How to Include Certification in Resume: the practical guide hiring managers actually read

TLDR: resume summary

Put certifications where they matter most: add certifications in a dedicated Certifications section, and remember that the placement of certifications depends on their relevance to the job description and the expectations of the hiring manager. List the exact certification title, issuing organization, month/year, expiration date, and (if requested) ID. Highly relevant and important certifications should be included in the resume summary or at the top of your professional resume. Certifications can also be listed in the education section, especially if they are academic or tied to coursework. Consider online certifications, free certifications, and first aid certification as examples of certificates worth putting on your resume, depending on the requirements of the potential employer. Professional certification programs from accredited institutions can help demonstrate industry knowledge and make your application stand out. Use current, job-relevant items only. If it’s “in progress,” show an expected completion date.

Benefits of Certifications

Adding relevant certifications to your resume is one of the fastest ways to stand out in a crowded job market. Certifications on your resume show potential employers that you’re committed to professional development and have the up-to-date skills they need. For roles like certified medical assistant or certified nursing assistant, listing your certification proves you meet industry standards and are ready to hit the ground running.

Certifications also help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) by matching the keywords employers are searching for. In a world where skills-based hiring is on the rise, certifications prove you have what it takes giving you an edge over other candidates. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or switching fields, highlighting certifications on your resume signals to hiring managers that you’re serious, qualified, and ready to contribute from day one.

Where certifications belong (by intent)

• You must have it for the job
  Put it near the top in a dedicated certification section for highly relevant certifications; repeat once in your resume summary so the ATS and the hiring manager cannot miss it. Placement depends on the job description and what the hiring manager is looking for.
• It strengthens your niche fit
  Add certifications that are highly relevant to the role. The decision to place them in the certification section or education section depends on their importance and alignment with the job description.
• You are early-career or academic
  If it’s issued by your school, an accredited institution, or a certification program, list it in the education section and always include the certification’s title and issuing organization. Mirror it in certifications if space allows.

Where you add certifications on your professional resume depends on their relevance and the expectations set by the job description.

Types of Certifications

There’s a certification for nearly every career path, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. Professional certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute demonstrate advanced expertise and are recognized across industries. Project management certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), show you can lead teams and deliver results.

Online course certifications are another way to boost your skills, especially in fast-changing fields like digital marketing or data science. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer certifications that can help you break into new areas or stay current. If you work in human resource management, for example, a certification in HR or a related field highlights your specialized knowledge and commitment to best practices. The right mix of professional certifications and online course certifications can help your resume stand out for any role—from project management to human resource to tech. Learn more about the benefits of certificate programs.

The perfect, one-line format

Always use the full certification title and the issuing organization when listing certifications. For each entry, include the certification’s title, the issuing organization, and the expiration date if applicable.

Certification Title (Acronym) — Issuing Organization, MM/YYYY, Expires MM/YYYY
Examples:

If you want to learn more about making your own certificates, read this guide on how to create a certificate in Word.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) — ISACA, 06/2024, Expires 06/2027
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate — Coursera, 03/2025
• Candidate: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) — Scrum Alliance, Expected 02/2026

Note: Always include the expiration date for time-bound certifications.

Certifications from accredited institutions or reputable certification programs should be prioritized, as they provide greater credibility and recognition.

Notes that save interviews:

• Use the official title plus acronym; avoid nicknames.
• Include expiration for time-bound credentials.
• Add an ID only when an employer or regulator requests it.
• For items in progress, write “Candidate” or “Expected MM/YYYY.”

How many relevant certifications to list (and which ones)

• Prioritize certificates worth putting on your resume, focusing on highly relevant and important certifications that demonstrate your industry knowledge. If space is tight, keep 3–5 that match the posting.
• Include aid certifications such as first aid certification, as well as professional certifications like PMP certification or machine learning credentials, if they are important for the role.
• Online certifications and free certifications can be included if they are recognized and relevant to the job.
• Retire expired items unless they are prestigious and clearly marked “Lapsed.”
• Avoid generic completion certificates that don’t map to the job’s requirements; they belong on your profile, not prime resume real estate.

Skills and certifications on a resume: smart placement

• Summary: one crisp line with the must-have credential (“Network engineer with CCNA, IPv6, and SD-WAN project experience”). Include the certification title or certification’s title in your resume summary to catch the attention of the hiring manager and potential employer.
• Skills: use the credential’s skill outcomes (e.g., “SOC 2 readiness, audit evidence mapping”) so ATS keywording catches both the cert and the competencies. Add certifications that match the job description.
• Experience bullets: prove the credential in action (“Deployed ISO 27001 control set across 24 units, reducing audit findings by 32%”).

