Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

  • Resume and Cover Letter
  • How to Put LinkedIn on a...

How to Put LinkedIn on a Resume (with Examples)

10 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Ronda Suder

Here's how to best represent LinkedIn on your resume so you receive the right type of attention

It's common knowledge that LinkedIn is the top professional social media site used. Unlike other older social media sites that have declined in popularity over the years, LinkedIn has maintained its popularity and has been actively used since its launch in 2003. With more than 1 billion users worldwide and 67 million companies on the site, it's a go-to resource to network, recruit, find and apply for jobs, promote your expertise, and more. 

So, if you're not on LinkedIn, create an account as soon as possible. For those of you who are on LinkedIn, you might be wondering if you should include LinkedIn on your resume. Great question! 

In this post, we'll cover:

Why you should include LinkedIn on a resume

How to update your LinkedIn profile so it's safe to share your URL

How to create a custom LinkedIn URL

Ways to personalize your LinkedIn URL

Where and how to put LinkedIn on your resume

When not to include LinkedIn on your resume

How to include LinkedIn Learning on your resume

Should you put LinkedIn on a resume? 

It's true that your resume is the first impression employers have of you when you apply for a job. With that said, count on LinkedIn being impression number two, given that more than 78% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and research candidates. Some research even indicates 40% of employers won't consider you if you don't have a LinkedIn profile. In other words, as soon as your resume grabs the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager, it's likely that they're going to quickly do an online search to learn more about you, starting with LinkedIn. 

So, if you've been wondering if recruiters and hiring managers really do check LinkedIn, now you know that they do. As a result, you should definitely include your LinkedIn URL on your resume. But, before you take that step, you must ensure that your profile is current and professional. 

How to update your LinkedIn profile before sharing your URL

Even if you choose not to include your LinkedIn URL on your resume, based on the stats above, it's still probable that hiring teams will look for it anyway. So, first things first, you need to ensure your LinkedIn profile has all the necessary elements and is professionally written. The last thing you want is for a hiring manager to find your profile halfway complete - that scenario is likely to put your resume in the thanks-but-no-thanks pile. 

While it's true that your LinkedIn profile and resume need to align with each other, the great thing about your LinkedIn profile is that it gives you the chance to share more about yourself than your resume can highlight - another reason to be sure to include LinkedIn on your resume. Your LinkedIn profile provides you with a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and all of your professional history - it's a way to highlight your personal and professional brand. 

To ensure your profile is up to par and does what it's meant to do (land an interview and help you to get hired), you want to customize it as follows:

Include a professional photo and cover image

Craft a catchy headline

Add a standout summary in the “About” section

Add your work history in detail

Include all of your skills

Seek endorsements

Include your education , training, licenses, and certifications

Request recommendations

Add work samples, if possible

Complete all relevant sections

For more detailed information on how to best complete your LinkedIn profile, refer to “ 12 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out .” 

If you don't currently have a LinkedIn profile, use caution when rushing to create one. Yes, you want to have a profile up and running as soon as possible - especially if you're in the market for a new job - but don't create it in haste. Instead, when you're ready, give it some thoughtful consideration and take the time required to ensure it's a profile you're proud to share with employers. 

Another essential step to take before adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume is personalizing it. Yes, you could use the LinkedIn-generated URL that includes your full name followed by a string of seemingly random numbers and text at the end, but doing so looks unprofessional. In the examples below, if you compare how a LinkedIn-generated URL looks with how a customized URL looks, which is better? 

LinkedIn-generated URL : linkedin.com/in/carry-groove-521a7699744/ 

Customized URL: linkedin.com/in/carrygroove

Not only does the customized URL look more professional, it's also easier to recall. Plus, not customizing your URL can make you come across as being lazy or not caring enough about your job application.

Now that you're clear it's essential to customize your LinkedIn URL, here are the steps to do so:

Log into your LinkedIn profile

On the upper middle to right side of the LinkedIn navigation, click on the “Me” icon

From the menu that appears, click on “View Profile”

Select “Edit public profile & URL” from the top right corner, which will take you to your public profile settings

Click on the pencil icon below and to the right of “Edit your custom URL”

Customize the last part of the URL where you can enter information and click “Save”

Ways to customize and personalize your LinkedIn URL

LinkedIn allows you to customize your URL with 3 to 100 numbers or letters. When choosing what to use for the customized aspect, first remove any random string of text or numbers following your name. If your name alone isn't available, the next best option is to use a variation of your name that is still recognizable and professional. You can also include your job title or profession for URL customization.

Here are some examples of how to personalize your URL:

Add an available and easy to remember number at the end: linkedin.com/in/jamesjones25

Use your title or area of expertise: linkedin.com/in/jamesjoneshrgeneralist

Include your credentials: linkedin.com/in/jamesjonesCPA  

Add a phrase that relates to your personal brand: linkedin.com/in/jamesjonesmortgageloanexpert

Add your middle initial: linkedin.com/in/jameszjones

Where to include a LinkedIn URL on your resume

You're likely not surprised to learn that your LinkedIn URL should go at the top of your resume with your contact information . It's typically the last piece of contact information you'll include, following your phone number and email address.

When sending your resume by email, it's also wise to include your hyperlinked LinkedIn URL in your email signature. This offers easy access to your LinkedIn profile before the recruiter or hiring manager even looks at your resume. It's a good idea to include your LinkedIn URL in the contact information section of your cover letter , too.

How to put your LinkedIn URL on your resume

When listing your LinkedIn URL:

You don't need to include the "https://www." at the beginning. Only listing the rest of the URL is sufficient - for example, linkedin.com/in/karenjohnson22

You don't need to include a LinkedIn label for the URL - the employer will know what the URL is referencing since all LinkedIn URLs begin with "linkedin.com/in/" 

Hyperlink the URL in electronic versions of your resume

On the rare occasion that you might mail a hard copy of your resume, be sure the URL is easily legible and remove the hyperlink

How to put LinkedIn on a resume: example

When you've added your LinkedIn URL to your resume, it could look like this: 

[email protected] | 555.555.5555 | linkedin.com/in/marysmith11

When not to include a LinkedIn URL on your resume

It's clear that putting LinkedIn on your resume adds value in most instances. However, there are a few scenarios where you shouldn't include LinkedIn on your resume. 

Don't include your LinkedIn URL if:

You haven't customized your LinkedIn URL. As mentioned earlier, not customizing your URL might make you appear lazy to recruiters and hiring managers. Since the LinkedIn-generated URL also tends to be long and odd-looking, it could be distracting to human readers vs. adding value the way you want it to.

Your profile is out-of-date and incomplete. Again, it's imperative that your LinkedIn profile is current and complete if you're in the job market and share your URL on your resume.

You don't feel good about your profile. Even if your LinkedIn profile is current, if you don't feel good about it or don't feel it represents you in the best light possible, don't include the URL on your resume. Instead, wait until you've made the updates and changes that make you want to share it. With that said, since employers tend to look you up even if you don't include your URL, try to make those changes with thoughtful consideration sooner rather than later - especially if you're currently applying for jobs. You also have the option of switching your profile to private until you're ready to make it public.  You can always seek professional support to help you update your profile if you're struggling to do so yourself. 

Your LinkedIn profile merely mirrors your resume. A benefit of including your LinkedIn URL on your resume is that it gives hiring teams insight into additional skills and experiences you have, as well as who you are as a person. If your LinkedIn profile and resume are virtually the same, then hiring teams might wonder why you included the URL at all. 

How to add LinkedIn Learning to your resume

If you have a LinkedIn learning certificate, it can be a valuable addition to enhance your job marketing materials. Here are some ways to include LinkedIn Learning on your resume:

Include it in your Certifications section. The most obvious place to include a LinkedIn Learning certificate is in your list of certifications, if you include such a section on your resume. 

Share it in your Education section . Suppose LinkedIn Learning is your only certification or additional training beyond your education. In that case, you can choose to list it with your education. For this scenario, some good naming conventions for the section are “Education & Certifications” or “Education & Credentials.”   

Reference it in your resume summary. You might mention your LinkedIn Learning certificate in your resume summary , if it helps to fill in any skills gaps you have or if you lack relevant work experience for the position.

Add it to your skills or competencies list. If you don't need to emphasize your LinkedIn Learning training in your summary, or are forgoing a Certifications section on your resume, then you can opt to list it in your skills or competencies list. 

LinkedIn on your resume is expected

In today's world, employers expect to see your LinkedIn URL on your resume. Be sure to include your personalized URL with your contact information and, simultaneously, ensure your LinkedIn profile is professionally written and up to date. Hiring managers will thank you! 

And if you have any LinkedIn Learning training that's relevant to the job, be sure to include it where appropriate. Doing so can further enhance your resume and prove you're the perfect candidate for the job. Good luck!  

Do you want to know whether your resume correctly represents your LinkedIn URL as well as other pertinent elements? Why not submit it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers ? They'll work with you and show you exactly what to include and how to include it to create the best resume possible!  

Recommended reading:

How to List Certifications on a Resume (with Examples)

5 Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Resume

How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly for Free

Related Articles:

What are Social Skills and Why Are They Important in Your Job Search?

How to Upload Your Resume to LinkedIn - Step by Step Guide

Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Press Enter to search

The Right Way To List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)

We’ll take you through exactly how to list certifications on your resume, including industry-specific qualifications to look into and where they belong on your resume.

3 years ago   •   11 min read

Let's cut straight to the chase: the key to effectively listing certifications is clarity and relevance. In 2024, where the job market is increasingly competitive and digital certifications are on the rise, it's more important than ever to highlight your qualifications in a way that stands out to employers. This means not only listing your certifications but doing so in a manner that aligns with current industry standards and expectations.

Good certifications are worth more than the paper they’re written on. Some are actually required before you can even apply for a job, while others are simply concrete proof of your skills. Either way, the right qualification can make or break a resume.

In this article, we'll guide you through the essentials of showcasing your certifications. We'll discuss why certifications are more relevant than ever in today's job market, the best ways to format and position them on your resume, and how to determine which certifications will make your application shine. Whether you're a seasoned professional or stepping into the job market for the first time, this guide will help ensure your resume's certification section is both impressive and effective.

When to include certifications on your resume (and when not to)

You should list certifications on your resume if:.

  • It’s a job requirement : Some jobs will ask for specific licenses and certifications — sometimes, these are even legal requirements. If a job posting mentions a certification as a minimum requirement, you’re unlikely to even be considered unless you include it on your resume. If it’s in the “nice to have” section, it may not be as necessary, but listing it will still give you an advantage.
  • It gets you past ATS : If a certification is mentioned in the job description, chances are either a recruiter or an applicant tracking system (ATS) will be screening out resumes that don’t mention it. Clearly listing certifications on your resume will prevent you from getting rejected automatically.
  • It establishes credibility : Even in jobs where a certification isn’t strictly required, it can be a good way to demonstrate your skills. The more well-known or established the accreditation is, the more true this is. If you’re working or moving into a field with an industry standard certification, it might be well worth pursuing.
  • You're changing careers : If you lack industry-specific experience, completing a short course or certification shows that you’re committed to changing directions (not just resume spamming) and shows that you have the technical skills needed for the job.

You should leave certifications off your resume if:

  • It's not relevant to the job : Like anything on your resume, certifications should only be included if they’re actually relevant. You may have studied for ages for that nursing certification, but if you’re applying for a job in human resources, leave it off!
  • It's a very short course : Unless they’re essential or deeply relevant, Coursera or similar courses that only take a few hours or days to complete aren’t usually significant enough to belong on your resume. The same goes for most short-form professional development courses, unless it's deeply relevant to the job you're applying for.
  • The certification has expired : In the case of certifications that are only valid for a certain period (for example, CPR or First Aid certificates), don't list these on your resume if they're past the point of expiry — but do renew the certification if it's necessary for the job.

Got a certification that definitely belongs on your resume? Scroll down for a detailed guide to listing certifications on a resume.

Why certifications are relevant in 2024

In an era where remote work opportunities continue to rise, and digital skills are highly valued, enhancing your resume and staying up-to-date with relevant skills has become crucial. The right set of qualifications and competitive hard skills can significantly boost your resume by demonstrating adaptability, technical proficiency, and a commitment to staying current in a digitally-driven world.

Online certifications are far more common now than ever before, offering flexibility and accessibility in acquiring new skills. But, not all certificates are created equal. As there are now so many online courses available, choosing the right certificates from a recognized institution is crucial. Employers are far more open to accepting online certifications as proof of your skills. Still, you need to ensure you choose certifications that are recognized and respected in your desired industry.

How to list certifications on your resume

First things first: Here's how to list any certification on your resume.

  • List the name of the certificate or qualification.
  • Include the name of the certifying agency or where you obtained it. This is important for credibility, as it allows employers to verify the authenticity of your qualifications and assess their relevance.
  • List the date you achieved the certification.
  • Include a location (if applicable).
  • Specify if the certification is still in progress. It's fine to list an in-progress qualification, as long as you add "in progress" or "expected [date]."
  • If the certification has an expiration date, make sure you include the dates of validity.
  • Use an ATS resume scanner to suggest industry-specific skills and keywords.
  • Regularly update your resume to remove or update expired certifications.

