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Best Certifications for Jobs

best certifications for job

Are you looking for an easy and effective way to take your career to the next level?

These days, there is a lot of demand for jobs of all types. Therefore anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd need to have certain skills that will appeal to employers.

One of the best ways to do this is to work towards industry-related certifications. These will prove to employers that you have the required skills as well as an aptitude for learning.

So, here are some of the best certifications for jobs that will help you to climb the career ladder.

certifications for job

What Are Certifications?

Before you find the certification that’s the best for your needs, it is important to understand what a certification is. Certifications are provided by professional organizations. These endorse your specific job-related skills or knowledge. To gain a certification, it is usually necessary to pass an exam and meet specific standards.

Unlike degrees, certifications are usually only valid for a certain amount of time. To keep them current, they need to be renewed once a year or so. This usually involves resetting an exam or completing a specified type of coursework.

Read more: Easy Certifications for your Resume

Not the same as licenses…

Certifications are different from licenses, which are usually awarded by a government agency. They also differ from certificates, which usually indicate that you have completed the coursework for an educational or vocational program.

Instead, certifications are designed to recognize that you have the professional skills and education required by specific professional associations. Some career professionals need to obtain certifications to proceed to the next level. For example, Certified Public Accountants (CPA) is a certification for professional accountants.

Best Certifications for Jobs

Web Developer

They are mainly responsible for designing and developing company websites. Web designers are in high demand, and those with specialist skills can command high salaries. A certification in web design can be used to gain skills and specialize in a particular area.

There are several different types of certifications for web designers, including:

  • Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB)
  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
  • Full-Stack Web Development

Project Management Certifications

Most large corporations hire project managers to oversee projects and different teams. Project managers with demonstrable skills are in high demand. There are two different certifications that project managers can gain to prove they have the required skills.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

This certification is generally designed for people with minimal experience. This program is open to people who hold a high school diploma or the equivalent and have 1,500 hours of experience. It is necessary to complete 23 hours of project management education and pass a 150-question exam through the Project Management Institute.

The fee for a Certified Associate in Project Management certification is between $225 and $300.

certifications for jobs

Project Management Professional (PMP)

This certification is designed for highly experienced project managers. People who hold a bachelor’s degree need to have 4,500 hours of project management experience. It is necessary to complete 35 hours of project management education and pass a 200-question exam through the Project Management Institute.

The fee for a Project Management Professional Management certification is between $400 and $550.

Human Resources Job Certifications

Virtually every company has a human resources department, and these talented professionals foster strong relationships with company employees. Human resources managers have the responsibility for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and establishing new employees.

There are two main types of certifications for human resources employees, each of which comes with different requirements:

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

This certification requires applications to have at least four years of HR experience. People who hold a bachelor’s degree only need to have two years of experience. Alternatively, people who hold a master’s degree need to have one year of HR experience.

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

This certification requires applications to have at least seven years of HR experience. People who hold a bachelor’s degree only need to have five years of experience. Alternatively, people who hold a master’s degree need to have four years of HR experience.

Holding one of these special certifications proves that you have advanced skills and are dedicated to advancing on this career path. Certified human resources employees can advance to the role of human resources manager. This usually comes with a much higher salary as well as tenure in the company.

Desktop Analysis/Helpdesk

Desktop analysts are responsible for finding and troubleshooting desktop computer and hardware issues as well as fixing them. Entry-level IT workers can give their careers a boost by earning a certification.

A+ Certification

This certification is ideal for people with limited work experience in this field. The certification is proof of problem-solving skills, communication skills, and technical abilities. The A+ certification proves to employers that you have the skills for the job and the desire to follow this career path.

best certifications for your job

Network+ Certification

This type of certification comes with slightly lower entry requirements than A+ certification. However, it proves that new employees are committed to self-development.

Healthcare Licenses and Certifications

Earning a special certification in a niche healthcare field can save years of medical school and thousands of dollars. Holding one of these specialist healthcare certifications proves that healthcare professionals have the required skills. Here are some of the certifications that people in different fields can work towards:

Dental Assistants

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Dental assistants especially need this certification. Alternatively, dental assistants can earn a Pharmacy Technician (CPht) certification.

Cardiac Sonographer

Most cardiac sonographers hold a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification. Alternatively, it is possible to work for a Patient Care Technician (PCT) certification.

To become certified in one of these programs, it is necessary to register for a medical career program. After completing the program requirements, schedule an exam and pay the necessary fees. After passing the exam, the certification will be awarded, which has to be renewed around once a year.

Computer Networking Certificates

This role involves maintaining computer systems and network operations to ensure they run at the optimum level. Employers tend to value IT specialists who hold computer networking certifications. This demonstrates specialist training, and elevated skill levels and Cisco certifications are very valuable.

Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE)

This certification shows that the holder has mastered networking skills, and it is necessary to pass the written part of the exam. This is then necessary to pass the lab part of the exam within three years. The fee for the written exam is $450, while the lab exam costs $1,600.

best certifications for your jobs

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

This certification is designed for network professionals who want to specialize in a CCNP path. It is necessary to hold Cisco Certified Internet Expert certification and pass the relevant exam. The fee for the Cisco Certified Network Professional exam is $300.

