Professional certifications are a crucial addition to your resume, as they can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs or enter new industries even without a specific degree. These credentials can be earned through short-term programs or classes and can be put on your resume, allowing you to join specific organizations and qualify for various positions. They are essentially extra qualifying credentials on top of degrees, demonstrating your skills and practical expertise in a particular area. Most certifications take a few weeks to a few months to earn, with some requiring several years of experience or education before applying. Obtaining a certification can help you progress your career, enter a new field or industry, increase salary potential, or simply learn more about your field or a particular subject. It's essential to consider factors such as pricing and continuing education units when choosing the right certification for your needs.
There are numerous professional certifications available that can help enhance your career prospects, but it's crucial to prioritize your education to ensure you obtain the best possible certification. This article highlights the top nine professional certifications that are in high demand across various industries and positions.
First on the list is the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), which is ideal for those looking to gain experience in project management. The certification requires 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education, along with passing a 150-question exam and paying a fee of up to $300.
Another popular project management certification highlighted is the Project Management Professional (PMP), which is more advanced and geared towards professionals with project management experience. The certification demands 7,500 hours of project leadership experience or 4,500 hours with a four-year degree, along with 35 hours of education project management, passing a 200-question exam, and paying a fee of up to $555.
For individuals looking to enhance their data analytics skills, the article recommends pursuing the IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC), which requires completion of an 85-question exam in two hours and payment of an exam fee of up to $525. Eligibility requirements include two to five years of agile-related experience, and this certification must be recertified every three years.
Aspiring or current supply chain managers can earn the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification, which demands a bachelor's degree or equivalent, at least three years of related business experience, and at least one other approved certification. Certification requirements can be fulfilled by passing the exam and paying a fee of up to $969.
IT professionals can benefit from earning certifications that validate specific skill sets, and the CompTIA A+ Technician Certification is a great starting point for those without formal computer science education. Obtaining this certification demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot various technological issues, making it an excellent certification to pursue support specialist or help desk technician positions. Passing the written exam and paying a minor fee suffices for obtaining this certification.
Those seeking a career in human resources can earn the SHRM-CP Certification, which not only qualifies one for open HR positions but also increases credibility and earning potential. To get this certification, applicants should study for three to four months before taking the four-hour exam.
Google offers highly coveted professional certificates, including the and eCommerce Professional Certification for those interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing without a marketing degree. This certificate entails six months of study at 10 hours per week, with a monthly fee of $39 for a Coursera subscription.
The Google Project Management Professional Certificate is also a sought-after certification for project management specialists and team leaders across various industries. The program includes 140 hours of instruction and many practice-based assessments, and upon completion, students can apply for jobs at Google as well as other employers across the US. This certification takes six months to complete, with a monthly fee of $39 for a Coursera subscription.
For those looking to enter the field of data science, the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate does not require prior knowledge of computer science and includes nine courses. Upon completion, students are qualified for entry-level data science jobs and receive an IBM digital badge for their portfolios and resumes. Students can earn up to 12 transferable college credits, and the program requires 11 months of study and a monthly subscription fee of $39 for Coursera.
Obtaining a professional certification can be a game-changer for your career advancement. There are several other professional certifications that can boost your employability, such as SEO certification, AWS fundamentals certification, social media marketing certification, and SFP (Sustainability Facility Professional) certification. Pursuing one or more of these certifications can significantly enhance your professional portfolio and help you advance in your career. Consider earning a professional certification today and take your career to the next level.