A checklist and example of how to list certifications on your resume

How to format certifications on your resume

Use bold or italics for the certification name to draw attention to it, especially if it's a crucial qualification for the job you're applying for. The key is to enhance readability and highlight your qualifications without overwhelming the rest of your resume. For example:

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification - Atlas Institute, May 2022.

This technique helps your most essential certificates catch a recruiter's eye while keeping your resume professional-looking and easy to scan.

Where to list certifications on your resume

Here's a guide to the best places to list certifications on your resume:

In the education section of your resume

The education section of your resume is probably the most intuitive spot to include certifications, especially if they’re particularly significant. List your entries in reverse chronological order, with the most recent qualifications first. If you’re changing careers and don’t have any other relevant experience, you may even want to include your education section at the top of your resume. For example:

Here's how to list certifications on your resume alongside your education in reverse chronological order.

Under a section titled ‘Other’ or ‘Additional Information’

List a certifications in an additional section if you have more relevant work experience to emphasize first or you're running out of space on your resume. If you choose to include more than one or two certifications, list them on their own line alongside things like technical skills , awards, and language fluency .

Here's an example of combining your certifications with other skill sets.

Including a subheading like this on your resume makes it easy for a hiring manager to find your relevant certifications.

Including a subheading makes it easy for a hiring manager to find your relevant certifications.

Here's another simple example of listing a certification, which mentioning who awarded it. Use this only if your certification is not widely known and the context of your certification could help.

Listing the source of your certifications can help add legitimacy.

In a ‘Certifications’ section

As a rule, you shouldn’t dedicate too much space on your resume to listing certifications — one of two lines should generally be enough. But if you have several certifications and they’re all relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, you can create a dedicated certifications section to avoid cluttering up your resume. For example:

Creating a separate section on your resume to avoid clutter is a good idea if you’re listing more than one or two certifications.

Creating a separate section to avoid clutter is a good idea if you’re listing more than one or two certifications.

In your resume summary or header

If you want to emphasize an essential and/or particularly well-known qualification (including professional licences), include this information in your summary or header. This isn’t the case for most certifications, so first make sure that it’s actually a crucial job requirement and that it’s a well-known and easily recognizable acronym, like PMP or HIPAA. For example:

If you’re applying for project management positions, you can mention PMP certification in your resume summary.

If your certification is part of the job title you are applying to, you can consider including it directly in your header . Here's an example of a Certified Nursing Assistant's resume:

For roles like nursing where specific certifications are essential, it can be helpful to list your qualifications in your resume header.

For roles like nursing where specific certifications are essential, it can be helpful to list your qualifications in your resume header.

In a projects section

If your certification included significant project experience, consider listing it in a dedicated projects section . This can be especially helpful if you’re changing careers and don’t have a lot of relevant work experience, as projects can help bridge the gap and include hands-on experience. Remember to list projects the same way you would any other experience, starting with an action verb and using numbers and metrics where possible. For example:

Including certifications in your projects section can help your resume get past ATS and highlight your skills in action.

If you’re not sure if you’ve listed your certifications the right way, upload your resume to the tool below — it’ll scan your resume and give you detailed feedback and suggestions on how to improve your resume sections. It is also a good way to check if your resume is readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Use an acronym after your name

Maximize the impact of your prestigious certifications by using acronyms after your name. This immediately signals your qualifications to potential employers.

For instance, if you're a Project Management Professional, include 'John Doe, PMP' at the top of your resume. This tactic is particularly effective for certifications that are well-recognized in your industry.

Why you should consider adding certifications to your resume

Adding certifications can significantly enhance your resume by showcasing your commitment to professional development and proficiency in new skills. The right new skills can open doors to new career opportunities, potentially leading to higher salaries and advancement in your field.

In rapidly changing industries, certifications also ensure that your skills and knowledge remain up-to-date and you remain a competitive candidate for potential promotion. In the long run, certifications not only help with immediate job placement and salary benefits, but also help with long-term career satisfaction and growth.

How to determine what certifications are relevant for your resume

As with most skills on your resume, the best way to determine what skills are relevant for a position, is to look at the job description itself. See what skills are mentioned in the job description, and if you have any of the qualifications mentioned, list them clearly and prominently. Our comprehensive database of skills and keywords allows you to search for a specific job and instantly find the skills to add to your resume, including common certifications.

The next best thing is to network! The most reliable source of information is usually other people working in the industry. If you’re new to the field or changing careers, this step is extra important — our tips on how to ask for an informational interview will help you get started.

Another way to find skills and keywords for your resume is by using the tool below to search for the job you’re applying for. It’ll give you a list of relevant skills and keywords.

Recommended certifications by industry

Depending on your industry, there may be a set of common (or sometimes essential) certifications it would be helpful to pursue.

  • Project Managers: Certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Prince2, and Lean Six Sigma.
  • Human Resources : Jobs may require Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.
  • Information Technology and Engineering : Some of the best are AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), CompTIA A+, Cisco, Google Cloud, and Microsoft certifications.
  • Product owners and Developers: Agile and Scrum certifications.
  • Accountant : Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification .
  • Programmers : Oracle Java, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), and EC-Council Certified Secure Programmer (ECSP) certifications — but when it comes to most programming languages, a good GitHub profile is far more valuable than specific certifications.
  • Nurses and other Healthcare professionals: Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification.
  • Business Professionals : Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) qualification.

How to ensure and show your certification is legitimate

Choose certificates that are from accredited and recognized institutions and well-known organizations. This is particularly crucial with the rise of online courses, where the quality and recognition of qualifications can vary. Mentioning the certifying body on your resume can help establish the legitimacy of your qualifications in the eyes of an employer, and be prepared to provide proof of your certifications if requested, which could include the certificate itself, a transcript, or a link to a verification page.

Frequently Asked Questions

If i have multiple certificates, how do i decide which to include.

Only include certificates and qualifications that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid listing certifications unrelated to the position, as they may distract from your relevant qualifications. If you have multiple certifications that demonstrate the same skills, include only your most recent, the most highly recognized, or those that showcase the highest level skills.

Do I need to list the certifying body or institution that granted my certificate?

Yes. Always mention the name of the institution or organization that granted your certificate. Certifications from renowned and accredited bodies are often viewed more favorably. Omitting this information might raise questions about the legitimacy or significance of your certification.

Should I include the grade of my certificate?

Generally, most certifications are pass/fail, and the grade you achieved is not necessary. The focus should be on the certification itself and its relevance to the job. However, it could be worth mentioning if you achieved an exceptionally high grade or honor (such as graduating top of your class).

How often should I update the certifications on my resume?

You should regularly update your resume to reflect any new certifications. Keeping your resume current ensures potential employers see the most accurate representation of your skills. It's especially important to update certifications that have expiration dates or require renewal.

What is the difference between licenses and certifications on a resume?

A license typically refers to a legal permission to practice a certain profession or activity, and is often mandatory for certain jobs. A certificate usually indicates completion of a course to acquire certain skills or knowledge and is not generally required for a position.

Should I create a separate resume certification section?

Yes, especially if you have multiple relevant certifications. This makes your resume more organized and helps in drawing attention to your key qualifications.

Should I include online course certifications?

Yes, but be selective. Include online certifications that are relevant to the job and from reputable providers. They can demonstrate continual learning and skill development.

What are the risks of including expired or irrelevant certifications?

Listing expired certifications can reflect poorly on your professional image, suggesting outdated skills. Irrelevant certifications may distract from your pertinent skills and experience. Only include certifications that are current and relevant to the job.

Spread the word

Writing resume accomplishments (with examples), hate networking here's 12 networking tips you can actually use, keep reading, how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), oops what to do if there’s a mistake on your resume, getting the basics right: resume line spacing, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay updated with Resume Worded by signing up for our newsletter.

🎉 Awesome! Now check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.

Please enter a valid email address

Oops! There was an error sending the email, please try later

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Why and How to List Certifications on a Resume – Guide w/ Examples

Background Image

Want to include certifications on your resume, but not sure how?

We don’t blame you - it’s not as simple as it seems.

If your certifications are critical for the job, it’s essential to include them on top of your resume in the summary or contact information section, or you risk the recruiter skipping over your resume entirely.

Or, if they’re not, you should create a dedicated section for all your important certifications instead of cluttering up your other sections. 

And in this article, we’re going to teach you how to do all that!

Want to skip all the hassle of creating a resume from scratch? We got your back. You can choose any of our free resume templates to get a professional and modern resume without breaking a sweat.

novoresume templates

What Are Certifications?

Certifications are documents awarded by accredited institutions, such as boards, associations, or professional organizations. 

Obtaining any certification shows that you possess or that you’ve developed a certain skill or that you’ve reached a certain level of technical proficiency. 

To get a certification, you typically need to be able to meet certain requirements and criteria, pay a fee, or even pass an assessment test at times. The harder a certain certification is to acquire, the more likely it is to give you an edge over other candidates for the job.

Based on your profession, there are countless certifications out there. Here are some popular examples: 

  • CompTIA A+ : Popular certification for information technology professionals.
  • PHR : The HR Certification Institute awards this certification to HR professionals who have mastered both the technical and personal aspects of human resource management.
  • NCLEX-RN : Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse assistants can obtain this certification from their state’s Board of Nursing.

Why Get Certified??

As we already mentioned, earning a certification shows that you’re devoted to your field of work and provides evidence of your skills and work experience . 

In a nutshell, adding a professional certification to your resume is undeniable proof that you’re competent in a specific skill or field of work. In some positions, certification might be a mandatory requirement for simply being considered for a job.

For other roles, it can be an added bonus that helps you stand out amongst other equally qualified candidates.

Even if the certification isn’t a requirement to get the job, it can certainly do the following for your job hunt :

  • Boost your resume
  • Draw attention to your application
  • Prove that you’re a valuable hire

When to Include Certifications on Your Resume

While certifications are not mandatory on a resume, there are some cases when you should definitely do it if you want to take your resume from good to great . 

Here are some of those cases: 

#1. The employer requires it

This is probably the top reason why you should include certifications on your resume - they’re a must for the job . 

If a potential employer lists a certain certification in the job description and you fail to include it on your resume, the hiring manager may disqualify you on the spot. 

As such, make sure to check the job ad and company website thoroughly before you submit your application for any job opening. 

#2. To demonstrate your skills

In certain situations, a certification may not be required for the job, but still prove invaluable to your application.

Let’s take, for example, computer skills . They’re a must for most jobs today, whether or not they’re in the IT field. So, if you’re applying for, say, an office assistant position and you list an IT-related accreditation, the hiring manager will know that you’re also great with computers.

Compared to other candidates with similar experience, this certification may be enough to give you the upper hand in the hiring process.  

#3. To highlight your industry knowledge

Another great reason to include your certifications in your resume is if they can further highlight your years of experience in a certain industry. 

As we already mentioned, some certificates can only be obtained if you’ve worked a certain number of years in the field. In turn, listing such certifications on your resume can be an additional “voucher” for your experience. 

#4. To make up for limited practical experience

Certifications can also be used to make up for the lack of work experience . 

Let’s say you’re a recently graduated graphic designer with little professional experience in the field. However, you’ve practiced graphic design a lot in college, as well as in your free time, and have gained the necessary skills for the job. 

In such a case, listing a graphic design-related certification may be able to balance out your lack of work experience. 

How to List Certifications on a Resume 

Now that you know all about certifications, including how they can benefit your resume, it’s time to learn how to add them to your resume the right way :

How to Format Your Certifications 

In 90% of cases, you should create a dedicated resume section to list your certifications. 

Here’s how you’d format such a section: 

  • Add the title of the certification. List the full title of the certificate underneath the section header as a bullet point. Make sure there are no typos in the title and that any abbreviations are spelled out.
  • Include the name of the awarding organization. Adding the name of the organization or institution that certified you can make the certificate much more legitimate. Here too, make sure to double-check for any spelling errors.
  • List the date you earned your certification. Additionally, make sure to add the date your certificate was last renewed, in case it’s a certification that requires renewal. If you’re in the process of obtaining a certification, you can list it on your resume by including the anticipated obtainment date.
  • List the date your certification expires. In case your certification has an expiration date and you still haven’t renewed it, add the expiration date too. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t add expired certificates to your resume.
  • Provide details (optional). If the space allows it (remember, your resume should optimally be one-page-long ), add a sentence describing the skills related to the certification. This can help the hiring manager see how it’s relevant for the job.

career masterclass

Where to Add Certifications to Your Resume 

There are several places where you can add your certifications to your resume. As mentioned above, the most common one is under a dedicated “Certifications” section . 

Alternatively (and depending on how important the certification is for the job), you can also use these three resume sections to list them:

  • Your resume summary
  • Your contact information
  • Your education section

Let’s go through each possibility in more detail: 

#1. List certifications under the “Certifications” section 

Every resume contains mandatory sections (e.g. contact information, work experience, resume summary, skills) and optional resume sections (e.g. internships , volunteer work, hobbies and interests , etc.).

Certifications belong to the latter group as, in most cases, they’re not required for most jobs. That said, certifications are among the best optional sections you can add to your resume. 

Creating such a section is fairly easy. 