Strategically placing certifications in your professional resume helps ensure they are seen by the hiring manager.

ATS-friendly formatting (no drama, more interviews)

• Plain text, standard headings (Certifications, Licenses, Training)—add certifications using these standard headings to ensure ATS compatibility.
• Reverse-chronological order.
• Match exact employer phrasing from the job ad (acronyms and long forms).
• Save as PDF unless told otherwise; keep file name professional.
• Skip icons, images, and sidebars that can break parsing.

Certificates or certifications on resume: what’s the difference

• Certification = externally validated credential, often with an exam and renewal (e.g., PMP, CISA).
• Certificate = completion of a course or program; valid for signaling learning but not always a regulated credential.

Certifications from accredited institutions or through a certification program—such as a professional certification, aid certification, aid certifications, or first aid certification—carry more weight than generic certificates. Online certifications and free certifications can also be valuable if they are recognized by employers.

Both can be listed — just label them correctly and lead with the ones the employer values.

High-impact mini-section templates

Choose one and stick with it.

Template A: Classic list
Certifications
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (Certification Title) — Amazon (Issuing Organization, Accredited Institution), 08/2025 (Expiration Date if applicable)
• CompTIA Security+ (Certification Title) — CompTIA (Issuing Organization, Accredited Institution), 04/2024, Expires 04/2027 (Expiration Date)
• Candidate: CISM (Certification Title) — ISACA (Issuing Organization, Accredited Institution), Expected 01/2026

Note: For each entry, include the certification title, certification’s title, issuing organization, and expiration date if applicable. Prioritize certifications from accredited institutions or reputable certification programs in your list.

Industry Requirements

Some industries won’t even consider your application without the right certifications. In healthcare, for example, Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification is often a must-have for clinical roles. IT and network security jobs may require credentials like CompTIA A+ or Cisco CCNA. In human resources, earning a SHRM-CP or similar certification can set you apart from other job applicants.

Before you apply, research the relevant certifications for your target industry. Including these certifications on your resume not only shows you meet the baseline requirements, but also demonstrates your understanding of key concepts like risk management or social media marketing. Tailoring your certifications section to match industry expectations is a smart way to show hiring managers you’re a qualified candidate who speaks their language.

Certification Maintenance

Earning a certification is just the beginning—maintaining it is what keeps you competitive. Many professional certifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or project management credentials from the Project Management Institute, require ongoing professional development and continuing education. Staying current ensures your certification remains valid and signals to employers that you’re committed to continuous learning.

Letting a certification expire can hurt your job prospects, especially in fields where up-to-date knowledge is critical. Make it a priority to track renewal dates, complete required coursework, and stay engaged with your industry. This commitment to professional development not only keeps your resume strong, but also helps you stay ahead in a fast-moving job market.

Certification Resources

Finding the right certification starts with knowing where to look. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of certifications in everything from project management to human resource management and beyond. Professional organizations—such as the Project Management Institute or the Society for Human Resource Management—provide industry-recognized certifications and valuable resources for exam prep and career advancement.

Many employers also offer in-house certification programs or support for external training, so check what’s available through your current job. When choosing a certification, consider the reputation of the awarding organization, industry recognition, and how well it aligns with your career goals. Leveraging these resources and adding relevant certifications to your resume shows prospective employers that you’re proactive, knowledgeable, and ready to take on new challenges in today’s job market.

Common mistakes (and the easy fixes)

• Problem: Listing 10 loosely related items.
  Fix: Curate to 3–5 role-matching credentials and only include certificates worth putting on your resume.
• Problem: Missing date or issuer.
  Fix: Always include the certification title, certification’s title, issuing organization, and expiration date along with month/year and the awarding body.
• Problem: Hiding the must-have cert on page two.
  Fix: Surface it in Summary and in a top-third Certifications section.
• Problem: Inflating with short online courses.
  Fix: Move those to your profile; keep your resume focused.

How Sertifier helps candidates and issuers

For candidates: keep your resume clean and your profile rich. Use your Sertifier verification page for proof, then mirror the credential on your resume with the standardized line above. For issuers and career centers: standardize naming, issue renewal reminders, and provide graduates with share instructions and outcome skills so their resumes speak the employer’s language.

One-page checklist

• Dedicated Certifications section in reverse-chronological order
• Each entry should include the certification title (or certification’s title), issuing organization, and expiration date
• List the exact title + acronym, issuer, month/year, expiration
• Prioritize certifications from accredited institutions or reputable certification programs
• “Candidate” or “Expected” for in-progress items
• Summary mention when it’s required for the job
• Skills reflect outcomes tied to the credential
• ATS-safe formatting; no images or icons
• Keep only current, relevant entries