Certifications are an excellent way to showcase your expertise, validate your skills, and make your resume stand out to employers.
Knowing how to list certifications effectively can help you highlight your qualifications and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
This guide explores the best practices for how to list certifications on a resume, tailored to job seekers in Kenya’s competitive job market.
Why List Certifications on Your Resume?
- Showcase Your Expertise: Certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills in specific areas.
- Stand Out to Employers: Employers value industry-recognized certifications that set you apart from other candidates.
- Stay Competitive: Certifications show you’re proactive about learning and keeping up with industry trends.
- Increase Credibility: Relevant certifications give you an edge in industries like IT, finance, marketing, and healthcare.
Where to List Certifications on Your Resume
1. Dedicated Certifications Section
- Ideal for resumes with multiple certifications.
- Create a section titled Certifications or Professional Certifications.
2. Work Experience Section
- Mention certifications relevant to specific roles.
- Example: “Implemented advanced IT solutions (Certified in Cisco Networking).”
3. Education Section
- Include certifications earned through academic programs.
- Example: “Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Level II – Strathmore University, 2023.”
4. Professional Summary
- Highlight top certifications briefly to grab attention.
- Example: “Certified Data Analyst with expertise in Python and Tableau.”
How to Format Certifications
1. Certification Name
- Use the official title of the certification.
- Example: “Google Analytics Certified.”
2. Issuing Organization
- List the organization that awarded the certification.
- Example: “Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals – Microsoft.”
3. Date Earned and Expiration (if applicable)
- Include the month and year you earned the certification.
- Mention the expiration date or indicate if it’s valid for life.
4. Relevant Skills or Achievements (Optional)
- If space permits, include a brief note about how the certification applies to the role.
Example of a Certifications Section
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Level II – Strathmore University, 2023
- Google Digital Marketing Certification – Google, 2022
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI, 2021 (Valid through 2026)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council, 2020
Tips for Listing Certifications
1. Prioritize Relevant Certifications
Focus on certifications that align with the job you’re applying for.
- Example: For an IT role, list certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Cisco CCNA.
2. Avoid Irrelevant Certifications
Skip certifications unrelated to the position. For instance, a cooking certificate isn’t relevant for a finance role.
3. Keep It Up-to-Date
Remove expired or outdated certifications unless they are still relevant.
4. Use Consistent Formatting
Ensure all certifications follow the same format for a professional look.
5. Showcase High-Value Certifications
Highlight certifications that are well-recognized in your industry.
Common Certifications to Include on a Resume
For IT and Technology
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect
For Marketing and Digital Fields
- Google Ads Certification
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Facebook Blueprint Certification
For Finance and Accounting
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- QuickBooks Online Certification
For Project Management
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Prince2 Practitioner
For Healthcare
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I List Online Certifications on My Resume?
Yes, if the certification is from a reputable source like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Google, and it’s relevant to the job.
Can I Include Certifications in Progress?
Yes, but specify the status. Example: “AWS Certified Solutions Architect – In Progress (Expected March 2024).”
What If I Have No Certifications?
Focus on other sections like skills, work experience, and education. Consider pursuing free or low-cost certifications to enhance your resume.
Should I List Expired Certifications?
Only include expired certifications if they’re still relevant or demonstrate significant expertise. Mention the expiration date clearly.
Conclusion
By including certifications that align with the job requirements, you demonstrate your value and commitment to continuous learning, giving you an edge in Kenya’s job market.