Firstly, position this section after all your essential sections, as such: 

certifications on resume

Then, create a heading on your resume named “Certifications” or “Certificates” and format all relevant certificates according to the formatting rules we outlined above. 

One thing to keep in mind is that you should list your certifications in reverse-chronological order. Start with the most recent certificate and make your way from there.

Here is a real-life example of a “Certifications” section done well and one done not so well:

Certifications

First Aid Certification

American Red Cross, July 2018

Expires: January 2020

Skills acquired: CPR

#2. List certifications In your resume summary 

If you have a certification that’s required or super relevant for the job, you can also include it in your resume summary section.

For example, if you're a certified accountant , you can mention it in your summary as follows:

how to list certifications in the resume summary

Just add one line and you're already one step ahead! You don't even need to rework your existing summary, just start or end the first sentence with the certification’s title.

For example:

  • Certified CPR sports teacher with 15+ years of experience and solid organizational skills, seeking to preserve and improve the quality of sports education at Amigos Children's Academy. At Jefferson Elementary, raised sports team national results by 12% and led an exhibition team at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships. 
  • Data analyst with 7+ years of experience analyzing business processes. Enthusiastic to handle big data interpreting and visualizing skills at 7EDGE. CCA certified in 2013.

If you really want your certification to be the first thing the employer sees, you can even include it in your contact information section, or as part of your job title. 

Here’s what we mean by that: 

how to list certifications in the contact section

#3. List certifications in your education section 

Finally, you can also include your certifications in your resume’s education section .

This, however, is not a popular choice and you should only do it if:

  • You only have one certification (and it’s not job-critical)
  • You took your certification courses throughout your university years
  • You want to list less important certifications outside the designated certifications section

Here’s what that would look like on a resume: 

Healthcare School of Hawaii, Aiea, HI

08/2013 - 05/2017

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 2017
  • Learned to assist healthcare providers with medical procedures while obtaining vital signs per protocol, feeding and bathing patients, and dressing wounds.

5 Examples of Certifications on Resumes

Here are some examples of certifications on resumes for different positions, using our tried-and-tested resume templates :

#1. Certified Medical Assistant Resume Example

Certified Medical Assistant Resume Example

#2. Web Developer Resume Example

certified Web Developer Resume Example

#3. Recruiter Resume Example

certified Recruiter Resume Example

#4. Flight Attendant Resume Example

Certified Flight Attendant Resume Example

#5. Tech Resume Example

certified Tech Resume Example

10 Top Certifications That Can Boost Your Career

Some of the most popular certifications you can acquire in 2024 are as follows:

  • PMP Certification . The Project Management Professional is a global certification offered by the Project Management Institute for project managers.
  • BC/BE. This certification stands for Board Certified/Board Eligible and is given to physicians who have completed their residency but haven’t passed their board exam.
  • PALS Certification. Pediatric Advanced Life Support is for professionals who want to specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Forklift Certification. The Occupational Safety Health Administration offers training and then a license to safely drive heavy machines like forklifts inside warehouses.
  • Scrum Master Certification. Scrum is a framework for managing complex projects and this course offers an entry-level credential to show professionals have an understanding of the methodology.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant . The CNA certification is state-specific and is a must-have for anyone who wants to work in patient care.
  • First Aid Certification. This certification provides the necessary knowledge to react effectively in emergency situations before the medics arrive. This includes stitching deep cuts, addressing injuries, and even handling broken bones.
  • ASE Certification. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers the Automotive Service Excellence certification to test and certify a mechanic’s skills and abilities.
  • CPR Certification . The most commonly requested certification from employers, this Red Cross certification can come in handy for pursuing a number of job opportunities that are not limited to the medical industry (e.g. teaching jobs, public-facing roles, and even companies can benefit from employees being CPR-certified).
  • CISSP. This is one of the most popular network security certifications, perfect for information security professionals who already have a few years of experience and want their skills to be globally recognized.

Resume Certifications FAQs

Still have some questions? You’ll find your answers in this section!

1. Should I list online course certifications on my resume?

Yep! As long as the certifications are relevant to the job, you should include them on your resume.

Online certifications can especially help you if you’re a recent graduate with not a lot of work experience .

2. Is there a situation when I DON’T list certifications on my resume?

Definitely! You should only add certifications that add value to your resume .

If you’re a business analyst, for example, a Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) WILL help get you hired.

A bartending or CPR certification, though, won’t.

You also shouldn’t add certifications that are outdated (for obvious reasons) or ones that are just not that significant.

For example, if you’re a business analyst with 10+ years of experience, you shouldn’t include your business management certificate you got from some online course sometime in college.

So, to sum it up, you can skip certifications that are:

  • Insignificant

3. What other sections can I list on my resume?

You can add a lot of interesting optional sections to make your resume even more competitive, such as: 

  • Awards, Honors, Accomplishments
  • Volunteering and Associations
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Independent Projects, 
  • Hobbies, Interests, Languages
  • Publications, Training, Conferences

Make sure, though, not to over-clutter your resume, or get it to spill over to page 2 .

Look at it from the recruiter’s point of view - which of these sections would add value to you as a candidate and show that you can do the job right?

Then, choose accordingly.

Key Takeaways 

Now, let’s sum up everything we’ve learned about certifications in your resume:

  • Adding a professional certification to your resume is proof that you have the competence to do something.
  • Put job-critical resume certifications in four places, such as in your personal information section, in your resume summary, in your education section, or in a designated certification section.
  • Always make your most noteworthy or relevant certifications visible and attention-grabbing.
  • Don't include certifications that are outdated, irrelevant, or insignificant on your resume.

Looking for more industry-leading career advice? Make sure to follow our career blog !

cookies image

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

  • Crimson Careers
  • For Employers
  • Harvard College
  • Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
  • Harvard Extension School
  • Premed / Pre-Health
  • Families & Supporters
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Prospective Students
  • First Generation / Low Income
  • International Students
  • Students of Color
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Undocumented Students
  • Varsity Athletes
  • Explore Interests & Make Career Decisions
  • Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter
  • Expand Your Network
  • Engage with Employers
  • Search for a Job
  • Find an Internship
  • January Experiences (College)
  • Find & Apply for Summer Opportunities Funding
  • Prepare for an Interview
  • Negotiate an Offer
  • Apply to Graduate or Professional School
  • Access Resources
  • AI for Professional Development and Exploration
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Climate, Sustainability, Environment, Energy
  • Government, Int’l Relations, Education, Law, Nonprofits
  • Life Sciences & Health
  • Technology & Engineering
  • Still Exploring
  • Talk to an Advisor

Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them)

  • Share This: Share Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them) on Facebook Share Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them) on LinkedIn Share Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them) on X

by Regina Borsellino, original published at The Muse

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

As you  write your resume , many of the things you need to include may have an obvious place: Your past jobs go in your work experience section, your education goes in your education section, and your skills go in your  skills section . But what about certifications? They’re not quite experience or education, but they can be just as—if not more—important to you landing your next job.

We’ll tell you exactly when to include certifications on your resume and how, but first…

What Are Certifications?

A certification is a standardized professional credential—that is, everyone with a certification must meet the same requirements—issued by professional associations, organizations, or companies. You often need to pass exams and may need to meet certain education and experience requirements to obtain one. For example, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is issued by the  Product Management Institute , and in order to receive it you must have a minimum number of months of experience leading projects, complete a minimum number of hours of project management training or a lower-level certification from PMI, and pass the PMP exam.

A certification that checks all of these boxes but is issued by a government or regulatory body and/or is legally required in order to do a certain job is called a license, says  Heather Yurovsky , Muse career coach and founder of  Shatter & Shine . For example, to legally practice as a nurse in New York State you must have a  NYS nursing license , which requires completing an approved nursing degree, undergoing background checks, and passing the NCLEX exam. Teachers, doctors, social workers and other mental health professionals, accountants, and lawyers are also among the professionals who often need licenses to practice. Licenses are also more likely to require ongoing education and training to stay current in your field and can expire if you don’t keep them current, Yurovsky says.

Meanwhile, certificates and  online courses  are not certifications. They’re not standardized and are often education-based rather than experience- or assessment-based. Certificates might be issued by universities, colleges, or vocational schools and show that you completed a set of classes (usually fewer than a degree) or they might “showcase your completion of online courses and learning and development trainings,” Yurovsky says. For example you can get a certificate in  Cybersecurity Technology  from the University of Maryland Global Campus or a  Front-End Web Developer Certificate  from edX. Individual companies may require certain certificates when hiring for roles, but you generally aren’t shut out of a career without one. When relevant, certificates still belong on your resume, but you might consider putting them in your resume’s  education section  (especially when issued by a school) or otherwise distinguishing them from your certifications. If you want to include online courses and certificates on your resume, read more  here .

When Should You Include Certifications on Your Resume?

If you have a certification or license that is required or preferred for the role you’re applying to, definitely put it on your resume. Beyond that, “like with all information in your resume, you want to feature certifications that are relevant to the role you’re pursuing,” Yurovsky says. Think about whether a certification shows how qualified you are as a candidate for  this specific role.  For instance, if you’re applying for a help desk or other IT support role, a  CompTIA A+  certification that proves you’ve been tested on your IT skills will add to your resume even if the job description doesn’t ask for it.

Think about what each of your certifications is saying to a recruiter or hiring manager who reads your resume and what  transferable skills  it communicates. For example, that PMP certification will show that you can manage teams through complex projects and that you likely have strong leadership, communication, and organization skills, which might add to your qualifications not just for a project management job, but for any role where you have direct reports or are overseeing complicated processes. And, as the name suggests, a Google Analytics Individual Qualification shows that you’re an expert in Google Analytics, which might add to your value when being considered for a marketing, content, or data role.

Use the same principles to decide what to leave off your resume. You want your resume  to be tailored  so it’s clear to recruiters why you’ve applied to  this  job. Irrelevant qualifications could leave them confused or make them think you applied to a job that’s not in your field accidentally or indiscriminately. So that CPR certification from your summers as a camp counselor can probably come off your resume as you look for a full-time sales role, and the fact that you’re licensed to teach in Florida probably doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a job in tech—unless you want to pivot to edtech.

How Do You List Certifications on Your Resume?

If you’ve decided to list your certifications or licenses on your resume, there are a few places you can do it. You might consider making a “Professional Certifications,” “Licenses,” or similar section or, Yurovsky says, you can include them in your “Education” section—which you might consider renaming “Education and Certifications” for clarity.

Generally, your certification and license sections should go at the bottom of your resume—below your work experience but above education. However, you always want to lead your resume with the most important information, so if you’re an  entry-level candidate , you might consider moving your certifications and licenses up to the top of the page.

For each certification and license that you list on your resume include:

  • The full name of the certification (any common abbreviation can be included in parentheses)
  • The issuing organization (or state)
  • The date you earned the certification
  • The location (if applicable and not implied by the issuer)
  • Additional additional details or add-ons (if applicable)

If you’re still working on the certification, give your reader the proper context and avoid any awkward interview moments by including “In Progress” next to the name of the certification and/or “Expected” before the month and year you’re on track to complete the program, Yurovsky says.

How would this look in practice? Here are a few examples:

Certifications Project Management Professional (PMP) ,  Project Management Institute  – June 2020 Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) ,  Scrum Alliance  – January 2017

Licenses Professional Educator License (PEL) | State of Illinois | Expected: January 2021 Endorsements: Elementary Education, Special Education

You can also immediately signal that you have your most important certification or license by including it in a  resume summary  or  headline . Particularly in the case of licenses or certifications that are “key to the position at hand,” Yurovsky says, you might also include the abbreviation next to your name at the top separated by a comma. For example, if you’re a registered nurse applying for a nursing role at a hospital, you might write, “Priya Anand, RN” at the very top of the page; or if you’re applying to a position that requires a CPA, go ahead and put “Timothy Oluwa, CPA” as your header. When you literally can’t do the job without that qualification, making it crystal clear that you’ve already jumped that hurdle will only help you.

' src=

Everything You Need to Know about LinkedIn Certifications

If you are between jobs or considering a career change, LinkedIn Certifications can help you reach that next step.

author image

Customers Interviewed by:

amazon

When it comes to certifications , it seems as if everyone has their own versions to offer. But how do you know which ones you should actually pursue?

The need for certifications varies between professions. For example, many tech-focused industries require specific certifications to prove that you can do the work required of you on the job. However, other certifications might not be necessary, but they do make you more competitive in the job search.

In this post, we’ll talk about the following:

What are LinkedIn Certifications?

How can you add certifications to your linkedin profile, where do i add my linkedin certification on my resume, how much does linkedin learning cost, can linkedin certifications help with employment gaps, can linkedin certifications aid in your career change.

Let’s get started.

LinkedIn Certifications exist for those wishing to further their education or simply hone their skills . The social platform offers more than 16,000 online courses taught by industry professionals. These classes are mostly aligned with those in business, creative, and tech professions. New courses are added every week.

The courses usually take a few hours to complete and are typically set up with videos and quizzes. Once you do complete these courses, LinkedIn offers you a certificate that you can add to your profile as well as your resume. 

