How to Include Certifications on a CV in 2024

A certification may appear to be no more than a plain sheet of paper, a mere formality; but achieving one and including it within your resume can offer priceless benefits for your career.

Certificates, especially the in-demand ones such as the PMP certification, or Google Career certificates, prove to employers that you are serious about your career, and that you are not the type of candidate to half-step and execute the bare minimum in your role.

And when you take the time to invest in yourself and your further professional growth, you demonstrate indicators of emerging potential, therefore this is encouraging to them. Furthermore, companies view proactive credential acquisition—especially if acquired outside of a job—as a sign of great leadership potential. This is because it demonstrates your capacity to overcome obstacles, multitask, accept responsibility for your own actions and output, and, most importantly, it exhibits your dedication to excellence.

Which Certificates Need to Be Included in My Resume?

It all boils down to analyzing your career goals and making sure that anything you choose to study—and list—is useful when determining which certificates to include on your resume. Additionally, if you do happen to possess one or more certifications that are not relevant to the position you're applying for (for instance, you have a personal training diploma but are applying for an accounting job), just leave them off of your resume. This will draw attention away from the highlights of your application and may cause more questions than it will answers.

As best practice, consider the role you're applying for and conduct some research to understand what certificate(s) are needed for that level, and if any are needed in the future as you progress up the ladder.

• Some of the most popular courses which lead to certificates include the PMP certification, Google Career certificates AWS certification, and the Six Sigma certifications for each belt. And of course, don't forget that obtaining a certification in AI is a bonus for many employers, who are eagerly welcoming candidates with artificial intelligence skills, particularly with Generative AI.

But how should a CV specifically list certifications?

Let's look at some best practices you may want to take into account while adding professional certificates to your CV.

How Should My Resume List My Certifications?

When adding any kind of certificate to your CV, try to keep these rules in mind:

1. Create A Dedicated Section:

Include a section titled "Certifications" or "Professional Qualifications" in your resume, right before listing out any degrees you may have in your education section. Titling your section clearly makes it easier for recruiters to scan through to the important details, separates it from the rest of your resume, and highlights it to applicant tracking systems.

2. Include The Right Details:

Ensure you don't leave out crucial information such as the full name of the certification (you may also include the abbreviation in parentheses), the issuing institution you obtained it from, and the year it was awarded. You may also add any special extras such as endorsements or special awards/honors from your studies.

The certifications should be arranged in reverse chronological order, just as you would do for the employment section.

3. Provide Some Context:

Sometimes it helps to include a brief line or two explaining key concepts you learnt while obtaining your certification and how they related to or impacted your role and performance, emphasizing tangible metrics. Highlight any technical skills or knowledge you gained, that have been cited as necessary or desirable in the job's requirements.

Example:

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) | ISC2 | May 2023

Should I Include Certificates In Progress On My Resume?

Yes, you absolutely should include certifications in progress on your resume. You don't need to wait until you've completed your studies and are awarded the certificate before you can mention it to employers. This is how it would look if you are still studying:

Example:

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | AWS | Expected July 2024

By adhering to these rules, you demonstrate to potential and present employers your dedication to professional development and that you're prepared to go above and beyond to excel in your line of work. Your job applications—or requests for a promotion—will be treated more favorably, and your certificates will be more visible.