How to List Certifications on a Resume (With Examples for 2026)

Where to put certifications on your resume, which ones to include, and how to format them. Covers Google, AWS, PMP, CompTIA, HubSpot, and other major certifications.

Should You Include Certifications on Your Resume?

Yes — certifications are high-value resume content. They signal specific, verified competencies to both ATS systems and human reviewers. Unlike soft skills, certifications are objectively earned credentials that a recruiter can confirm.

The decision is not whether to include them, but where to place them and how to format them for maximum impact.

Where to Put Certifications on Your Resume

For credentials central to the role (PMP, CPA, RN, CISSP): include the credential in your name/headline line AND in a dedicated Certifications section
For relevant supporting certifications: create a dedicated Certifications section below Skills
For minor supplementary certifications: they can appear in the Skills section if space is limited
Never: bury certifications in the body of a bullet point where they may not be parsed

How to Format a Certification Entry

Each certification entry should include: Certification name, Issuing organization, Date earned (month and year), Expiry date if applicable, and Credential ID or URL if you can verify it.

Example: "AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Amazon Web Services | June 2025 | Credential ID: XYZ123456 | Expires June 2027"

Most Valuable Certifications by Field

Technology: AWS (CSA, Developer, SysOps), Google Cloud Professional, Microsoft Azure, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM
Project Management: PMP (Project Management Professional), CAPM, PRINCE2, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Data & Analytics: Google Data Analytics, Tableau Desktop Specialist, Microsoft Power BI, AWS Data Analytics
Marketing: Google Ads, HubSpot Inbound, Meta Blueprint, Semrush SEO, Salesforce Marketing Cloud
Finance: CPA, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CFP (Certified Financial Planner), FRM
HR: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, AIHR certifications
Healthcare: BLS, ACLS, PALS, CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), specialty nursing certifications

Certifications to Omit or De-Emphasize

Expired certifications (unless you are actively renewing them)
Certifications not relevant to the role you are applying for
Overly basic certifications (e.g., Microsoft Office if applying for a senior role)
Certifications from platforms that are not recognized in your industry

“Most job seekers underestimate how much a well-written resume improves your chances. Investing 30 minutes in a properly formatted, keyword-optimized resume can double your interview callback rate.”
— Amanda Torres, SHRM-CP, Career Strategist

Related resources

Resume Templates·Cover Letter Examples·Best Free Resume Builder·AI Resume Builder

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I list an in-progress certification on my resume?

Yes — indicate it is in progress: "AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | In Progress (Expected: Sept 2026)". This shows initiative and the timeline demonstrates commitment.

Do certifications help with ATS scoring?

Yes. Certification names are often listed as required or preferred qualifications in job descriptions, making them direct keyword matches. Place certifications in their own labeled section so ATS systems can parse them correctly.

How many certifications should I list on my resume?

Include all relevant, current certifications. There is no upper limit if they are all relevant. For senior professionals with many credentials, prioritize the most recognized and most relevant to the specific role.

About the Author — GrowMyResume Team

The GrowMyResume team combines decades of experience in HR, recruiting, and career coaching. We help job seekers build professional resumes that land interviews. Our advice is backed by data from thousands of resumes and real-world recruiting experience.

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