A few examples of courses include:

  • Excel Data Visualization
  • Blockchain Basics
  • Marketing Tools: Digital Marketing
  • Learning Python
  • Creativity for All

Once you’ve finished a course and taken the quiz(zes) associated with it, LinkedIn offers you the opportunity to add that certification to your profile. You can do this a few ways.

The first way to accomplish this is to click on the “Add to LinkedIn Profile” button that shows on your screen after completing the course.

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

However, if you completed several courses but didn’t click this button, you can still access your certifications. Just go to the main LinkedIn Learning page and click “My Learning” at the top (circled in the below image).

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

On the next page, click “Learning History,” and you can find the courses you’ve completed. Each course listed features three dots next to the “Share” button. If you click these three dots, you’ll find another way to add the certification to your LinkedIn profile.

linkedin certifications

Once you’ve added the certification to your LinkedIn profile, you can find it under the section named “Licenses & certifications.”

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Depending on your experience level and industry, this answer can vary. However, our general recommendation is to add your LinkedIn Certifications at the bottom of your resume, where you add the rest of your certifications. 

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

You can access LinkedIn Learning, where you can earn your certifications, through a monthly or annual subscription. The monthly subscription costs $29.99/month, whereas an annual subscription runs $239.88/year or $19.99/month. 

LinkedIn Learning offers one month free for those wanting to give it a try.

Let’s be honest, sometimes the job search can take a while—especially if you are being careful about choosing the right fit for your next step. If you are between jobs, it can feel as if you are losing valuable time, even if you are working hard on applying to new positions. 

One way to ease the stress of an employment gap can be to fill that time with securing industry certifications. This shows recruiters and hiring managers that you are a hard worker and know how to use your time wisely. 

These certifications also make you more competitive by adding to your existing skillset. Hard skills are probably the most important part of your resume. These skills are what show recruiters exactly what you have to offer the company. Much of the time, these skills are acquired within the workplace or through work after you graduate. And because technology advances so quickly in so many industries, these skills often need to be updated. LinkedIn Learning helps you accomplish this in an inexpensive way. 

Especially after 2020 and the pandemic’s effect on the professional world, many are reconsidering their current career trajectories. In fact, according to Apollo Technical , 32 percent of those ages 25-44 have considered a career change within the last year. The employment agency also reported that nearly 30 percent of people have completely changed their career fields since graduation.

With that being said, LinkedIn Certifications can also help anyone looking to change careers . Because all of the courses are accessible with the subscription, you can take courses that are outside of your industry. This will not only help you to develop the skills you need for a different career, but it will also show you if you really want to pursue that change. 

If you are interested in pursuing a different industry, our career change tool can help you make that transition. 

LinkedIn Certifications are an inexpensive way to gain more industry knowledge and hone your skills. This makes you much more competitive during the job search process and a more knowledgeable employee once you are hired.

Looking to build a resume from scratch? Check out our ATS-friendly resume builder . You just need to choose a format, follow the prompts (make sure to include your new certifications!), download/print, and send in your new resume!

And for those wanting recruiters to notice them on LinkedIn (that’s you!), make sure to try our LinkedIn Optimization tool where you can find search insights, actionable tips, example phrases, and more for your profile:

LinkedIn optimization to create a better LinkedIn headline

  • How to Write a LinkedIn Headline
  • How to Write a LinkedIn Summary

More expert insights on this topic:

webp_thumb

Top 10 LinkedIn Job Search Experts to Follow in 2023

webp_thumb

75+ Free Certifications to Help You Land Your Dream Job

webp_thumb

How to Write a LinkedIn Headline (with 20+ Examples)

author image

Related Articles

Linkedin Summary Examples

September 8, 2024

LinkedIn headline examples

August 23, 2024

How to Upload Resume to LinkedIn

August 16, 2024

Leverage LinkedIn: How to Download Resume

January 3, 2024

Linkedin

November 8, 2023

How do recruiters find you on LinkedIn? You need an optimized profile.

September 22, 2023

Woman in background with the words "apply now" in forefront.

August 7, 2023

job_search

Join 2 million job seekers who get bi-weekly job search tips

Get insider knowledge and ready-to-use job-seeking tips and hacks delivered to your inbox.

Easy Resume Logo

How to Correctly List Certifications on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Follow our step-by-step guide and resume examples to learn how to correctly include certifications on your resume. Make your candidacy stand out and land the interview.

Rohit Sahay

Introduction to resume certifications

It’s more obvious that resumes need to include work experience and education. But listing certifications on your resume correctly can be a bit fuzzy.

Getting certified in something normally involves completing an accredited institution’s course and passing its requirements. The types of certificates vary across industries, from technical jobs to healthcare jobs.

In this article, we’ll show you step by step how to correctly put certifications on your resume to make your candidacy stand out. Specifically, we’ll take a look at a few resume examples to learn:

  • What types of certifications you have?
  • Which certifications to include on your resume?
  • Where to put those certifications on your resume?

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Barista

Why are certifications important?

Different than honors and awards, certifications may have to be to included on your resume, depending on the industry you’re applying to.

Hiring managers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out resumes and narrow the pool of applicants. Therefore, certifications may be the key to beat ATS systems and make your resume more attractive than the competition.

What types of certifications should be included on a resume?

The first and most important step is to thoroughly read the job description. If you haven't looked at any job listings yet, search for jobs in your industry to find some. Let’s go over the various types of certifications you may find in the job description before figuring out where to put them on your resume.

1. Required Certifications on a Resume

Many professions require its employees to hold certain licenses or certifications. According to the BLS , over 65% of people employed in legal occupations hold licenses and certificates. 76% of Healthcare practitioners hold licenses and certifications.

Some professions may require more than one certificate. For examples, lawyers that have passed the bar need to indicate membership of a state’s bar. The job description will usually make required certifications clear. These certifications need to be listed on your resume.

Do you work in Nursing, Accounting, or Finance? These industries typically require licenses and certifications.

2. Recommended Certifications on a Resume

Employers often use certifications as a resume filter to narrow the pool of applicants. Some certifications can give employers more confidence that a candidate has the right qualifications for the job. For example, the IT Profession has many certificates that prove proficiency in network engineering.

Employers sometimes even compile statistics and report on the number of employees with particular qualifications. Listing highly desired certificates is a very effective way to make your resume stand out. Especially if you’re an entry level candidate or student!

Recommended certificates can sometimes be found in the job description.

3. Optional Certifications on a Resume

This category of certificates are usually not part of the employer’s resume filter criteria. However, including credible certificates can greatly improve your chances of winning an interview. Especially in those few seconds that employers look at your resume before deciding to either continue reading or toss the resume out.

Optional certificates might be very effective for college students as well as those changing careers. These certifications may also be a way to stand out if you're applying in industries such as Architecture and Engineering, where only 24% of those employed hold certifications .

If presented correctly, including optional certifications, such as those acquired from online courses or universities, can be a strategic way to get noticed and land an interview. As long as it’s relevant to the job, some optional certifications may appear as highly desirable.

Tips for adding certifications to a resume

Should online courses be included on a resume?

Have you acquired certifications through completing an online course? Even if they’re optional, these certifications can be a great addition to your resume. Even if they’re not listed in the job description.

Remember, the point of certificates on your resume is to prove to employers that you’re a qualified candidate. Therefore, certificates from online courses should only be included on your resume if they meet the following criteria:

1. The certificate is relevant to the position you’re applying to.

Example of relevant certifications for a software engineering candidate.

Incorrect — " Certification in Accounting"
Correct — " Certification in Full Stack Web Development, Full Stack Academy "

2. The certification is credible.

Ideally, the certificate is obtained by a credible institution that the employer would recognize. The more credible the certificate issuer, the more valuable the earned certificate.

Example of Credible certifications for a software engineering candidate

Incorrect — " Certification in Algorithms & Data Structures by Random YouTube Channel"
Correct — " Certification in Algorithms & Data Structures by Harvard University"

3. Save resume space for the most important information.

Listing online courses doesn’t take up valuable space on your resume that could instead be filled with actual relevant experience. Let’s get to that in a bit.

Online courses, such as those taken on Coursera or Udemy, should be carefully assessed using the above checklist. In addition, it’s more important to surface the backing institution (Penn State, Georgia Tech, etc.) than the actual platform the course was taken on (Udemy, Coursera, etc.).

Taking an online course that doesn’t necessarily yield official certifications may still be useful for advancing your career. Although not required, taking courses can show interest in a particular field. This can be especially useful to candidates targeting a job that requires skills not highlighted by the rest of your resume.

Some online courses only help demonstrate part of the required proficiency. These can be left out of your resume along with any others that aren’t taught by a well known institution. Lessons taught by the less official online courses can still be useful. For example, they would be great talking points with prospective employers. Save the valuable space on your resume!

Specify certified qualifications only

Incorrect — " Online Course on Javascript 101"
Correct — " Coding Boot Camp, Columbia Engineering 2019"

Actual examples of projects you’ve worked on are far more attractive to employers than just having a certificate in something. So maybe you can turn your learnings from an online javascript course into an actual javascript project that you can talk about with employers. Experience creating tangible results is always preferred over just certifications. Especially if you can work on these projects on the side in your own time.

In summary, you should include online courses on your resume that:

  • Not only teaches you about the subject, but also guides you in producing real results that can be shown to employers
  • Relevant to the position you’re applying to
  • Certified by a credible institution or well known thought leader

How should certifications be listed on a resume?

Here’s information about a license or certificate that employers expect to see on a resume:

  • Full Name of Certification (not just abbreviation)
  • Name of Certifying Organization
  • Date of Certification Obtainment and Expiration (If Applicable)
  • Location (Optional)

Don't include just the abbreviation - Nurse Example

Incorrect — " CPN, 2019"
Correct — " Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) - 2019"

Specify official certifications only - Lawyer Example

Incorrect — " Passed the Bar in Ohio, 2019"
Correct — " Ohio State Bar, 2019"

Use the actual certification name

Incorrect — "Certified in Accounting"
Correct — "Certified Public Accountant (CPA)"

Where should certifications be listed on a resume?

By now, you should have identified required, recommended, and optional certifications to include on your resume. Placement of certifications on your resume is a vital step to make your resume stand out from the crowd of applicants. Especially as employers narrow the candidate pool by filtering resumes with Application Tracking Software!

Depending on the type of job and significance of the certification, there are 4 sections on your resume where you should include certifications.

Certifications in Contact Info on your Resume

The contact info section on your resume is the best place to put required certifications. This section is also the best place to include official credentials. It’s common practice for lawyers, doctors, dentists, accountants and others to include their credentials next to their name. See how that’s done in this nurse resume example :

Nurse

Certifications in the Resume Objective

The resume summary, or resume objective, section is a great place to include required as well as recommended certifications. It’s best practice to only include only one certification in this section. The majority of this space should be used to describe your resume objective .

Take a look at this tax accountant resume example to see how she talks about her credentials in her resume objective.

Tax Accountant

Certifications in a Dedicated section on your Resume

For listing more than two certifications, we recommend creating a dedicated section on your resume. A resume format with a dedicated section works great for listing all relevant certificates - required, recommended, and optional.

We recommend taking advantage of this especially if you’re a licensed lawyer, doctor, accountant, or a student seeking an entry-level position!

Be sure to list certificates in its own section in reverse-chronological order . To improve chances of appearing after an ATS scan, place the dedicated sections right underneath the experiences section.

This works wonders for candidates applying to industries such as Information Technology. Take a look at how this IT Specialist resume example lists certifications in an easily noticeable dedicated section.

IT Specialist

Certifications in a Minor section on your Resume

Do you need more space on your resume, like people with a lot of work experience? Another resume format that works great is a a small dedicated certificates section. This smart resume space-saving tactic is especially effective when the section is placed in the smaller column of a 2-column resume template .

Putting certifications in a side section is highly recommended for certificates that you’ve classified as optional. Or if you can fill major space on your resume with relevant experiences.

This data analyst resume example shows how strategic placement of a small dedicated Certifications section creates more room for the experience section.

Mistakes to avoid when listing Certifications on your Resume

  • Listing Old or expired certifications. Use these more of a talking point instead of taking precious resume space. For example, it’s better to mention that 4 year old Machine Learning certification to an employer in conversation. Always prioritize bullet points that you want to communicate in your resume.
  • Only using Certification Acronyms - Make sure you actually fully list out the certification name at least once before abbreviating. This greatly improves your chances of passing an ATS scan.
  • Including irrelevant certificates.

Including certifications on your resume can be a very effective way to make your resume stand out from the crowd. To recap, the steps to follow to include certifications on your resume:

  • Thoroughly read job descriptions
  • Identify required and recommended certificates.
  • Place selected certificates on your resume accordingly

Easy Resume’s customizable resume templates are designed and optimized for listing both required and recommend certifications on your resume. Save hours of time reinventing your own resume format to include certifications. Get your resume ready in minutes with our free resume builder .

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Rohit Sahay

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to include hobbies on your resume in 2024 (with examples).

Learn when and how to professionally list your hobbies on your resume.

How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume in 2024 (Examples & Tips)

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

How to List References on a Resume in 2024 (with Examples & Tips)

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about including references on a resume, from how to format them to how to know when they should be included at all.

