Certifications show that someone outside your employer has checked your knowledge. In many fields they are required, so they need to be easy to find.
What to include
List each certification with the same details, in the same order:
- The full name, plus the abbreviation if there is a common one
- The organization that issued it
- The year you earned it, or the expiration date if that matters in your field
Example: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Pennsylvania Department of Health, 2024
Where to put them
A separate Certifications section works for most people, placed after Experience or Education. Move it higher when a certification is required for the job, as it often is in nursing, trades, finance and IT. If a credential is essential, you can also add the abbreviation next to your name, as in “Maria Lopez, RN.”
Which ones to list
Include certifications that are current and relevant to the job you want. An old course in an unrelated field takes up space that could go to something stronger. Keep the list short if you have many, and call out the most important ones first.
In progress or expired
If you are still working on one, say so clearly and include an expected date: “Project Management Professional (PMP), expected June 2027.” If one has expired, leave it off unless you are renewing it, and never list it as current. Employers often verify certifications, so accuracy matters.
Licenses and certifications
A license is granted by a government body and is often legally required, while a certification usually comes from a professional organization. If you have both, a heading of “Licenses and Certifications” covers them neatly. Include a license number only if the job asks for it.