Certifications

What’s a certification?

You can earn a certification for a certain type of work by taking a test to prove you have the needed skills and knowledge. Certifications are often offered by national organizations that specialize in particular fields or technologies. Sometimes, those same groups offer training to prepare for certifications. Other times, you can find training at a local community college.

Why would I want a certification?

Some people earn a certification in order to get started in a career. Other people earn specialty certifications to help them advance in their careers.

Earning a certification can give you a big leg up in the job market. It’s a key item that hiring employers look for on resumes. Some employers may require workers to have certain certifications. This can be true especially in health care or financial fields.

How do I find out about certifications in my field?

Get started by visiting CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder (find the link in the Resources box below).