Why and How to List Certifications on a Resume

Why and How to List Certifications on a Resume

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So Why Certifications?

A certification is a document that proves you have specific expertise and is issued by an authorized organization. Earning such a document shows that you’re devoted to your field of work and provides evidence of your skills. Adding a professional certification to your resume is proof that you have the competence to do something. And for some 

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So Why Certifications?

positions, it is exactly this proof that could tilt the balance in your favor. Even if the certification is not job-critical, it can certainly boost your resume, draw attention to your application, and present you as a valuable hire.

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How to List Certifications on a Resume

The easiest and most common way to include your certifications is to just add a new section dedicated to them. First, create a heading on your CV named “Certifications,” and create entries underneath. Then, under your designated subheading, list each certification in reverse-chronological order. Meaning, you start with the most recent certificate and make your way from there.

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How to List Certifications on a Resume

For each resume certification entry, include the following information: – Name of Certification – Name of Certifying Agency or Body – Dates of Obtainment – Location (If the certification is location-specific) – Expiration date (If applicable; of course, don’t list certifications on a resume that have expired)

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How to List Certifications on a Resume

– In Progress (If applicable, just add it in the description with the anticipated finishing date) Other than the designated section, you can also mention your certifications on other attention-grabbing sections of your resume, including: – Resume Summary – Contact Information – Education Section

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How to List Certifications on Your Resume Summary

If you have a very job-critical certification, you can also include it in your resume summary section. 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 sentence with the certification’s title.

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How to List Certifications on Your Resume Summary

Not sure what kind of job-critical certifications you should mention in your resume summary? Here are some essentials for different industries: Business – Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) – APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) IT

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How to List Certifications on Your Resume Summary

– Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Healthcare – Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) – Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Law – Certified Commercial 

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How to List Certifications on Your Resume Summary

Investment Member (CCIM) – Certified Legal Manager (CLM) Economics – Certified Business Economist (CBE) – Certified Economic Developer (CED)

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How to List Certifications on Your Education Section

Finally, you can also include your certifications in your resume education section. You do this if: – You only have one certification (and it’s not job-critical) – You took your certification courses throughout your university career – Your want to listless important certifications outside your designated section

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