is the best way to identify which certifications employers prioritize.

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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.