Accreditation on Resume

Should You List Accreditation on Resume

In most professional contexts, particularly those that require credentialed or certified professionals such as education, healthcare, accounting, and engineering, listing your accreditations is essential to demonstrate your expertise and compliance with industry standards. In some regions like the United States, it's a common practice for resumes to include educational and professional accreditations, whereas in other countries, this might be less common. However, in competitive fields or international job applications, including relevant accreditations can enhance your credibility as a candidate.

Why to List Accreditation on Resume

• Demonstrates your expertise: Accreditations show that you have met specific standards and achieved a level of competency in your field, which can be valuable to potential employers.
• Highlights compliance with industry regulations: In some industries like healthcare or finance, having the appropriate accreditations is crucial for working legally and maintaining client trust.
• Increases credibility: By listing your accreditations on your resume, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, which can help establish your credibility as a competent and reliable candidate.
• Facilitates career advancement: Accreditations may open doors to higher-level positions or opportunities within your profession by showcasing your specialized knowledge and skills.

Where to List Accreditation on Resume

• Education Section: If your accreditation is related to a degree or certification, list it under the appropriate educational entry. For example, "Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)".
• Professional Development/Certifications Section: List any professional certifications or accreditations that are relevant to your career goals and field. This could include industry-specific certifications like CPA, PMP, or CHFP.
• Summary/Professional Profile Section: If you have multiple relevant accreditations, consider including a brief mention of them in your summary or professional profile to give an overview of your expertise.

Examples of How to List Accreditation on Resume

Education Accreditation Example

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• University of XYZ
• Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Professional Certification Example

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

What to Avoid While Listing Accreditation on Resume

• Overemphasis: Including too many accreditations or listing irrelevant ones can clutter your resume and distract potential employers from your most important qualifications. Focus on those that are directly related to the job you're applying for.
• Incomplete information: Make sure to include the issuing body for each accreditation, as this helps clarify the source of your certification.
• Abbreviations without explanation: While commonly used abbreviations like CPA and PMP are generally understood, less well-known ones should be explained or expanded in parentheses the first time they appear on your resume.

How to List Specialized Training on Resume

• Highlight the Relevance: Mention the specialized training only if it's directly related to the job you are applying for. Briefly explain how this training equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the position.

Example: I completed a comprehensive 6-month course in Data Science from Coursera, focusing on Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, and Python Programming. This training has equipped me with the practical skills to analyze large datasets effectively, which is crucial for this Data Analyst role.

• Include Accreditation Details: If the training or certification is accredited by a recognized institution or organization, make sure to include these details. This enhances the credibility of your specialized training.

Example: I received a Certificate in Project Management from PMI (Project Management Institute), demonstrating my proficiency in leading and managing projects effectively.

• Specify Duration and Location: Provide the duration and location of the specialized training to give recruiters an idea of your commitment and flexibility.

Example: I completed a 40-hour intensive course in Digital Marketing from Google Garage, held online.

• Emphasize Key Takeaways: Highlight the key skills or competencies you gained from the specialized training that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Example: The Advanced Excel Training I received at Microsoft enabled me to master complex formulas, pivot tables, and data visualization tools, making me an efficient and accurate Data Analyst.

• Order Wisely: List your specialized training after your formal education and work experience, but before any other skills or achievements if they are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Example: Professional Experience, [Details] Education, [Details] Certifications - Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Scrum Alliance - Certified Advanced Excel User, Microsoft Specialized Training - Google Garage: Digital Marketing (40 hours) - Coursera: Data Science (6 months)

Example 2: Specialized Training in Accreditation Context

If you're changing careers or your specialized training is not directly related to the job, you can still list it effectively by connecting it to the accreditation and demonstrating its relevance.

Example: I completed a Master's degree in Psychology from [University Name] and then pursued a 6-month certification program in User Experience (UX) Design from Interaction Design Foundation. Although this is not traditionally related to my field, it has equipped me with valuable skills in empathy mapping, user research, and prototyping, which I believe will help me deliver more human-centered solutions as a [Your Job Title].

This way, your resume will showcase your diverse skill set and ability to adapt to new domains.

How to List Continuing Education Units (ceus) on Resume

When incorporating CEUs into your resume, it's essential to present this information effectively to showcase your commitment to professional development and growth. Below are some best practices to guide you:

• Highlight Relevant CEUs: Include only CEUs related to the job you're applying for. If you have various CEUs, list those that are most closely associated with the desired position or industry.

  • Example: Continuing Education Units in Project Management (12 CEUs) earned through the Project Management Institute to stay updated on current project management methodologies and trends.

• Include Accreditation Information: Make sure to mention the accrediting body of your CEUs, as it adds credibility to your professional development achievements.

  • Example: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Data Analytics (30 CEUs) from the International Institute for Analytics, recognized by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).

• Mention Completion Date: Provide the completion date(s) of your CEUs to demonstrate that you've stayed current and up-to-date in your field.

  • Example: Continuing Education Units in Cybersecurity (15 CEUs) completed in 2021 through the SANS Institute, showcasing a commitment to keeping up with the latest cybersecurity threats and solutions.

• Quantify Your Learning: Include the total number of CEUs you've earned to give hiring managers a sense of the scope of your professional development efforts.

  • Example: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Marketing Strategy (50 CEUs) from various institutions, demonstrating a dedication to broadening marketing knowledge and skills.