How to List Accomplishments on a Resume in 2024 (Including Awards & Key Achievements)

Showcasing your achievements is what can be the cherry on the cake to help you stand out from the crowd as a top performer and really attract employers.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

Should i include a photo on my resume in 2024 (tips & examples).

To include or not to include (a profile photo or a selfie) — that is the question.

Tailor Your Resume to Any Job in 4 Easy Steps

Get significantly more interviews by following this strategy for customizing your resume to any job.

Should I Put My Address on My Resume in 2024?

You may be hesitant about adding your address information or have questions about what contact information to add to your resume. Learn how to appropriately list your contact information on your resume and when to avoid listing your address.

Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2024?

Do you really need a cover letter? Will a hiring manager actually read it? Let's find out why a cover letter is more important than ever.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Riverdale

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

  • Forgot your username or password ?
  • Create a new account

Job Seekers

  • Career Resources

NEWS + ADVICE

How to safely include in-progress certifications on your resume.

Certifications have become a buzzword in the cyber security community, but they reach beyond the technical IT space. From Project Management, HR, or Financial Management certifications, to Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications, there’s a plethora of exams that can attest to your level of knowledge in a specific area of study.

Whether you’re in cyber security or another area within the government contracting landscape, certifications help to check a box. That’s why we love to put them on our resumes after completion, to make ourselves more marketable and also meet contract requirements listed on job descriptions.

But what if your certification is still in progress? Should you list it on your resume?

A recent LinkedIn survey posted by Kris’ Rides, Co-Founder and CEO of Tiro Security, asked this same question. With over 3.8K votes on the poll, 58% of respondents said yes, you should put certifications on your resume that are in progress . The remaining 42% answered no.

Why such a split in opinion? The commentary the poll prompted from survey respondents often began with “it depends.” So, let’s dive into the reasoning why you should or should not list in-progress certifications on your resume.

The Benefits

We often talk about how to write an effective cleared resume , with the goal being to get a hiring manager or recruiter to contact you for an interview. A great tactic to accomplish this is to target your resume to the job description and include keywords the recruiter is looking for.

With that being said, if you see the acronym for a particular certification listed on a job description, it’s important to include it on your resume if you have it—you’re making it clear that you check that box.

This is especially important if it’s a requirement of the job, because GovCon employers must hire based on the requirements set by the government contract award. If the contract calls for a CISSP certification, they typically can’t hire you without it, even if you have the knowledge needed to get the job done.

However, some contracts do have a little leeway. This is when noting an in-progress certification on your resume could help to keep you in the running. One person who commented on Rides’ survey noted, “ Some contracts say CISSP must be obtained in 120 days of hire. Without the ‘in progress’ you wouldn’t be looked at .”

Other times, a certification might be listed as “desired” or “nice to have” (not a requirement). This is another case in which noting your in-progress certification on your resume can be beneficial.

A technical recruiter who commented on Rides’ survey conveyed, “ In progress, to me, demonstrates a commitment to continued learning in the field , which I think demonstrates a certain drive and desire for growth that many employers desire in potential hires.”

They added, “ However, I think prospective employers are totally within their right to challenge such a claim, and candidates should be able to back that up with something tangible , such as ‘I’m enrolled in such and such class, scheduled to test on [date].’ Otherwise, they risk being viewed as disingenuous .”

With the nature of security cleared work and the government contracting landscape in mind, honesty is always the best policy. You can’t get around contract requirements or fake it till you make it. So it’s important to ask yourself what your intent is when including certifications on your resume that are in progress.

Are you listing certifications as “in progress” simply because you’ve bought a book on the topic and you think it will help fluff up your resume? Or have you been studying, taking preparation courses, and made progress towards actually being ready to take the exam?

If you just started studying yesterday, noting your certification is “in progress” doesn’t necessarily paint an honest picture. This can get you into trouble if an interviewer goes into a line of questioning to determine your true level of knowledge and you’ve just begun studying.

Though it’s customary to note expected graduation dates on a resume, degrees differ from earning certifications. A commentor noted, “ The progress towards a degree can be counted in percentage points, credit hours, remaining hours, etc . Your completion of a given certification is binary… You either scored a passing grade or you didn’t” when it comes to certifications .

The Biggest Problem

With such a split opinion, you see those who are very in favor of and very against including an in-progress certification on a resume. While some people say it’s a waste of space or means nothing unless you’ve actually passed the exam, those are opinions at the end of the day.

But what cannot be disputed is the need to clearly state the status of your certifications if you choose to include them on your resume. The author of the LinkedIn poll noted in the comments, “The issue I see is, many people put their ‘in progress’ certifications next to their achieved certifications and don’t state they are in progress , or just put a future date on them (and then don’t update their resume).”

“ I found someone with 10 certifications on their resume. When I asked, 8 were in progress and there was nothing to show that .” Rides added that most recruiters will tell you “ either through genuine mistakes or deceit, people have ‘in progress’ certifications that when asked about are clearly something they bought a book for and never opened .”

Best Practices for Including In-Progress Certifications

There are countless opinions that vary about writing resumes, but there are some key industry standards that can help guide your efforts. If you’re working towards earning a certification and want to add that information to your resume, consider the following best practices when considering doing so:

  • You must clearly define that the certification is “in progress” – do NOT be vague or paint a deceiving picture by leaving it up to interpretation. It wastes employers’ time and can harm your credibility when they realize you don’t actually have it.
  • Be cautious of listing more than one or two in-progress certifications on your resume. If you’re serious about earning a certification, you know how much time and effort it takes to achieve gaining one at a time.
  • Don’t include certifications you haven’t made real progress towards for the sole purpose of padding your resume. Simply buying a book isn’t significant.
  • Wait to include an in-progress certification till you’re committed to following through and you’ve made progress towards studying and preparing to take the exam—you don’t want an in-progress cert sitting on your resume year after year.
  • Note your exam date whenever possible to further clarify you haven’t earned it yet, with the added bonus of setting a goal and keeping yourself accountable.
  • Consider adding this information under your summary or another clearly labeled section of your resume, instead of mixing it with other earned certifications to avoid confusion.
  • If you choose not to list an in-progress certification on your resume, consider noting the training course you’re enrolled in instead.

Ashley Jones is ClearedJobs.Net's blog Editor and a cleared job search expert, dedicated to helping security-cleared job seekers and employers navigate job search and recruitment challenges. With in-depth experience assisting cleared job seekers and transitioning military personnel at in-person and virtual Cleared Job Fairs and military base hiring events, Ashley has a deep understanding of the unique needs of the cleared community. She is also the Editor of ClearedJobs.Net's job search podcast, Security Cleared Jobs: Who's Hiring & How.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of updates to this conversation

SEARCH JOBS

Search blog, upcoming job fairs, subscribe to our email list.

Receive tips & info on cleared job search, security clearances and career development.

  • Advanced Job Search
  • Browse Jobs
  • Clearance FAQs

ClearedJobs.Net

  • Privacy Policy

ResumeCoach

Resume Templates

Resume samples

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Create and edit your resume online

Generate compelling resumes with our AI resume builder and secure employment quickly.

Write a cover letter

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter Samples

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Create and edit your cover letter

Use our user-friendly tool to create the perfect cover letter.

Featured articles

  • How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples
  • How to Write a Resume in 2024 That Gets Results
  • Teamwork Skills on Your Resume: List and Examples
  • What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

Latests articles

  • How To Put Promotions on a Resume (With Examples)
  • How To Add a Promotion on LinkedIn: Steps and Example
  • The Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs Offer Stability, While Nearly 300,000 Layoffs Are Blamed on AI
  • How To Prepare Your Resume for a Promotion in 2024

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Listing Certifications on a Resume, With Examples

RC Team

Sometimes, having the right education and experience is not quite enough to land the job you want. You may need to obtain additional certifications and include them on your  resume .

What are certifications? How should you list certifications on your resume to make sure they are seen and make the right impression?

What is a Resume Certification Section?

If you’ve been working on your resume, you might have noticed an optional section called “Licenses and Certifications.” This section is not required like the Skills, Work Experience, and Education sections are.

What does the Certifications resume section contain? A certification is defined as “an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.” Therefore, if you want to list something as a certification on your resume, you should have a document (physical or digital) to back it up.

Licenses are commonly included as well. For example, you might need to list a nursing license or a specialized driver’s license. Always include the license number.

What are the best certifications to put on your resume? Determining which certifications look good on a resume largely depends on your career goals. Choose certifications that are  relevant  to your career path – those that are well-recognized and demonstrate skills you use in your job every day.

In some cases, obtaining highly sought-after certifications can result in a promotion at your current job. Ask about company programs promoting certification. Some employers will even reimburse you for the cost of certification.

There are also a number of certifications that highlight  transferable skills  valuable to many occupations. These include:

  • CRP Certification  – valuable for any public-facing job, especially those serving children.
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – every company requires an accountant or bookkeeper, either outsourced or in-house.
  • Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)  – a powerful entry-level IT certification.
  • Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)  – a more advanced IT certification. More than half of businesses rely on Microsoft products.
  • Project Management Certification – beneficial in most management positions.
  • Process Management Certification – beneficial in careers requiring oversight of logistics or product manufacture.
  • Certified Medical Coder – useful in all medical offices.
  • Actuary Certification – an advanced certification for those with degrees in mathematics, finance, or statistics.
  • Salesforce Development Lifecycle and Deployment Architect Certification  – a wide range of businesses rely on Salesforce technologies.
  • OSHA Workplace Hygiene and Illness Prevention Certification  – a certification in high demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Fire Safety Certification  – beneficial in any business operating in a designated location. Many such businesses are required to establish fire escape or containment plans.
  • Purdue University Diversity and Inclusion Certification  – increasingly beneficial in a globalized economy, this certification offers a greater understanding of the attitudes and skills needed to work effectively with different people.
  • Oxford Home Study’s Office Administration Certification  – valuable in almost any industry, as it hones business administration expertise.
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate Certification  – valuable to any business that utilizes Microsoft Excel software in its recordkeeping.
  • Google Ads Certification  – many companies utilize this advertising resource in their marketing campaigns.
  • WordPress Certification  – Many companies use WordPress as the basis for their websites.

You can find many other online courses for which you will receive a certification of completion on resources such as  Universal Class . If you need continuing education credits to renew a certification, you may be able to utilize these classes.

Remember, it is never too late to begin collecting relevant certifications. Many can be completed online. Some are even free of cost. You never know when your certifications could help you on your next job search.

When to Include Licenses and Certifications on Resume

While the listing Certifications on your resume are not always required, they can be  expected  when applying to certain career types. At other times, the Certifications section can strengthen your resume and increase your chances of getting the job.

There are three categories of circumstances when you should always give attention to adding certifications to your resume.

When Specific Certifications Are Required

When a company specifies that applicants must have a certain certification or a range of certifications, the Certification section becomes the most vital. If the job advertisement lists a certification as a requirement, you are not likely to get the job without it.

What if you don’t have the certification listed? One option is to obtain it. If you are already a part of the industry and have the needed knowledge and experience, you may be able to get certified quickly and easily.

Even if you are new to the industry, you may desire to pursue the certification – even if this job may be filled by the time your certification is complete. After all, if you are striving for a career change, you will most likely need the certification when applying for similar jobs.

If you have other relevant certifications or licenses in the field, you may decide to list these in hopes that they will “cover” the necessary certifications requirement.

Finally, if you are in the process of obtaining the needed certification, you may say so in your cover letter, along with your expected date of certification. We’ll talk more about how to record in-progress certifications in the “How to” section below.

When They Are Relevant to the Job

Sometimes, certifications are not required, but they still represent skills that would be helpful for the job you seek. For example, if you are applying for a job as an elementary school teacher’s aid and you are CPR certified, that could be a useful skill. Or, if you are certified in various computer languages, this would be useful in any job that involves frequent use of computer technology.

When They Make Up for a Lack of Experience

When you are trying to break into an industry, you may have little or no relevant experience to report. If you have the right certifications, however, an employer might overlook your lack of experience, confident that you have the skills needed to do the job.

How to List Certifications on Your Resume

The Certifications section follows a similar format to other resume sections. After the heading, each certification listed should include the following information:

  • Certification name
  • Certifying organization name
  • Date earned
  • The location where the certification was completed (city, state, or “Online Course”)

If you are currently in the process of obtaining a certification, you can still list it on your resume. Simply add the words “In Progress” following the certification name.

Where on your resume should the certifications section reside? There are two places that employers may expect to find it. If your licenses or certifications are  extremely important  to get the job (i.e., they are required), you should put them near the top of the resume. In fact, they can come immediately after your contact information.

If your skills are less relevant or you are simply using them to flesh out your resume, you can place the Certifications section in a sidebar or at the bottom of the resume.

Another option is including Certifications in your Skills Section. This may be helpful if you have only one or two certifications, and if your certifications are directly related to your skills – for example, if your key skills  and  certifications all deal with computer sciences. In this case, you can rename the skills section “Skills and Certifications.”

Now, let’s take a look at a real-world example of a resume with certifications.

