Resume writing
Certifications on a Resume: Where to Put Them and What to Include
A practical guide to listing certifications on a resume, including placement, formatting, dates, expired credentials, and ATS keywords.
By Maya Hart - Updated April 25, 2026 - 2 min read
Certifications belong on a resume when they are relevant to the target job, required by the employer, or strong evidence of a skill. Put important certifications near the top if they are a hiring requirement. Put supporting certifications in a dedicated Certifications section.
Do not list every course you have ever taken. A certification should help the recruiter understand fit.
Where to put certifications
| Situation | Best placement |
|---|---|
| Certification is required for the job | Summary, headline, and Certifications section |
| Certification is highly relevant | Skills section and Certifications section |
| Certification is nice to have | Certifications section near Education |
| Certification is old or unrelated | Remove it or keep only if it supports the story |
Certification format
Use a simple format:
Certification Name - Issuing Organization - Date or Expiration
Examples:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI - Active
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Amazon Web Services - 2026
- Google Analytics Certification - Google - 2025
If a credential has an ID or verification link and the employer may care, include it only if it stays readable.
What to include
Include:
- Official certification name.
- Issuing organization.
- Date earned or expiration date.
- Active status when relevant.
- Credential ID only when useful.
Avoid vague labels like certified in marketing if the credential has an official name.
Expired certifications
If a certification is expired, remove it unless it still explains important background and you label it honestly. Never imply that an expired credential is active.
Certifications and ATS keywords
Many job descriptions use certifications as hard filters. If a posting asks for CPA, PMP, SHRM-CP, RN, AWS, CompTIA, or similar credentials, use the exact official name if you have it.
Include both acronym and full name when space allows:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
FAQ
Should certifications go before education?
Yes, if they are more relevant than your education for the target job. Otherwise, place them after Education.
Should online courses go on a resume?
Only if they are relevant and credible. Projects or proof of skill are usually stronger than a long course list.
How many certifications should I list?
List the certifications that help the target role. Three relevant credentials are better than twelve random ones.
Sources
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