How To List Certifications On Resume

To list certifications on a resume, include the certification name, the issuing organization, and the year earned in a clean, consistent format. Place certifications near the top if they are essential to the job or if you have limited experience, or list them in a dedicated Certifications section if you are more experienced. Only include relevant, recognized certifications that directly support the role you’re applying for.

A certification can quickly strengthen your resume. It shows proof of skill, credibility, and ongoing professional development – something a simple skills list cannot do on its own. But the value of a certification doesn’t come just from having it. It comes from how you present it. The right placement and formatting can make your resume look polished and intentional; the wrong placement can make it look cluttered or irrelevant.

This guide will show you exactly how to list certifications on your resume, where to place them depending on your career stage, how to format them, and which certifications are worth adding. You’ll also find examples you can copy and use directly.

Let’s begin with the fundamentals – the formatting itself.

How to List Certifications on Your Resume

The simplest way to list certifications on a resume is to include the certification name, issuing organization, and year, in a clean, consistent format. When listing certifications on your resume, the goal is clarity and credibility. Any recruiter should instantly understand what the certification is, who issued it, and when it was earned. The more straightforward the formatting, the more professional your resume appears.

At minimum, you should include:

• Certification Name
• Issuing Organization
• Year Earned (or In Progress / Expired, if relevant)

Standard Formatting Example (Use This Style)

If the Certification Is In Progress

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Amazon Web Services — In Progress (Expected June 2025)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Key Tip:
Keep every certification formatted the same way.
Consistency makes your resume look intentional and polished — and helps ATS systems read it correctly.

Where to Put Certifications on a Resume

Place certifications where they support your strongest qualification: at the top for career changers and licensed roles, or in a dedicated Certifications section for experienced professionals.

The best place to list certifications depends on your experience level and the type of job you’re applying for. Your goal is to position certifications where they add the most credibility.

Note: Some resume builders allow you to add a Certifications section as a separate block. MyResumeStar’s resume builder includes a dedicated Certifications section option, so you can insert it exactly where it strengthens your resume the most.

If you’re writing a resume with very little experience, see our guide on writing a summary for resume for freshers:

If You Have Strong Work Experience

Place certifications in a separate section below your Work Experience Section and Skills.

Layout Example:

• Summary
• Work Experience
• Skills
• Certifications
• Education

This keeps your resume balanced while still making certifications easy to find.

If You’re a Student or Fresher

Place certifications near the top, right below your Summary or Education. Because as a fresher you may not have the work experience other than your internship. Putting certifications in the following format helps you to prove your skills in the absence of your professional experience.

Layout Example:

• Summary
• Education
• Certifications
• Skills
• Projects / Internships

If You’re Changing Careers

Place certifications at the top just below summary in resume for career change, because they demonstrate your capability in the new field — often more strongly than your past work history.

Layout Example:

• Summary
• Certifications
• Skills
• Work Experience (Previous Field)
• Education

If You’re in a Licensed or Regulated Field

(Examples: Healthcare, Beauty & Wellness, IT Security, Fitness, Real Estate)
Place certifications before or directly above Work Experience because they are mandatory qualifications.

Layout Example:

• Summary
• Licenses & Certifications
• Skills
• Work Experience
• Education

This simple placement decision can make your resume look significantly more targeted and professional.

Should I Put Expired Certifications on My Resume?

Yes, you can list expired certifications on your resume, but only if they still add value to your application. An expired certification can still demonstrate formal training, foundational knowledge, or past qualification — especially in fields where skills do not become obsolete quickly.

However, you must clearly label the certification as expired or note the year it lapsed. This maintains transparency and prevents misunderstandings during hiring or background checks.

When to Include an Expired Certification

Include it if:

• The certification is still relevant to the role.
• It shows specialized or hard-to-learn knowledge.
• It is a respected or recognized qualification in your industry.

Example:
Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Scrum Alliance — Expired 2023

When to Leave It Off

Do not include an expired certification if:

• It’s unrelated to the job you’re applying for.
• The field has changed significantly since you earned it.
• You only completed the certification casually with no real application.

Comparison Table: Certification vs Course vs License

Quick Certifications That Look Good on a Resume

The best quick certifications are recognized, job-relevant, and issued by reputable organizations rather than generic course platforms. If you want to strengthen your resume fast, focus on certifications that are recognized, practical, and relevant to your field. Below are certifications that are respected and can be completed within days or a few weeks — not months.