Sample Resume With Certifications

Check out this certifications on a resume example. Jane is applying for a nursing role at a local hospital. Her resume might begin in this way:

555.555.5555

[email protected]

123 Front Street, Anywhere, NY, USA

Licenses and Certifications

Registered Nurse

New York State Board of Nursing

New York, NY

License #123456789

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified

American Heart Association

Did you notice that Jane listed her licenses and certifications at the beginning of her resume, right after her contact information? Since licensure is required in her profession, she wanted to draw attention to it immediately.

Let’s look at another example. This time, Kyle is a recent graduate. He’s trying to break into the  IT industry  but he has no previous work experience.

[email protected]

123 Home Street, Anywhere, CA

Certifications

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Corporation

Online Course

CompTIA Cloud+

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Associate of Science in Information Technology

Anywhere Community College

Anywhere, CA

Even though Kyle does not have previous work experience, he does have an impressive retinue of IT-related certifications. It should be clear to his hiring manager that he has the skills needed to perform IT duties.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses and Certifications is an optional resume section that contains training for which you have received official documentation upon completion.
  • Employers may require specific certifications. Or, they may demonstrate relevant job skills, helping you make up for other experiences.
  • It is never too late to pursue certifications relevant to your career field or transferable across industries.
  • Include the certification name, awarding organization, location, and year obtained in each certification listing.

CV template Munich

Struggling with Resume Writing?

Ease the process with our templates

Related Posts

A group of graduates holding their diplomas.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Free Resume Templates
  • Resume Builder
  • Resume Examples
  • Free Resume Review

There’s a certifying authority, the certification itself, the date of completion, and other details! But there is only so much space in your resume.

After experimenting for over 5 years with clients from different industries, our professional resume writers have created the winning formula for writing resume certifications.

And we will teach you everything about how to put certification on your resume.

Here are the things we will learn in this blog:

  • Why a certification is necessary?
  • When to add certification on resume?
  • How to list certifications on resume?
  • Where to add a certification on resume?
  • How to put certifications on a resume sample?
  • Certification lists for different profiles

We will share the winning formula with you for writing the certification section on your resume in this post. By the end of this post, your resume will have a certifications section that will outshine the competition.

Both landed jobs through campus placement. With their GPA, who wouldn’t hire them? They excelled in their respective companies and were having the time of their lives.

But as luck would have it, they both realized they needed a change. Why spend the prime years of their lives stuck in a single company? They had to explore!

Now, it was time to one-up their game—the time to start climbing the fabled corporate ladder.

Surprisingly, both of them knew that the journey of the corporate ladder would invariably begin with the humble resume. So both of them got into the science of resume making and started applying for jobs through different portals and sites.

While John landed quite a few interview calls, Robert was still waiting.

They had the same profile; they both came from stellar companies and were alumni of the same engineering college.

They were applying through the same medium, and in fact, they had made similar resumes too.

Then what was the difference?

The difference was the additional section of a list of certifications in John’s resume.

It became clear what was missing!

It counts if you are doing anything extra to upgrade your skills and knowledge in the cut-throat competitive world!

Does this sound exciting? If it does, there’s a lot more in store.

Why Are Certifications Necessary?

  • Certifications are essential evidence of skills acquired and knowledge gained.
  • They upgrade you with the latest technologies and recent theories.
  • They give you an added advantage over other candidates
  • Certifications increase your bargaining power for a better salary.
  • Certification is a great economical alternative to expensive university education.

Even if the certification is not job-related, it can benefit your candidacy and help draw attention to your resume.

Also Read: How to write a resume in 2022?

When Should You Add Certifications on Resume?

James is a Marketing Manager with ten years of experience, working with a top-notch brand and delivering your best to the company.

Additionally, he is an MBA graduate from a decent B-school.

Your work experience and education sections look pretty sorted.

Now let us evaluate your certifications.

Your certifications list is:

  • A course in Sanskrit Language (completed halfway)
  • Bakery certification from Texas
  • Certificate in Yoga and Meditation from Yoga Art Center
  • Digital Marketing certification

It makes sense to add only those certifications list to your resume, which adds VALUE to your current portfolio!

For a Marketing Manager , Digital Marketing Certification goes a long way in letting the recruiter know the additional skill in the same domain.

The skill of digital marketing shall enhance the marketing career of this candidate. But rest of the certifications do not necessarily add value to a Marketing resume.

So whether the rest of the three certifications can be added or avoided depends upon the space constraint in the resume.

The rest of the three skills might showcase your learning stint but would not add much value while the resume is shortlisted for an interview.

At the same time, in the case of freshers, all the certifications matter a lot.

Because freshers are still deciding their path, any new certification will add value to the resume.

For example, a fresher might have done an online certification in Leadership Training.

This work showcases an essential skill of leadership. This significantly impacts the recruiter as leadership is the trait recruiters look for.

To make it a bit easy for you, these are the three criteria you can keep in mind while deciding on your certification in a resume:

  • Add certification details when it translates to a skill essential for your next recruiter
  • Value enhancement in the current role for working professionals as it increases the chances of getting shortlisted
  • Value enhancement of soft skills, in case of freshers and graduates
Also Read: What is the perfect resume format to achieve maximum impact?

How to Put Certification on Resume

Certifications for their immense value addition to a professional’s journey shall be added as a separate section in the resume:

Things to keep in mind while adding the certifications section in a resume: -

  • Add it separately to catch the recruiter’s eye
  • Do not confuse it with training programs
  • Always mention the certifying authority, date, and location
  • Reverse chronological order
  • Highlighting the key areas of the resume

Below is the important information that you need to add to your certification:

  • Certification name,
  • Certification body
  • Obtainment date
  • Location if applicable
  • Expiry date
  • If you are in the process of obtaining the certification

How to List Job-Critical Certifications on Resumes

If the certification is critical for getting into the job, you need to be aggressive while adding the certification to your resume.

Put the certification in these 4 places:

  • On the resume Header at the side of your name
  • In the resume summary
  • In a separate Certification Section
  • If needed, in the work experience section

How to Put “Extra” Certifications on Resumes When

If the certification is not relevant but can add value, then they are “extra” certifications.

Put these certifications lower down in the resume. in the “Additional Information” section.

How to List Certification on Resume Summary

Apart from a separate certification section, you can add your most important certification in the summary section.

UpGrad Certified Digital Marketing professional possessing 5+ years of experience........

How to List Certification on Resume Header

You can also add your certification as part of your resume Header like this:

Example: “John Doe, CPA.”

How to List Certification in Resume Education Section

You can also list the certifications in the education sections.

  • You can only do this if you only have one certification.
  • You have done the certification at your university
  • You don’t want to focus on that certification over your other education

Bachelor of Nursing , Rasmussen University, Altamonte Springs, FL GPA: 3.4/5.0

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | American Red Cross | Jul 2024

1. Certifications Section Has to Be Separate

How to add certification in resume sample: tell us which image makes a better impact.

no-separate-section-for-certifications-on-a-resume-2

The second image is:

certification-separate-section

We are very sure that the image with a separate certifications section must have impressed you.

So go ahead and safely add all your training programs and certifications list in this section.

2. Certification on Resume vs. Training On Resume

Certifications and training both translate into a skill that can be applied in work.

But training does not necessarily end with a certificate.

Training programs do not have to be from a proper authority.

At the time of your final hiring, they will ask for proof of certification. At this time, it would be crucial to submit all documents.

For example, if you take up an online training course in, say, metaphysics. This might not necessarily get you a certificate though it would enhance your knowledge in the same.

For this reason, it is essential and safe to name the section “Training & Certifications” if you are adding both to the resume.

Mention all your training programs and certifications in this section.

Refer to the image below:-

certification-and-training

On the way to building your resume, it makes sense to start searching for a job site for applying. Visit our guide on Best Job Search Sites.

3. Always Mention the Certifying Authority

There are zillions of certifications happening around the world.

But a certification from a renowned organization holds more value.

Along with it, the certification date is also important.

Of course, the certification pursued this year holds much more important than the one taken a few years ago.

But if you mention both the certifications without saying the date, they become irrelevant to the recruiter.

Certifying authority can be mentioned with the location and date using a separator.

4. Follow a Reverse Chronological Order

Certification should be listed in reverse chronological order, as given in the example.

This makes it easy for the recruiter to scan the resume for the latest certifications and quickly decide.

Let us see this image:

incorrect-order-of-certifications-on-a-resume

Also Read: How to write a reverse chronological resume in 2022?

Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Certifications on Resume

1. adding expired certificate.

Don’t add an expired certification on your resume, and it takes away valuable space.

2. Don’t Use Certificate Acronyms

Always add the full name of your certificate at least once before abbreviating. It improves your chances of passing the ATS system.

3. Including irrelevant certificates

Do not include an irrelevant certificate in the resume. It does not help you in getting the job.

Certifications Lists for Different Profiles

Not all certifications are worth your time. While many others reinforce your skillset and multiply your chances of landing the interview.

Let’s walk through an easy certifications list to include in your resume.

BLS Certification on Resume

The Americal Red Cross offers a Basic Life Support or BLS certification to the candidates. This certification teaches candidates the technics of basic life-saving measures.

This certification addresses that you are a responsible citizen and willing to help people.

Here is a BLS certification on resume example:

CERTIFICATION

  • BLS Certification
  • Americal Red Cross, April 2020- February 2022
Also Read: How to write a nursing resume in 2022?

FEMA Certification on Resume

The Federal Emergency Management Certificate or FEMA is another necessary certificate, best for candidates who are interested in emergency management. There are a series of courses and certifications. Some have an expiry date, and some don’t.

When you add FEMA certification to your resume, make sure to add Emergency Management Institute(EMI) as the accrediting body.

Here’s a FEMA Certification on resume example:

  • Professional Development Series,
  • Emergency Management Institute, September 2020
Also Read: How to write a management consultant resume?

CPR Certification on Resume

CPR certification in a resume is not only for medical professionals. It’s also an essential certification for teachers.

Here is how to put CPR certification on your resume:

CPR Certified, Americal Red Cross, April 2018 - February 2020

However, don’t add the information if you are applying for a job that doesn’t require it, for instance, Account management. Since it’s not relevant, you are better off without that certification on your resume.

Note : The CPR certification is only valid for two years. And make sure your certification is valid before putting it on your resume.

Certifications to Put on Resume: Google Certifications

  • Google Developers Certification
  • Data Engineering Certification
  • Associate Cloud Engineer
  • Professional Cloud Architect
  • Professional Data Engineer
  • Digital Marketing Certification
  • AdWords Certification
  • Mobile Advertising assessment
  • Display Advertising assessment
  • Shopping Advertising assessment
  • Video Advertising assessment
  • Google Analytics Academy
  • Google For Education Training Center
  • Machine Learning Crash Course
  • Associate Android Developer
  • Mobile Web Specialist
  • Google Cloud Certified - Professional Data Engineer
  • Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer
Also Read: How to write an IT resume?

Certifications to Put on Resume: Marketing Resume

Certifications to get into the marketing world are:

  • Hubspot Email marketing certification
  • AMA’s digital marketing certification
  • Bing Ads accredited professional certification
  • Pragmatic Marketing certification
  • Digital Marketing certifications
  • Google Adwords Certifications
  • Google Analytics Individual Qualification
  • HubSpot Inbound Certification
Also Read: How to write a marketing resume in 2022?

Certifications to Put on Resume: IT Resume

IT professionals can command a better salary by getting trained and certified in systems, networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

If you are in technical sales, then certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, Apple, and VMware would make sense.

Below are some of the certifications to get into the IT world which would help you climb the career ladder.

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Resume certificates for the following job profiles:

  • Systems Engineer
  • Systems Manager
  • Systems Administrator
  • Field Systems Technician

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

  • Information Technology Auditor
  • Security Analyst
  • Systems Auditor

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

  • Security analyst
  • Information security analyst

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

  • Cloud Architect
  • Cloud Manager
  • Cloud Administrator

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Also Read: How to write a system analyst resume in 2022?

Certifications List for Business Analyst Resume

IIBA happens to be a global BA certifying body.

These are some globally recognized lists of certifications to get which will take you ahead in the analytical industry:

  • IIBA Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)
  • IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)
  • PMI-Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Certification
  • CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) for professionals with over five years of experience in the industry
  • Entry Certificate in Business Analysis is best for freshers

Certifications List for Operations Resume

If you are an Operations maverick, it would surely make sense to take note of the certifications to get in the Operations domain:

  • Six Sigma Certification
  • Certification in International Supply Chain Professional (CISCP)
  • Certification in International Transportation and Logistics (CITL)
  • Certification in Warehousing
  • Certification in Strategic Operations

Certifications List for HR Resume

These are the Certifications to get into the HR industry:

  • Certification in PHR®: Professional in Human Resources
  • Certification in SPHR®: Senior Professional in Human Resources
  • Certification in SHRM-CP: SHRM Certified Professional
  • Certification in SPHRi®: Senior Professional in Human Resources — International
  • Certification in PRHi®: Professional in Human Resources — International
  • Certification in GPHR®: Global Professional in Human Resources

Where to Put Certification on Resume?

This question holds a lot of importance because the recruiter gives just 6 seconds to the resume.

The certifications section could be placed in a resume just after the Education section to make more sense as certification is part of education.

But, to play it smartly, you can add up a certification in your career summary to highlight it in the best possible way.

