It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there when pursuing a professional career. This makes it challenging to stand out from the competition.
Professional job certifications are a great way to shine and show you have the right skills to succeed. Certifications are proof that an individual completed a set of training programs that focus on a specialized area of study.
The number of professional certification options available is vast, some of them can even land you a great job without a degree. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, we’ve provided a list of the best job certifications to set you apart from the crowd.
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1. Project Management Certifications
Project managers have skills in high demand. They oversee goals and keep timelines on projects within a company. There are two types of certifications available in this field:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) for individuals with less experience
- Project Management Professional (PMP) for those with a higher level of experience
With both, you’ll need to pass an exam for certification. Those with CAPM and PMP certifications will have advancement opportunities in a variety of positions and salary increases.
2. Desktop Analysis/Helpdesk
Certifications in this role are best for entry-level workers starting in the IT industry. Desktop analysts find and troubleshoot issues with desktop computers and hardware so they can fix them.
The best certification for those starting their career is A+ Certification. For IT certifications, you must have technical abilities, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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3. Human Resources Job Certifications
Skills in human resources are valuable to any company because they help companies build great relationships with their employees. Types of certifications for human resources are:
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) for those with more experience in the industry
Those who have a job as a human resources manager are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees. They’re also responsible for managing appropriate communication with current employees and their superiors.
This role is a vital position in any company, which puts these skills in high demand with employers. Having a certification shows that you have the skills to communicate and hire outstanding employees. Learn more about how to get started on a human resources certification.
4. Computer Networking Certificates
Many employers value those with certifications in computer networks because the hands-on training demonstrates a higher level of skill. It is not uncommon to pursue Cisco Certifications for this specialty, such as:
- Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) to master networking skills
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) to choose a focus area
Network administrators maintain computer systems and network operations to make sure that everything is running at an optimal level. For this type of work, you’ll need strong analytical abilities, the ability to multitask, and problem-solving skills.
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5. Sales Certifications for Jobs
The ability to sell products or ideas often comes from experience, but there are plenty of sales certifications to help you stand out in a crowd. Some of the best certifications for jobs in sales are:
- Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) for communicating with customers and mastering sales
- Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) is an intensive certificate program
- Certified Sales Executive (CSE) teaches essential sales skills for both sales executives and managers
These sales certifications will boost confidence, develop new habits, improve sales techniques, and create growth opportunities.
Sales positions are available at a variety of jobs and can take on many forms. Because of its multiple applications, sales skills are likely to come in handy with any job.
6. Healthcare Licenses and Certifications
When most people think of healthcare work they imagine spending the next decade in school, but that’s not always the case. There are several certificate options that can kick-start your career in healthcare:
- Dental Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Pharmacy Technician (CPht)
- Cardiac Sonographer
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Healthcare certification programs will help you increase earning potential and begin a new career in the field.
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7. Business Analysis Designations
Business analysts work with companies to compile data to help improve current processes. With a certification, you can increase your analytical skills, leadership skills, and your earning potential.
The most popular analyst certification is the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). This program builds skills in data analysis and consulting.
8. Google Professional Certifications
Google is a powerhouse in the professional world. Most employers look for individuals who are knowledgeable about their range of programs.
Google currently offers professional-level training with the following certifications on Coursera:
- Data Analytics for an entry-level position as a data analyst
- UX Design to learn entry-level foundations of design
- IT Support and Automation to prepare for work as a support specialist
- Android Development to build, run, and debug Android applications
- Project Management to manage projects in an organization
No matter your current field, a Google professional certification will provide you with job-ready skills to apply to your work. If you’re seeking a new career, Google skills will help you stand out to potential employers.
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9. Accounting Career Certificates
With the options for finance certifications, accounting is one of the most beneficial. Accountants prepare financial documents and, in some states, certification is a requirement.
The most well-known certifications are for Certified Public Accountant(CPA) or Chartered Finance Analyst (CFA).
With a certification in accounting, you have more credibility with employers, the potential to earn higher pay, and opportunities to pursue more specific roles.
10. Skilled Trades
If office life isn’t for you, trade careers are in high demand. By choosing a trade certification, you will receive specialized skills through advanced on-the-job training.
Popular trade paths are:
- Plumbing
- Sheet Metal Workers
- HVAC Technicians
- Brick Masonry
- Mechanics
- Construction
Most trade certifications are more affordable and less time than traditional schooling. There are plenty of jobs available now that the baby boomers are retiring. It is expected that trade work will continue to experience growth.
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11. Supply Chain
Supply chain managers oversee things like inventory, distribution, and logistics. There are three major certification programs in this field:
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) for managing materials and planning
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) for an emphasis on supply chain technology
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) for distribution
Those with certifications can increase credibility by having the additional knowledge to put more streamlined operations procedures in place.
12. Court Reporter
A court reporter plays an important role in the legal process. Court Reporters transcribe proceedings that take place in the courtroom during trials.
This requires attention-to-detail, listening skills, mental strength, time management, grammar, confidentiality, and organization. These skills are a positive bonus to any resume.
Through the National Court Reporters Association, or NCRA, you can receive a certification to advance in the profession as a court reporter, closed caption writer, or real-time writer.
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13. Information Security
Knowledge of information security is valuable to companies because the role helps keep their information and computers safe from cyberattacks. The two most common information security certifications are:
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) which highlights skills in risk management
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) for maintaining and implementing information systems controls
Having experience in IT is often a rule for these certifications, but these jobs are here to stay. Their longevity makes certifications a wise way to bring value to employers.
14. Online Instruction
If you’re a teacher looking for teaching certifications to catapult your career to the next level, a certification in online instruction is the way to go. Online instruction is on the rise and schools are looking for teachers with the ability to adapt to new teaching styles.
There are a variety of options available for online instruction certification. Traditional colleges often offer short certification programs or you can find several short workshops to improve your online teaching skills.
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15. Web Developer
Web developers design and develop company websites. It is a worthwhile skill to learn that many companies depend on to succeed. There are many certifications for jobs in this field to choose from:
- Web Design and Development
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
- Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB)
- Full-Stack Web Development
Pursuing a certification in web development can help you transition into new roles, get higher pay, and gain skills for one of the most in-demand jobs.
Advance Your Career With The Best Job Certifications
Whether you hope to advance in your current position or change careers, job certifications can be a wonderful place to start. They cover a broad range of fields and work-related skills that will give your resume an edge.
It’s important to do your research to find the best certifications to help you achieve your career goals. Need more career information and tips? Check out our careers page.
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