License on Resume

Should You List License on Resume

In most cases, yes, you should list any professional licenses that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Licenses demonstrate your expertise and compliance with industry regulations, which can be crucial for certain roles such as healthcare professionals, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and more. However, international applicants should note that requirements may differ between countries.

Why to List License on Resume

• Demonstrates Professionalism: A valid license signifies that you have undergone the necessary training, examinations, and background checks required for your profession. This shows employers that you meet their standards of professionalism.
• Meets Legal Requirements: Some roles require a specific license to practice lawfully. Failing to list your licenses could disqualify you from certain job opportunities.
• Enhances Credibility: A licensed professional is more likely to be trusted by clients or customers, which can lead to increased business opportunities.

Where to List License on Resume

Professional Summary/Objective

If the license is integral to your profession, briefly mention it in your summary or objective statement. For example: "Licensed Physical Therapist with 10 years of experience..."

Work Experience

Include your license when describing a role that requires licensure. For instance: "Licensed Real Estate Broker (since 2016)..."

Education/Certifications

If you obtained your license as part of your academic program, list it under the relevant degree or certification.

Examples of How to List License on Resume

Work Experience - Licensed Professional Counselor

• License

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - State of New York (License #1234567) - Active since 2018

Education/Certifications - Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

• Certification

• Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - State University of New York, Albany - Graduated 2016

What to Avoid While Listing License on Resume

• Incorrect or Expired Licenses: Only list active and valid licenses. If a license has expired or been revoked, do not include it unless specifically asked.
• Incomplete Information: Always provide the license number, issuing state, and current status (e.g., active/inactive).
• Irrelevant Licenses: Don't list licenses that are unrelated to the job you're applying for, as they could confuse or distract potential employers.

How to List Specific Industry Licenses (e.g., Real Estate Broker's License) on Resume

Listing your specific industry licenses, such as a Real Estate Broker's License, is an essential part of showcasing your qualifications in a professional setting. Here are some best practices for including this subcategory on your resume:

• Highlight Relevance: Make sure to place your licensure information in a prominent location, such as the summary or qualifications section of your resume, to emphasize its relevance to the job you're applying for.

Example: As a licensed Real Estate Broker with over 10 years of experience, I have successfully negotiated numerous residential and commercial transactions in various markets.

• Specify License Details: Include the name of the license, the issuing authority, and the issue date. This provides clarity and authenticates your licensure status.

Example: Real Estate Broker's License issued by the State of California Department of Real Estate on January 1st, 20XX.

• Mention Renewal: If necessary, mention any renewals or continuing education requirements you have fulfilled to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining your license.

Example: I have consistently met and exceeded the continuing education requirements for my California Real Estate Broker's License.

• Emphasize Skills: Tie your licensure directly to your skills by describing how it enables you to effectively perform tasks relevant to the job you're applying for.

Example: My expertise in real estate transactions, honed through years of experience as a licensed broker, allows me to quickly analyze market trends and provide valuable insights to clients.

• Include Any Specialties: If you have any specialties or endorsements under your license, make sure to list them as well. This can help differentiate you from other candidates with similar licensure.

Example: I also hold an additional Real Estate Property Management Certificate, enabling me to manage and maintain properties for investors.

Example 1: Specific Industry Licenses (e.g., Real Estate Broker's License) on License Resume

In the context of a resume for a real estate broker position, the licensure section might look like this:

• Licenses
  • California Real Estate Broker's License issued by the State of California Department of Real Estate on January 1st, 20XX.
  *Exceeding continuing education requirements each year. *Specializing in residential and commercial transactions.

Example 2: Specific Industry Licenses (e.g., Real Estate Broker's License) in License Context

In the context of a LinkedIn profile, a licensure section might look like this:

• Licenses
  • California Real Estate Broker's License issued by the State of California Department of Real Estate on January 1st, 20XX.
• Continuously meet and exceed continuing education requirements.
• Specialize in residential and commercial transactions.

In both examples, consistent formatting is used for easy readability and to create a professional appearance.

How to List Certifications (e.g., Cpr, First Aid) on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight Relevance: If your certifications are directly related to the job you're applying for, make sure they stand out. Use bullet points, bold text, or a separate section to draw attention to them.

  Example: For a nursing position, list CPR and First Aid certifications under a subsection titled 'Life Support Certifications' within the 'Skills & Qualifications' section.

• Include the Name of the Certification: Clearly state the name of the certification to avoid any confusion. This allows potential employers to quickly identify what you are qualified in.

  Example: Instead of just writing "First Aid," include the full title, such as "American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers."

• Mention Expiration Dates: If your certifications have an expiration date, it's essential to include this information. This shows that you are keeping your skills up-to-date and committed to maintaining them.

  Example: Under the CPR certification, write "American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers - Certified until [Expiration Date]."

• Provide Issuing Authority: Include the name of the issuing authority or organization that granted your certifications. This provides credibility and shows that you have received legitimate training.

  Example: "Certified in Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) by Emergency First Response International."

• Use a Consistent Format: Keep the format of your certifications consistent with other sections of your resume to maintain a professional and organized appearance.

Example 1: Certifications (e.g., Cpr, First Aid) on License Resume

For an EMT or paramedic applying for a job, their certifications are highly relevant and should be given prominence. Here's an example of how they might list their certifications in this context:

Skills & Qualifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers - American Heart Association
  • Certified until [Expiration Date]
• Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) and Secondary Care (First Aid) - Emergency First Response International
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association
  • Certified until [Expiration Date]

Example 2: Certifications (e.g., Cpr, First Aid) in License Context

For a lifeguard applying for a position at a water park, their certifications are crucial to demonstrate their qualifications and readiness for the job. Here's an example of how they might list their certifications in this context:

Skills & Qualifications

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding
  • Certified until [Expiration Date]
• CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and First Aid - American Heart Association
  • Certified until [Expiration Date]
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training - American Red Cross
  • Certified until [Expiration Date]

How to List Security Clearance on Resume

Best Practices for Including Security Clearance and License Information

• Highlight the Relevance: Start by stating the relevance of your security clearance and any associated licenses to the position you're applying for. This helps recruiters understand why this information is important in your context.