Let us look at this summary:-

placement-of-certifications-on-a-resume

In this example, this operations manager has very smartly highlighted the six sigma certification in the resume summary.

It is not to say that this certification will not go on the certification list on the resume.

But it is to play it correctly to make the maximum impact on the recruiter.

Accredited Certifications

Certifications surely help potential employers know your worth.

But these days, there are millions of institutions and education bodies offering millions of certificates.

In this huge gamut of certifications, recruiters place importance on only those certifications which are accredited.

Accredited certifications are backed by standard and reputed authorities.

These authorities are like the ISO of products and services.

You can get a fair idea of accredited online certifications on this link .

FAQs Around Certifications on Resume

Q. when should i not list my certifications on resume.

You can skip adding certification to a resume if the certification is not relevant to the job you are applying for.

Q. What Other sections Can You List on Your Resume?

There are a lot of sections that you can add to your resume. Such as:

  • Awards & Honors
  • Accomplishments
  • Volunteer Experience
  • Extra-curricular Experience
  • Hobbies & Interests
  • Training & Conferences

Q. Should You List Online Course Certifications on Resume?

Absolutely! If the online course is relevant for the job you’re applying for, then you should include it in your resume.

Online courses can help you get noticed, especially if you are a fresher.

However, make sure to keep the certification list conscious and write it in a separate section.

Key Takeaways

Now that we have all the knowledge about how to write certification on a resume, here are the key takeaways:

  • Add certifications that give you a skill relevant to your recruiter
  • Add certifications in a separate section in the resume
  • Certifications are not training. And, they are different from technical skills as well.

Go to Hiration career platform , which has 24/7 chat support, and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

You can also write to us at [email protected] .

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them)

person on couch using laptop on coffee table

As you write your resume , many of the things you need to include may have an obvious place: Your past jobs go in your work experience section, your education goes in your education section, and your skills go in your skills section . But what about certifications? They’re not quite experience or education, but they can be just as—if not more—important to you landing your next job.

We’ll tell you exactly when to include certifications on your resume and how, but first...

What Are Certifications?

A certification is a standardized professional credential—that is, everyone with a certification must meet the same requirements—issued by professional associations, organizations, or companies. You often need to pass exams and may need to meet certain education and experience requirements to obtain one. For example, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is issued by the Product Management Institute , and in order to receive it you must have a minimum number of months of experience leading projects, complete a minimum number of hours of project management training or a lower-level certification from PMI, and pass the PMP exam.

A certification that checks all of these boxes but is issued by a government or regulatory body and/or is legally required in order to do a certain job is called a license, says Heather Yurovsky , Muse career coach and founder of Shatter & Shine . For example, to legally practice as a nurse in New York State you must have a NYS nursing license , which requires completing an approved nursing degree, undergoing background checks, and passing the NCLEX exam. Teachers, doctors, social workers and other mental health professionals, accountants, and lawyers are also among the professionals who often need licenses to practice. Licenses are also more likely to require ongoing education and training to stay current in your field and can expire if you don’t keep them current, Yurovsky says.

Meanwhile, certificates and online courses are not certifications. They’re not standardized and are often education-based rather than experience- or assessment-based. Certificates might be issued by universities, colleges, or vocational schools and show that you completed a set of classes (usually fewer than a degree) or they might “showcase your completion of online courses and learning and development trainings,” Yurovsky says. For example you can get a certificate in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus or a Front-End Web Developer Certificate from edX. Individual companies may require certain certificates when hiring for roles, but you generally aren’t shut out of a career without one. When relevant, certificates still belong on your resume, but you might consider putting them in your resume’s education section (especially when issued by a school) or otherwise distinguishing them from your certifications. If you want to include online courses and certificates on your resume, read more here .

When Should You Include Certifications on Your Resume?

If you have a certification or license that is required or preferred for the role you’re applying to, definitely put it on your resume. Beyond that, “like with all information in your resume, you want to feature certifications that are relevant to the role you're pursuing,” Yurovsky says. Think about whether a certification shows how qualified you are as a candidate for this specific role. For instance, if you’re applying for a help desk or other IT support role, a CompTIA A+ certification that proves you’ve been tested on your IT skills will add to your resume even if the job description doesn’t ask for it.

Think about what each of your certifications is saying to a recruiter or hiring manager who reads your resume and what transferable skills it communicates. For example, that PMP certification will show that you can manage teams through complex projects and that you likely have strong leadership, communication, and organization skills, which might add to your qualifications not just for a project management job, but for any role where you have direct reports or are overseeing complicated processes. And, as the name suggests, a Google Analytics Individual Qualification shows that you’re an expert in Google Analytics, which might add to your value when being considered for a marketing, content, or data role.

Use the same principles to decide what to leave off your resume. You want your resume to be tailored so it’s clear to recruiters why you’ve applied to this job. Irrelevant qualifications could leave them confused or make them think you applied to a job that’s not in your field accidentally or indiscriminately. So that CPR certification from your summers as a camp counselor can probably come off your resume as you look for a full-time sales role, and the fact that you’re licensed to teach in Florida probably doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a job in tech—unless you want to pivot to edtech.

How Do You List Certifications on Your Resume?

If you’ve decided to list your certifications or licenses on your resume, there are a few places you can do it. You might consider making a “Professional Certifications,” “Licenses,” or similar section or, Yurovsky says, you can include them in your “Education” section—which you might consider renaming “Education and Certifications” for clarity.

Generally, your certification and license sections should go at the bottom of your resume—below your work experience but above education. However, you always want to lead your resume with the most important information, so if you’re an entry-level candidate , you might consider moving your certifications and licenses up to the top of the page.

For each certification and license that you list on your resume include:

  • The full name of the certification (any common abbreviation can be included in parentheses)
  • The issuing organization (or state)
  • The date you earned the certification
  • The location (if applicable and not implied by the issuer)
  • Additional additional details or add-ons (if applicable)

If you’re still working on the certification, give your reader the proper context and avoid any awkward interview moments by including “In Progress” next to the name of the certification and/or “Expected” before the month and year you’re on track to complete the program, Yurovsky says.

How would this look in practice? Here are a few examples:

Certifications Project Management Professional (PMP) , Project Management Institute - June 2020 Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) , Scrum Alliance - January 2017

Licenses Professional Educator License (PEL) | State of Illinois | Expected: January 2021 Endorsements: Elementary Education, Special Education

You can also immediately signal that you have your most important certification or license by including it in a resume summary or headline . Particularly in the case of licenses or certifications that are “key to the position at hand,” Yurovsky says, you might also include the abbreviation next to your name at the top separated by a comma. For example, if you’re a registered nurse applying for a nursing role at a hospital, you might write, “Priya Anand, RN” at the very top of the page; or if you’re applying to a position that requires a CPA, go ahead and put “Timothy Oluwa, CPA” as your header. When you literally can’t do the job without that qualification, making it crystal clear that you’ve already jumped that hurdle will only help you.

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

How to Include Licenses and Certifications on Your Resume

Jacob Meade

Which Licenses and Certifications to Include on Your Resume

Where to include or cite credentials on your resume, what details to include for each credential, how to format your license and certification details, how to order multiple licenses and certifications.

Relevant licenses and certifications lend a sturdy sense of credibility to your resume. They’re a bit like a professional reference or recommendation letter, but they signal support from an entire official group rather than one person you know. In absence of an extensive work history or advanced degree in your field, licenses and certifications can be a primary selling point for your candidacy.

The best way to include these types of credentials on your resume will primarily depend on your job search goals. Keep your goals firmly in mind as you look over the following guidelines, and you’ll gain a clear sense of how you can make relevant credentials an asset on your resume.

Include any licenses and certifications relevant to your target job. Typically, compatible credentials will include your most recently obtained ones, but they could also include an old or expired one. Consider keeping a master document of every license and certification you’ve earned in your career to date. Then for each resume you draft going forward, you can refer to this list and copy only those credentials that speak to your target job.

Surprisingly, you have at least five options:

1. After your name in your contact header, like this:

Aliya Jackson, SPHR

Only include the license or certification after your name if it’s immediately recognizable to your target audience and central to your overall candidacy.

2. At the beginning of your Profile description

Many jobseekers include a descriptor as the first word of their Profile, like this:

Results-driven HR Leader with 10+ years of experience.

If you have credentials that are key to your job goal, consider using “Certified” (or “Double-certified”) as your descriptor. This type of descriptor is generally stronger than a regular old adjective like “Results-driven” or “Dedicated” because it’s factual rather than subjective. (For the same reason, another strong descriptor is “Award-winning.”)

3. At the end of your Profile description

Noting special certifications is a great way to close out your Profile. Assuming the hiring manager will recognize it, you don’t need to provide more than the title and acronym. Here’s an example:

An HR Professional with 10+ years of experience, specializing in diversity recruiting, HR management, process improvement, and applicant screening. A strong history of identifying opportunities to enhance HR operations. Adept at supporting recruitment initiatives to acquire talent and facilitate organizational growth. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

4. Within your Education section

Only combine your education and certification details in one section if they’re about equally relevant to your target job (if not, see below). If you do combine them, update the section header accordingly. A few concise options are “Education & Professional Development,” “Education & Credentials,” or simply “Credentials.”

5. As their own section

If your licenses and certifications are markedly different from your education in terms of relevance, have them be their own section with their own header. Then order all your resume sections from most to least relevant. On a traditional resume, the Certifications section will likely appear below the Experience and Education sections but above the more ancillary sections like Training or Technical Skills. But feel free to deviate from this norm depending on which categories of your experience speak strongest to your goal.

The title you earned and the organization you acquired it from, typically in that order, like this:

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), HRCI

In most cases, you don’t need to give the location. Dates are also optional but do include them if:

  • They help account for a gap in your work history
  • You no longer hold the credential (e.g., “Expired 2021”)
  • You’re still pursuing the credential (e.g., “Expected 2022”)

In general, you don’t need to include specific license or certification numbers unless the job posting or prospect requests them.

If a certification isn’t widely known but is highly relevant to the work you’re now pursuing, consider adding a brief description of the work you did to obtain it.

Try to copy the format of your resume’s Experience section as much as possible. For instance, if your job titles are bold and your company names are italicized:

If you include the date that you earned each credential, put them in reverse-chronological order like the jobs in your Experience section. If you’re leaving dates out, you can put them in order of relevance to your target job.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Jacob Meade

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Sidebar image

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

  • How to Build a Resume Learn More
  • Basic Resume Examples and Templates Learn More
  • How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume? Learn More
  • How to Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

  • How to Land Your Dream Job Learn More
  • How to Organize Your Job Search Learn More
  • How to Include References in Your Job Search Learn More
  • The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview Learn More

data analyst

how to put linkedin certifications on resume

How To Put BLS Certification On Resume

how to put bls certification on resume

Updated on: September 16, 2024

Table of content

  • Introduction
  • What is BLS Certificate

How To Earn a BLS Certification

  • Should I Include my BLS Certification in My Resume?
  • How to put BLS certifications on your resume
  • Where to list BLS certification on a Resume

Things to Avoid While Adding BLS Certification to Your Resume

  • Final Thoughts

When you mention a basic life support certification on resume , your chances lift above the rest in the job market. BLS certification offers much more than just basic knowledge. The most important things you will learn during BLS training include performing quality CPR and efficiently and effectively operating an AED when someone’s life is threatened. 

Experts claim that performing CPR right away can increase a victim’s chances of survival by two or even three times. In the first couple of minutes of cardiac arrest, if CPR is initiated, survival rates could go up by as much as 45%. Follow this guide to learn more about your BLS certificate and how emphasizing BLS certification on resume will enhance your qualifications. You will also be able to show you are prepared to deal with emergencies, making you much more attractive to hire.

What is a BLS Certification

Basic Life Support describes the care that emergency personnel, medical professionals, and the public safety community provide to people. These life-saving measures are performed on people who have had a heart attack or an obstruction in their airway.

Accurate BLS skills are important for delivering immediate medical care to adults and children in critical situations, such as breathing and cardiopulmonary emergencies. It teaches basic life support skills that can be applied in pre-hospital and in-facility settings. It also teaches about single-rescuer, multi-rescuer resuscitation, and effective teamwork. 

A BLS certification course will teach you how to spot several potentially fatal situations quickly, such as cardiac arrests and heart attacks. The course also covers how to use an automated external defibrillator, ventilate properly, and perform quality chest compressions. 

Healthcare professionals such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics can perform basic life support outside a hospital. Public safety officers, as well as those in other healthcare-related professions like nursing and medicine, should also get BLS certified on resume .

Basic Life Support (BLS) attests to your ability to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on an injured individual. Once you have this certification, you can confidently perform specific medical procedures, improving a patient’s chances of recovering from a heart attack or loss of breathing . Here is a guide that talks about how you can earn a BLS certificate: 

Course Type

Before enrolling, research which course best suits your career objectives. For instance, if you work with young children or infants, you can pursue training tailored to pediatrics. However, instruction for adults and children is offered in additional courses. If you plan to work in a hospital with high-risk patients, you may need to obtain advanced cardiovascular life support certification from a specific medical organization.