Information Security

Information security is very valuable for corporations as it focuses on keeping computers and information safe from cyber-attacks. There are two main information security certifications, both of which require IT experience and skills. Holding one of these certifications indicates to employers that you have specialist knowledge in this area.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

This certification highlights specialist skills in risk management.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

This certification focuses on maintaining and implementing information systems controls.

Business Analysis Designations

This role involves working with companies to improve and develop new processes. Business analysts help companies to run more smoothly and maximize revenue. Special certifications demonstrate to employers that individuals have special skills and can boost earning potential and analytic skills.

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

This is the most popular business analyst certification. It has been designed to build and develop special skills in consulting and data analysis. It is necessary to have earned at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience within the last ten years.

Nine hundred of those hours need to meet four of the six Business Analysis Body of Knowledge Guide areas. It is necessary to provide two professional references and have at least 35 hours of professional development credits. Before this certification is granted, you need to pass the 120-question CBAP exam.

The fee for this is between $350 and $450 in addition to a $125 administration fee.

certifications for your jobs

IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC)

This is a separate certification that confirms a business analyst’s ability to perform and adapt in changing environments. The requirements include at least two years of agile-related experience and completing an 85-question exam in two hours. The exam fee is between $325 and $450, in addition to a $125 application fee.

Supply Chain

This role involves overseeing distribution, logistics, and inventory for a corporation. People who hold a special certification are generally given extra responsibilities and much higher salaries. There are three main certification programs for supply chain professionals:

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

This certification is designed for managing materials and planning, and it is necessary to pass two exams within three years. The fee for each of the exams is between $500 and $700.

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

This certification emphasizes supply chain technology, and it is necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. Applicants also need to have at least one approved certification and have completed three years of connected business experience. The certification is granted after an exam has been passed, which costs between $700 and $1,000.

Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

Applicants need to hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent and have completed three years of connected business experience. You need to pass an exam to get your certification. This costs between $475 and $625.

Google Professional Certifications

Holding a Google professional certification can open doors in a wide range of industries. Holding a professional certification from Google indicates to employers that you have specialist skills. Google offers a range of professional-level training courses that come complete with certification:

  • Data Analytics – this certification is designed for entry-level data analysts
  • UX Design – focused on teaching entry-level foundations of design
  • IT Support and Automation – focused on support specialist skills
  • Android Development – teaches candidates to build, run, and debug Android applications
  • Project Management – focuses on managing projects in an organization

Accounting Career Certificates

In certain states, accountants must hold special certifications. Even without state requirements, these certifications can significantly increase earning potential. While there are several accounting certifications, here are the two most popular:

certifications for your job

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Accountants with CPA designation can perform a range of tasks while earning a significantly higher income. It is necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent and fulfill the education and work experience requirements. Candidates must pass all four parts of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants uniform CPA exam to receive certification.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

In the financing and investing world, this certification is internationally recognized. It is ideal for future financial controllers and CFOs. It is necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent and meet the professional work experience requirements. Candidates must then pass all three levels of the CFA exam in the specified order.

Need Advice On Writing Your Resume?

Your resume needs to be immaculate to land that dream job! So, take a look at my advice on the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, How To List Education On A Resume, Motivation Letter Writing Guide, How To List References On A Resume, Job Titles On Resume, and How To List Education On A Resume to help guide you.

There are also so many amazing books and guides online to check out like the English for Academic CVs, Resumes, & Online Profiles, CVs, Resumes, and LinkedIn: A Guide to Professional English, the Land Your Dream Job: Join the 2% Who Make it Past Resumé Screening, and Marketing Yourself in the Age of Digital: CVs, Applications, Interviews, Social Media, LinkedIn available in 2023.

And for a truly professional resume, the Expert Resumes and Linkedin Profiles for Managers & Executives.

But that’s not all, try reading up on English for Academic CVs, Resumes, and Online Profiles, How to Write an Amazing IT Resume, Resume Writing: 10 Ridiculously Simple Tips, the Resume Formats book, the Resume Format Guide, and of course how to Optimize Your Resume: DOs and DON’Ts the SamNova Way.

Having an online profile is essential these days; our Best Linkedin Profile Tips and Best Linkedin Recommendation Examples can help get you started.

If you’re still struggling, then these online guides on How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile… And 18 Mistakes to Avoid, LinkedIn For Dummies, LinkedIn Riches: How To Use LinkedIn For Business, Sales and Marketing!, the LinkedIn Profile Optimization For Dummies, and Ignite Your LinkedIn Profile are all available today.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a wide range of different types of certifications that you can use to boost your career. However, some certifications are much more useful than others. Therefore, it is important to do some research to discover which certifications will be the most useful.

The amount of time you have available and how much you want to spend are also important considerations. Some options allow you to study from the comfort of your own home and set your own hours.

Certifications are an investment, and the eventual payoff will be a more interesting job and usually a higher salary.

All the very best studying for your Certifications!

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1 thought on “Best Certifications for Jobs”

  1. Thank you for your valuable words. In my point of you, certification courses are added advantage for getting a job. For a job seeker, accounting certification courses are finite certification courses for getting suitable jobs. Now the accounting field is giving more opportunities than other fields. Finprov will help with your dream job. Finprov is one of the Best Accounting and Finance Training Institute in Kerala, Providing courses like Tally, CBAT, QuickBooks, GST, and Income Tax. Home of the Best Accounting and Finance Courses. Finprov provides a Job-oriented finance course, accounting training from master trainers.

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