A well-chosen certification can help you change careers, qualify for promotion or stand out in a crowded job market. A poorly chosen one can cost time and money without improving your prospects. This guide explains how to tell the difference, which fields commonly value certifications, and how to plan your study around work.
Information checked: 24 October 2026.
Certifications, Licences and Degrees
- Certification: awarded by a professional body or vendor after you pass an exam, showing specific knowledge or skills. Many must be renewed.
- Licence: a legal requirement to work in certain occupations, such as electricians, nurses or commercial drivers, issued by a government or regulator.
- Degree: a broad academic qualification from a university.
Certifications are usually faster and cheaper than degrees and are often used to prove practical skills.
How to Tell Whether a Certification Is Worth It
Ask these questions before paying:
- Do employers ask for it? Search 15 to 20 job adverts for your target role and count how often it appears.
- Who awards it? Recognised industry bodies and major technology vendors carry more weight than unknown course providers.
- Is there a proper exam? Credentials awarded just for attendance are usually less valuable.
- What are the total costs? Include training, exam fees, retakes and renewal.
- Does it fit your experience level? Some certifications require years of experience before you can sit the exam.
In the USA, CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder lists thousands of certifications and the organisations that award them.
Fields Where Certifications Are Commonly Valued
| Field | Examples of well-known certifications |
|---|---|
| IT support and networking | CompTIA A+, Network+; Cisco CCNA |
| Cybersecurity | CompTIA Security+; (ISC)² CISSP for experienced professionals |
| Cloud computing | AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud certifications |
| Project management | PMI CAPM (entry level) and PMP (experienced) |
| Data and analytics | Vendor certifications for data platforms and analytics tools |
| Accounting and finance | Professional accounting qualifications (such as ACCA or CPA, which are extensive) |
| HR | Professional HR body certifications in your country |
| Health and safety | Recognised occupational safety qualifications in your country |
| Logistics | Forklift and equipment operator certificates; supply chain certifications |
This list is illustrative, not a recommendation of any provider. Requirements, exam content and costs change, so always check the awarding body’s official website.
Entry-Level vs Advanced Certifications
Entry-level certifications help career changers show basic knowledge, but they rarely guarantee a job alone. Combine them with practical evidence: projects, volunteer work, internships or a portfolio. Advanced certifications often require proven experience and are most valuable for promotion or specialist roles.
Typical Costs and Time
Costs range widely, from low-cost online exams to expensive multi-level professional qualifications. Study time ranges from a few weeks of part-time study for entry-level exams to several years for professional accounting qualifications. Check whether your employer offers tuition support, as many do.
Free and Low-Cost Ways to Prepare
- official study guides and free learning paths published by vendors;
- public libraries, many of which offer free access to online learning platforms;
- government-funded training programmes; in the USA, American Job Centers can help eligible people access training funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;
- apprenticeships, which combine paid work with training. Apprenticeship.gov lists US opportunities.
Building Certifications Into Your CV
- list them in a “Certifications” section with the awarding body and year;
- mention them in your profile if they are required for the role;
- add them to your LinkedIn profile;
- be ready to discuss what you learned and how you applied it.
Never claim a certification you have not completed. Many employers verify credentials directly with the awarding body.
Avoiding Low-Value or Misleading Courses
Be cautious of providers that:
- guarantee a job or a specific salary after completion;
- use pressure tactics or limited-time discounts;
- are not recognised by any industry body;
- cannot clearly explain how the exam is assessed.
A Simple Plan
- Pick a target job title.
- Research job adverts and list the most requested certifications.
- Choose one that fits your current level and budget.
- Set a study schedule (for example, five to seven hours a week).
- Book the exam date to stay motivated.
- Apply what you learn in a project you can show employers.
Questions to Ask Before You Enrol
Before paying for any certification, ask yourself or the provider:
- Is it recognised by employers in my field? Search job ads in your target role and count how often the certification appears.
- Who awards it? Look for certifications from established industry bodies, professional associations or major technology companies.
- What does it cost in total? Include training, exam fees, retake fees and any renewal or membership costs.
- How long is it valid? Some certifications need renewal every few years through continuing education.
- Are there prerequisites? Some advanced certifications require a minimum amount of work experience.
Funding Your Certification
There are several ways to reduce the cost:
- ask your employer whether they offer a training budget or will pay for exams;
- check whether public employment services in your country fund training for job seekers;
- look for free learning resources from the certification body or vendor;
- consider discounted exam vouchers for students or through official programmes.
If your employer pays, read any agreement carefully, as some require you to repay costs if you leave within a certain period.
Making the Most of Your Certification
Earning a certificate is only the first step. To turn it into career progress:
- apply what you learned in a real project at work or as a volunteer;
- update your CV and LinkedIn profile with the certification and what you did with it;
- talk about practical results in interviews, not just the credential;
- join professional communities to keep learning and networking.
Keeping Your Certification Current
Many certifications expire unless you maintain them. Before you enrol, check:
- Renewal period: some certifications must be renewed every one to three years.
- Continuing education: you may need to earn a set number of credits or hours through training, conferences or work activities.
- Fees: annual maintenance or renewal fees can add up over time.
- Exam updates: when the exam changes, older versions may be retired.
Put renewal dates in your calendar and keep records of training you complete. An expired certification on your CV can create a poor impression, so update your CV and online profiles when your status changes.
Combining Certifications With Experience
Employers usually value a certification most when it is backed by practical experience. If you are new to a field, look for ways to use your new skills, such as volunteer projects, small freelance tasks or internal projects at your current job, and describe the results on your CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a certification replace a degree?
For some technical roles, certifications plus experience can be enough. Many other roles still require a degree.
How many certifications should I have?
Focus on quality. One or two relevant certifications are often more useful than many unrelated ones.
Do certifications expire?
Many do and require continuing education or renewal fees.
Will my employer pay for certification?
Some employers offer training budgets or tuition assistance. Ask HR.
Are online certificates from course platforms valuable?
They can show initiative, but recognised industry certifications usually carry more weight with employers.
How do I verify a certification provider?
Check the awarding body’s official website and look for industry recognition.
Summary and Next Step
Choose certifications based on real job adverts, recognised awarding bodies and your experience level, and combine them with practical evidence. Then make sure recruiters can find you with an optimised LinkedIn profile.