Professional Certification on Resume

What Is Professional Certification

The [International Association of Certified Professional] (IACP) issues the Professional Certification, a widely recognized credential that validates expertise in various core competencies such as project management, data analysis, and strategic planning. In today's competitive job market, this certification serves as a testament to a professional's commitment to their field, enhancing credibility and increasing employability across industries. Prerequisites for obtaining the Professional Certification often include a certain level of work experience, relevant education, or both. The validity period typically ranges from 1-3 years, with renewal requirements that may involve continuing education credits or recertification exams. Depending on the specific certification, preparation time and difficulty can vary significantly.

Should I Include Professional Certification on Resume?

Including a Professional Certification on your resume can add value to your application, particularly in industries where such credentials are highly valued. The relevance of this certification may depend on your career stage and the specific job you're applying for. For instance, if you've recently obtained a certification, IT may be more advantageous to highlight IT when applying for positions that require fresh skill sets or recent industry trends. However, in some cases, certifications might not be as critical, especially for senior professionals with extensive experience. In these situations, focusing on showcasing achievements and leadership roles may be more effective. Geographical and regional differences can also impact the perceived value of a certification; researching the job market and industry norms in your target location is essential.

Hiring Managers And Professional Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view Professional Certifications as evidence of a candidate's dedication to their field, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Specific skills or qualities associated with this credential include technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to industry best practices.
• In some industries, such as IT or finance, certifications are considered crucial for employment, setting the bar for minimum competency levels.
• A Professional Certification can help set candidates apart from their competitors, highlighting a unique blend of skills and knowledge that may not be immediately apparent through traditional education or work experience.
• IT's essential to be aware that overemphasizing certifications without relevant experiences or achievements could potentially raise red flags for hiring managers.

How to List Professional Certification on Resume

• Use a concise, easy-to-read format such as: "Certified Professional (CP) - IACP [Year of Certification]"

• Do not include your certification number/ID unless explicitly requested by the employer or job application.

• Include expiration and renewal dates if applicable, for example, "Current through [Year of Renewal]."

• List the certifying organization for clarity, such as "[IACP]."

• If you're currently pursuing a certification, indicate this by writing, "In progress: Certified Professional (CP) - IACP [Expected Year of Completion]."

  Examples:

• Certified Professional (CP) - IACP 2020

• Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI 2018, Current through 2023

• In progress: Six Sigma Green Belt - American Society for Quality (ASQ), Expected completion: 2022

Where to List Professional Certification on Resume

• Create a dedicated "Certifications" section near the top of your resume, grouping them by category (e.g., IT certifications, project management certifications) for easy scannability.
• If your most relevant certification is directly tied to the job you're applying for, consider placing IT in the summary or achievements sections for maximum impact.
• In some cases, listing a Professional Certification under the education section may be appropriate if the certificate was obtained through a degree program or academic institution.
• Multiple certifications should be listed in order of relevance to the job you're applying for, with the most pertinent appearing first.
• If space is limited, focus on including only those certifications that are most valuable within your target industry and geographical location.

Examples of How to List Professional Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Certification: Professional Certification, Current through 2023, Issued by the certifying organization
Job Seeker's Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number | Email Address

This format is suitable for a technical resume due to its concise and straightforward presentation of professional certifications. The year of renewal is included to highlight the current validity of the certification.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education: Degree, University Name, Graduation Year
Certification: Professional Certification, Current through 20XX, Issued by the certifying organization

This format is ideal for recent graduates who may have just earned their certification and are listing IT alongside their educational background. The year of renewal provides a clear indication that the certification is up-to-date.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications:

Professional Certification, Current through 20XX, Issued by the certifying organization Other Relevant Certifications

This format is useful when you have multiple certifications and wish to create a dedicated section for them on your resume. Listing all relevant certifications in this manner provides a clear overview of your professional qualifications.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills:

Relevant Keywords Professional Certification, Current through 20XX, Issued by the certifying organization Other Relevant Skills

This format is suitable for a skills-first resume where you want to emphasize your abilities and qualifications. Listing the certification in this section allows potential employers to quickly see that you possess the required professional certification.