Enroll in an Accredited Course

Almost any commercial organization that hosts BLS classes issues a certification proving you have received training. Before enrolling in a course, ask your HR department which companies they prefer if you want a certification to add to your resume.

Register and Attend the Classes

After enrolling in a course that meets your needs, attend classes to learn the correct form and method for performing BLS. Pay attention to the teacher’s demonstrations and make notes. When you are ready, practice on models.

Attempt the Certification Exam

Students frequently have to give an in-person demonstration for the test at the end of the lesson. In certain assessments, students might even be required to demonstrate their understanding of particular concepts through writing, such as the proper depth and quantity of chest compressions.

Renew Your License if Necessary.

Certain employers mandate that their staff members update their BLS certifications. This renewal demonstrates that they still know enough BLS. After a certain amount of time, depending on the original course you took, you might need to retake it in its entirety or finish a shortened renewal process.

By performing BLS within three to five minutes of collapse, a 50–75% survival rate can be attained. Thus, once you obtain this beneficial certificate, it is imperative to know how to write a BLS certification on resume to make it more appealing.

Read More: CPR vs. BLS Training: What Sets Them Apart? (aclsnow.com)

Why Should You Include BLS Certification in Your Resume?

Putting your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification on your resume may be as important as getting it. It’s a must for healthcare workers, but it’s also important for people in many other fields.

  • When you add BLS Certification to your resume, Employers see that you are ready, responsible, and care about safety. This makes you stand out from other applications.
  • The important thing is to make sure that your resume highlights your skills in the best way possible. For instance, if you are applying for a job where you will be around customers often, you can list your certifications like first aid, BLS, and CPR.
  • Additionally, if you want to improve your resume, adding a professional touch might be the key.  BLS certification would strengthen your resume if you were looking for your first pharmacy job.
  • Additionally, candidates applying for jobs in the medical field must show that they are BLS certified on their resume . These professionals may be disqualified immediately if their resumes do not show they are certified in BLS.

Furthermore, even if you are not applying for a medical job, having a CPR certification on resume is still helpful. Having this certification on file demonstrates your commitment to upholding your social responsibility. So, when you’re ready to step up your resume game, remember that these certifications and experiences can lead to new chances if you present them correctly.

How to Put BLS Certifications on Your Resume?

BLS certifications are always a plus because they let the hiring manager know you have the experience and credentials required for the job. Knowing how to put BLS certification on resume can be beneficial to make your resume attractive. When listing your BLS certification on your resume, you must include the following information:

  • The certification’s name
  • The organization name that bestowed it 
  • Date of achievement
  • The location (city, state), if completed offline
  • Simply write “Online Course” or the certification provider’s name if the work was done online.

Where to List BLS Certification on a Resume?

A BLS certification can help you stand out by demonstrating your proficiency in vital life-saving techniques. Even though it might not result in a pay raise, it might increase your employment options. However, knowing the proper placement and how to add BLS certification on resume will change depending on the position and your overall profile. Let us examine how to add BLS to resume : 

Certifications Section

Firstly, make a separate section in the resume to add the BLS certification. This will boost your resume. For example, it may add bonus points if you work in childcare or hospitality. You can showcase that in the Certifications section if that’s the case. Here’s a BLS certification resume example:

‘Certifications: 

  • BLS Certified – (name of the Institute) received on 30th June 2024.’

Education Section

Certain certifications, like those in nursing, are a required component of your formal education rather than an “add-on.” The BLS certification would be more appropriate to include under the “Education” section. The following is an example of how to list a BLS certification under education on a resume:

‘Education:

  • Bachelor of Nursing, XYZ University
  • Additional Training: BLS and First Aid, (name of the institute)’

This method shows that you know the specific skills the employer is looking for and are not just listing abilities randomly.

Professional Summary

If your BLS certification is required for the position, include it in your professional summary.  Consider a hiring manager, for instance, looking for a role where you supervise employee safety. Their desk contains two nearly identical resumes, but yours has a proper BLS description for resume mentioned clearly in an appropriate section. Thus, a detailed resume emphasizing a life-saving ability will appeal to the manager more. For instance, in a resume applying for a nursing position:

  • ‘Skills: Patient care, Medical Administration, Basic Life Support (BLS) ‘

Match your BLS certification with the requirements to show you are a good fit for the position. Make your BLS certification stand out if the job description highlights the value of healthcare or emergency preparedness. 

Although having a BLS certification can improve your job application, it is important to know how to put BLS on resume properly and avoid a few common mistakes.

Excessive Focus on Your Credential

Include your BLS training only in conjunction with relevant skills, and make sure its placement complements your other essential credentials. It is a valuable addition if you work in education, but it should not take precedence over your primary teaching credentials.

Ignoring Certification Expiration Dates

It is imperative to maintain awareness regarding the validity of your BLS certifications. Employers may perceive expired certifications as a sign of carelessness. Include only certifications that are still in effect right now, or make it clear if you are in the process of renewing. The BLS certificates are valid for two years. So, make sure to avoid adding those certificates that have already crossed the expiry date.

Significance of the Certification

Although BLS training is a vital skill, not all jobs require it. For positions where BLS certification is not important, it is preferable to concentrate on job-specific skills and qualifications. Moreover, verify whether the country or region you are applying to accepts your BLS certification if you apply abroad.  Different BLS certifications may be accepted in other places.

Falsifying Your Certification 

A job termination and potential legal ramifications may follow from falsely adding a bls certification on resume . Companies frequently confirm these qualifications before hiring. Being dishonest could cost one future opportunity in the same or a related field.

Do Not Forget To Add The Certification Authority

There are countless certification programs globally. However, a certification from a well-known organization is more valuable. The date of obtaining the certificate must also be kept in mind. You can mention the name of the organization and the date of obtaining the certificate in a separate section to make it look informative and clear.

Read more: What is ACLS certification & Who needs it? (aclsnow.com)

Final Thought

Getting to know about how to write bls certification on resume is a good way to boost your resume when looking for a job in the medical field. It shows knowledge of lifesaving techniques, a positive attitude, and commitment toward community safety. 

Listing your BLS certification on your resume can do much more than explain your technical skills; it conveys to the employer that you are mature, driven, and ready to accept large responsibilities. If you live in an area where emergency preparedness is of great value, highlight your BLS certificate on resume and allow it to be a guide in expressing how you can make a positive impact. The accreditation of BLS holds more importance than just a certificate, as it attests that one has the practice to do the right thing and do it effectively in any emergency.

Online Course + Virtual Hands on Training

Recent Posts

AED Use on Children and Infants

Never share sensitive information (credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords) through this form.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

ACLS

Our Socials

Information.

  • Testimonials
  • Privacy Policy
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Terms of Service
  • Group Discount
  • Accreditation
  • Verify Certificate
  • ACLS Course Overview
  • PALS Course Overview
  • BLS Course Overview
  • ACLS Recertification
  • PALS Recertification
  • BLS Recertification

Copyright 2024 © - ACLSnow.com All rights reserved

IMAGES

  1. Everything You Need to Know about LinkedIn Certifications

    how to put linkedin certifications on resume

  2. How to List Certifications on a Resume

    how to put linkedin certifications on resume

  3. How to add certifications to your LinkedIn profile?

    how to put linkedin certifications on resume

  4. How to Put LinkedIn on a Resume (Examples & Guide)

    how to put linkedin certifications on resume

  5. How to List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)

    how to put linkedin certifications on resume

  6. How To Add LinkedIn Certification To Your Profile (And Where To Get It

    how to put linkedin certifications on resume

VIDEO

  1. LinkedIn Learning: Develop Your Professional Skills and Earn Certifications

  2. Do MNC's /IT-Companies Provide Industrial CERTIFICATIONS? Resume Shortlisting✅🔥 #youtube @Meghss

  3. Day 8 Of 21 Days Canva Challenge: How To Add Website Link In Resume In Canva #shorts #viral

  4. Don’t Put Your Resume On Your LinkedIn Profile 🚫

  5. How to build professional job resume from linkedlin profile?

  6. Do You Need Certifications or an Advanced Degree?

COMMENTS

  1. How to Put LinkedIn on a Resume (with Examples)

    On the upper middle to right side of the LinkedIn navigation, click on the "Me" icon. From the menu that appears, click on "View Profile". Select "Edit public profile & URL" from the top right corner, which will take you to your public profile settings.

  2. How To List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)

    Here are the steps you can follow to list your certifications efficiently: 1. List the certification's title. Using a font and font size that you included previously in the resume, list the full title of the certification as a bullet under the heading "Certifications.". Be sure to type the name correctly and to spell out any abbreviations.

  3. The Right Way To List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples)

    Include the name of the certifying agency or where you obtained it. This is important for credibility, as it allows employers to verify the authenticity of your qualifications and assess their relevance. List the date you achieved the certification. Include a location (if applicable).

  4. How to List Certifications on a Resume (Examples & Tips)

    Every certification you list on your resume requires the following information: Name of the certification. Name of the organization that awarded it. Date earned. If completed in person, the location (city, state) If completed online, just write "Online Course" or the name of the certification provider.

  5. How to Put LinkedIn on a Resume (Examples & Guide)

    Here's how to customize your public profile URL using the desktop version of LinkedIn: Log into your LinkedIn account. Click on the Me icon in the top bar. Click on View profile in the menu. Click on Edit public profile & URL in the top right corner. Click the pencil icon. Customize your LinkedIn URL and click Save.

  6. How to List Certifications on a Resume

    In 90% of cases, you should create a dedicated resume section to list your certifications. Here's how you'd format such a section: Add the title of the certification. List the full title of the certificate underneath the section header as a bullet point.

  7. How to Effectively List Certifications on Your Resume with Samples

    Here is a generally accepted method to format your resume certification section: 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 ...

  8. How to List Certifications on Your Resume

    Step 1: Paste your resume into the tool. Step 2: Paste the job description into the tool. Step 3: Click "scan". Jobscan's resume scanner also tells you how to increase your score by adding keywords. Here's an example of a report with a match score and keyword suggestions.

  9. Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume

    by Regina Borsellino, original published at The Muse. As you write your resume, many of the things you need to include may have an obvious place: Your past jobs go in your work experience section, your education goes in your education section, and your skills go in your skills section.But what about certifications? They're not quite experience or education, but they can be just as—if not ...

  10. How to List Certifications on Your Resume [+ Examples]

    The location is only important if the certification is state-specific. Good examples are teaching and nursing licenses and certifications. RIGHT. Registered Nurse, Colorado Board of Nursing, License #123456. WRONG. Registered Nurse (CO) If your certification has an expiration date, you'll need to add that as well.

  11. Everything You Need to Know about LinkedIn Certifications

    You can access LinkedIn Learning, where you can earn your certifications, through a monthly or annual subscription. The monthly subscription costs $29.99/month, whereas an annual subscription runs $239.88/year or $19.99/month. LinkedIn Learning offers one month free for those wanting to give it a try.

  12. How to Correctly List Certifications on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

    Remember, the point of certificates on your resume is to prove to employers that you're a qualified candidate. Therefore, certificates from online courses should only be included on your resume if they meet the following criteria: 1. The certificate is relevant to the position you're applying to.

  13. How to Include In-Progress Certifications on a Resume

    This is when noting an in-progress certification on your resume could help to keep you in the running. One person who commented on Rides' survey noted, " Some contracts say CISSP must be obtained in 120 days of hire. Without the 'in progress' you wouldn't be looked at.". Other times, a certification might be listed as "desired ...

  14. How To List Certifications on Your Resume in 5 Steps

    2. Choose the most relevant certifications for each job. Consider the certifications you have, select the ones most relevant to the job position you are applying for then list them on the resume. If you are applying for accounting positions, list certifications awarded by accounting-affiliated organizations. 3.

  15. Listing Certifications on a Resume, With Examples

    Certifying organization name. Date earned. The location where the certification was completed (city, state, or "Online Course") If you are currently in the process of obtaining a certification, you can still list it on your resume. Simply add the words "In Progress" following the certification name.

  16. How to List Certifications on Resume: 2023 Guide (with 10+ Examples)

    How to List Job-Critical Certifications on Resumes. If the certification is critical for getting into the job, you need to be aggressive while adding the certification to your resume. Put the certification in these 4 places: On the resume Header at the side of your name. In the resume summary.

  17. How to List Certifications on a Resume—Plus Examples ...

    You might consider making a "Professional Certifications," "Licenses," or similar section or, Yurovsky says, you can include them in your "Education" section—which you might consider renaming "Education and Certifications" for clarity. Generally, your certification and license sections should go at the bottom of your resume ...

  18. How to Include Licenses and Certifications on Your Resume

    1. After your name in your contact header, like this: Aliya Jackson, SPHR. Only include the license or certification after your name if it's immediately recognizable to your target audience and central to your overall candidacy. 2. At the beginning of your Profile description. Many jobseekers include a descriptor as the first word of their ...

  19. BLS Certification on Resume: Best Tips for Inclusion

    How to put BLS certifications on your resume; Where to list BLS certification on a Resume; Things to Avoid While Adding BLS Certification to Your Resume; Final Thoughts; When you mention a basic life support certification on resume, your chances lift above the rest in the job market. BLS certification offers much more than just basic knowledge.