For example, "Relevant security clearance (e.g., Top Secret/SCI) and licensed professional engineering status are key qualifications for the cybersecurity analyst role."

• Specify the Type and Level of Clearance: Clearly state the type and level of your security clearance. This includes any specific designations, such as SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information).

For example, "Top Secret/SCI security clearance with a 5-year active polygraph."

• Mention the Issuing Authority: Briefly mention the issuing authority for your clearance, such as the U.S. Department of Defense or National Security Agency. This adds credibility to your statement.

For example, "Security clearance issued by the United States Department of Defense."

• Include Expiration Dates (if applicable): If your security clearance has an expiration date, be sure to include it to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

For example, "Active Top Secret/SCI clearance valid through [expiration date]."

• Highlight Any Renewals or Updates: If you've had your security clearance renewed or updated, mention this to show that your status is current and reliable.

For example, "Security clearance renewed in [year of renewal] with no negative findings."

Example 1: Security Clearance on License Resume

Consider a resume for a cybersecurity analyst position within a government contractor. This individual holds both a Top Secret/SCI security clearance and a Professional Engineering license. Their resume might include the following section:

• Certifications & Clearances
  • Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the United States Department of Defense, active through 2026 with no negative findings.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of [State].

Example 2: Security Clearance in License Context

In another scenario, a candidate for an environmental consulting role requires both a Top Secret/SCI security clearance and a Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT) license. Their resume might include the following section:

• Certifications & Licenses
  • Relevant Top Secret/SCI security clearance issued by the National Security Agency, active through 2024 with no negative findings.
  • Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT) license in the state of [State], issued by the [State's Board of Professional Geologists].

How to List Professional License on Resume

Best Practices:

• Include the Type of License: Clearly state the type of professional license you hold (e.g., Registered Nurse, Certified Public Accountant, Real Estate Broker). This provides a quick understanding of your qualifications for potential employers.

  Example: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License #1234567, issued by the State Board of Accountancy on January 1, 20XX.

• Highlight Renewal Dates: If your license has renewal dates or requirements, include this information to show that it is current and up-to-date.

  Example: Current status with annual continuing education requirements, renewed annually on December 31.

• Provide the Issuing Authority: List the authority that issued your professional license (e.g., State Board of Nursing, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants). This helps employers verify your credentials if needed.

  Example: Registered Nurse License issued by the Florida Board of Nursing.

• Mention Relevant Experience: Briefly describe any relevant experience that led to obtaining your professional license. This can demonstrate your expertise and commitment in your field.

  Example: Over 10 years of experience as a licensed Real Estate Broker, having successfully completed the required courses and examinations.

• Location-specific Information: If your license is location-specific (e.g., state-issued nursing or real estate licenses), make sure to include the state in which you are licensed. This allows employers to understand any geographical restrictions that may apply to your professional services.

  Example: Licensed Real Estate Broker in the states of California and Nevada.

Example 1: Professional License on a Resume (cpa)

Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), License #1234567, issued by the State Board of Accountancy on January 1, 20XX. Current status with annual continuing education requirements, renewed annually on December 31.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting from University XYZ, graduated summa cum laude in 20XX.

Example 2: Professional License in a Resume (real Estate Broker)

Professional Licenses and Experience

• Licensed Real Estate Broker in the states of California and Nevada. Over 10 years of experience as a licensed Real Estate Broker, having successfully completed the required courses and examinations.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from University XYZ, graduated cum laude in 20XX.
• Currently seeking opportunities in commercial real estate sales and acquisitions in Southern California.

How to List Driving License on Resume

Best Practices for Listing the Subcategory 'Driving License'

• Include Type of License: Specify the type of driving license you possess (e.g., Class A, B, C). This gives employers a clear understanding of your eligibility for certain roles that require specific types of licenses.

  For instance, if you are applying for a truck driver position, it's crucial to mention the Class A or B license.

• Mention Validity and Renewal Dates: If your driving license has an expiration date or requires regular renewal, including this information can demonstrate responsibility and reliability.

  Listing the validity period of your license (e.g., "Valid until: MM/YY") shows employers that you maintain essential documents in good standing.

• Specify Endorsements: If your driving license has endorsements for specific vehicles or operations, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport, be sure to include these details.

  Highlighting your endorsements can make you a more appealing candidate for positions that require specialized skills.

• Provide Location of Issuance: Include the state or country where your license was issued. This information might be required when applying for jobs in different regions with varying driving laws and regulations.

  For example, if you live in the United States but have a license from another country, mentioning both locations can help avoid any potential confusion.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Briefly describe any significant driving-related experience or achievements that may set you apart as a candidate. This could include participating in defensive driving courses, accident-free years of driving, or specialized training programs.

  Emphasizing your relevant driving experience can demonstrate skills like safe driving practices and continuous learning.

Example 1: Driving License on License Resume

• Class A Driver's License (Valid until: MM/YY)
  • Holds endorsements for hazardous materials and tanker vehicles
  • Completed a defensive driving course in 20XX
  • Accident-free for over 10 years

Example 2: Driving License in License Context

• Current, Valid Driver's License (issued by State of California)
  • Endorsements for Passenger Transport and School Buses
  • Completed a Traffic Violator School course in 20XX to resolve a ticket
  • Maintain a clean driving record with no accidents or moving violations in the past three years