Example 1: Continuing Education Units (ceus) on Accreditation Resume

In the context of seeking employment in a regulatory compliance position, you could present your CEUs as follows:

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Financial Compliance (20 CEUs), obtained from the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), reflecting an ongoing commitment to understanding and adhering to the latest financial regulations.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Risk Management (15 CEUs) from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), emphasizing a focus on identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks within organizations.

Example 2: Continuing Education Units (ceus) in Accreditation Context

When applying for a position as a training coordinator at an accredited organization, you could structure your CEUs section like this:

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Adult Learning Strategies (10 CEUs), earned from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), highlighting expertise in designing and delivering effective learning experiences for adult learners.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Instructional Design (20 CEUs) from the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), demonstrating a deep understanding of instructional design principles to create engaging and efficient training programs.

How to List Educational Degrees on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Educational Degrees' with the Keyword 'Accreditation'

• Include the Name of the Degree: Clearly state the name and level of your degree, such as Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

  • Example: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature

• Specify the Institution: Write the name of the institution where you earned your degree. It's also acceptable to list the city and state if the institution is well-known or if it could help with regional context.

  • Example: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA

• Mention the Year of Graduation: Include the year you completed your degree. However, only list the years for degrees if they are recent or directly relevant to the job you're applying for. If you have a long history of education, it may be more appropriate to provide the most recent ones and use phrases like "early 2000s" for older degrees.

  • Example: Graduated in 2015

• Highlight Accreditation: Mention any notable accreditations your degree program or institution has received, if applicable. This can help demonstrate the quality and prestige of your education. Include the name of the accrediting body and the specific accreditation(s) earned.

  • Example: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

• Include Relevant Coursework or Achievements: If your degree is closely related to the job you're applying for, list any relevant coursework or achievements that can showcase your skills and expertise. Be concise and focus on the most pertinent details.

  • Example: Coursework in Education Policy and Evaluation, Honor Society member

Example 1: Educational Degrees on Accreditation Resume

• Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Information Systems Management
  • Institution: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB)

Example 2: Educational Degrees in Accreditation Context

• Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
  • Institution: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
    • Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Relevant Coursework/Achievements: Coursework in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology Research Assistant

How to List Certifications on Resume

Listing certifications on a resume can significantly enhance your professional profile, especially when the field involves accreditation. Here are some best practices to help you showcase your certified skills effectively:

• Highlight Relevance: Include only those certifications that are directly relevant to the job you're applying for. If the position requires accreditation in a specific area, make sure to list the related certification.

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with specialization in Taxation: Demonstrates expertise in tax-related matters, essential for the accounting role.

• Include Key Details: Mention the name of the certifying body and the date you received the certification. If your accreditation is ongoing or recently renewed, include this information as well.

  • Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), valid through [Year].

• Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to describe how you obtained the certification, such as "Achieved," "Obtained," or "Completed." This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging.

  • Completed the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI), demonstrating proficiency in project management best practices.

• Structure Consistency: Maintain a consistent structure when listing certifications to ensure your resume is easy to read and navigate. Use bullet points, concise phrases, and avoid abbreviations where possible.

• Showcase Continuing Education: If you're committed to ongoing learning and professional development, highlight any recertification or continuous education related to your accreditation. This shows employers that you are dedicated to staying current in your field.

  • Participated in the annual continuing education course for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, ensuring up-to-date knowledge on financial planning trends and regulations.

Example 1: Certifications on Accreditation Resume

In a resume for a Quality Assurance Manager position in the pharmaceutical industry, a candidate may list their accreditations as follows:

Certifications

• Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 by Quality Management Services (QMS), valid through [Year]
• Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), valid through [Year]

Example 2: Certifications in Accreditation Context

In a resume for an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager, a candidate might list their relevant certifications like this:

Certifications

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH), valid through [Year]
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 500-Authorized Trainer, valid through [Year]

How to List Professional Licenses on Resume

Listing professional licenses on your resume is an essential step in showcasing your qualifications to potential employers. Here are some best practices:

• Clearly Label the Section: Title this section as 'Professional Licenses' or similar, making it easy for recruiters to find relevant information quickly.

  Example: "Professional Licenses"

• Include Relevant Details: List each license, its number (if applicable), the issuing body, and the date of issue or expiration (if relevant).

  Example: "Registered Nurse License #123456789, Florida Board of Nursing, Issued: 01/01/2020"

• Highlight Accreditations: If any of your licenses are from accredited organizations or bodies, make sure to include this information. This can help demonstrate the quality and validity of your qualifications.

  Example: "Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)"

• Arrange in Reverse Chronological Order: List your licenses in reverse chronological order, with the most recent license first. This makes it easy for recruiters to see your most current qualifications at a glance.

  Example: "Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - Issued: 01/01/2020 Registered Nurse License #123456789, Florida Board of Nursing - Issued: 01/01/2018"

Example 1: Professional Licenses on Accreditation Resume

In the context of an accounting professional seeking a senior position, their resume might look like this:

Professional Licenses:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - Issued: 01/01/2020
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute - Issued: 01/01/2018

Example 2: Professional Licenses in Accreditation Context

For a nurse applying for a hospital management position, their resume might include:

Professional Licenses:

• Registered Nurse License #123456789, Florida Board of Nursing - Issued: 01/01/2018
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider, American Heart Association - Certified: 01/01/2020
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider, American Academy of Pediatrics - Certified: 01/01/2019

In both examples, the professional licenses are clearly labeled, include relevant details, and highlight any accreditations. They are also arranged in reverse chronological order for easy reading.