For Business, Marketing & Content Roles

These signal digital competency and campaign-level understanding — highly useful for roles in marketing, sales, communications, and social media.

For Data, Tech & IT Roles

These certifications help you stand out in entry-level tech roles, analytics-focused positions, and support IT transition paths.

For Finance & Accounting Roles

Even a “CFA Level I – In Progress” note increases credibility when applying to finance positions.

For Project & Operations Roles

These show readiness to handle workflow, planning, timelines, and cross-team coordination.

For Healthcare & Medical Support Roles

In clinical and caregiving roles, certifications are often more important than degrees. If you’re preparing a healthcare-focused resume, see examples such as the Travel Nurse Resume and NICU Nurse Resume:

For Beauty, Wellness & Personal Care Roles

• Licensed Esthetician (State, National, or Recognized Authority)
• Cosmetology Certification (Hair, Nails, Makeup)
• Spa Therapist Certification
• Eyelash Extension Specialist Certification

These act as professional legitimacy proof if you are client-facing.

Examples of how these certifications are highlighted effectively:

• Beauty Consultant Resume
• Hair Stylist Resume
• Spa Manager Resume
• Esthetician Resume

For Fitness, Sports & Coaching Roles

These are respected internationally and are often required by studios and fitness centers.

These certifications are often highlighted in:

• Personal Trainer Resume
• Soccer Coach Resume

Key Principle to Remember

Choose certifications that directly support the skills needed for the job you’re applying for.
A well-chosen certification does more than decorate your resume — it backs your capability.

Free Certifications for Resume

If you’re looking to strengthen your resume without spending money, there are several respected platforms that offer free professional certifications. These courses are accepted by employers, backed by well-known organizations, and can be completed online at your own pace.

Google Career Certificates (via Coursera – Free with Financial Aid)

Some of the most employer-recognized free certificates include:

These are practical, hands-on, and credible — excellent for students and career changers.

HubSpot Academy (Completely Free)

Best for marketing, content, and communication roles:

These certifications demonstrate strategic thinking and campaign planning skills.

Meta Blueprint (Free for Digital Marketers)

Useful for roles involving Facebook, Instagram, and paid ad campaigns.

Microsoft Learn (Free for Tech Fundamentals)

Good choice if you’re transitioning into analytics, reporting, or support roles.

LinkedIn Learning (Free During Trial)

If you activate the 1-month free trial, you can complete:

Finish key certifications during the trial, add them to your resume, and cancel if needed.

FEMA Emergency Management Institute (Completely Free – U.S. Focus)

For roles in security, government programs, community services:

Relevant for public service or coordination-based professions.

How to Show In-Progress Certifications on a Resume

If you’re currently taking a certification course or preparing for an exam, you should include it on your resume — as long as it is relevant to the job you’re applying for. This shows employers that you are actively building skills and staying updated in your field.

The key is to clearly state the certification status so there is no confusion about whether it is completed or ongoing.

How to List In-Progress Certifications

Use this format:

• Certification Name
• Issuing Organization
• Status + Expected Completion Date

Example:
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Google / Coursera — In Progress (Expected June 2025)

If You’ve Passed the Exam but the Credential Is Yet to Be Issued

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) — Exam Passed, License Pending

This phrasing is honest, clear, and shows your competence.

If You Are Preparing for the Exam (Not Yet Started)

Only include it if:

• You are actively studying and committed
• You have a tentative exam date or timeline

Otherwise, leave it off until real progress is made.

Example:
AWS Solutions Architect — Associate
Amazon Web Services — Preparation in Progress (Exam scheduled for August 2025)

Why This Helps Your Resume Stand Out

• Shows initiative and ongoing learning
• Signals up-to-date knowledge
• Adds credibility for career transitions
• Demonstrates commitment to the profession

Employers value effort, direction, and professional development, not just completed achievements.

Conclusion

Certifications can strengthen your resume by showing proof of skill, credibility, and commitment to your field. But the impact comes from how clearly and intentionally you present them. Choose certifications that are relevant to the job, list them in a visible and consistent format, and place them where they add the most value based on your experience level.

If you’re just starting out or transitioning careers, certifications can help bridge the gap. If you’re experienced, they reinforce your expertise. And if you’re still learning, listing certifications in progress shows initiative and growth.

Keep your resume focused, professional, and easy to read.
The right certification, placed in the right spot, can make your resume stand out immediately.