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Certifications

A certification shows employers you can do a specific job. Most require passing an exam, and many need renewal every few years.

Popular certifications by field

These are examples only, not a complete list. Thousands of certifications exist, and new ones appear every year. To search them all, use the U.S. Department of Labor's free Certification Finder (opens in a new tab) on CareerOneStop.

Information technology

  • CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
  • Cisco CCNA
  • AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud

Healthcare

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical assistant (CMA, RMA)
  • Phlebotomy and pharmacy technician

Business

  • Project management (CAPM, PMP)
  • Human resources (SHRM-CP)
  • Bookkeeping and QuickBooks

Safety and skilled trades

  • OSHA 10 and OSHA 30
  • EPA Section 608
  • AWS welding and NIMS machining

Transportation and logistics

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • Forklift operator
  • Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Education and childcare

  • Child Development Associate (CDA)
  • Paraprofessional (ParaPro)
  • CPR and First Aid

Hospitality and food service

  • ServSafe Food Manager
  • Food handler card
  • Responsible alcohol service (TIPS)

Digital marketing and design

  • Google Analytics
  • HubSpot marketing
  • Adobe Certified Professional

Artificial intelligence

  • AWS Certified AI Practitioner
  • Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
  • Google Cloud Machine Learning Engineer

Game development

  • Unity Certified User and Associate
  • Computer science or programming courses (C#, C++)
  • A portfolio of games you've built

Before you pay for a course: Look at job postings in your area to see which certifications employers actually ask for, and confirm who issues the exam. The career planner's gap analysis can check this for you.

No diploma or GED yet? Some certifications don't require one. See how to start without a diploma