Easy Certifications To Include On Your Resume (By Industry)

Updated February 3, 2023

Adding certifications to your resume can help you get noticed among other candidates for a job position. There are many certifications that you can pursue in a variety of fields and specialities. Learning more about certifications that are available to you can help you determine which ones suit your career goals and interests. In this article, we explore why certifications are in demand, and explore easy certifications in a wide range of industries that can help your resume become more effective, and help you be more successful in your career.

Why are easy certifications in demand?

Easy certifications are in demand as they are more time and cost effective than many other qualifications available to you, such as bachelor degrees, graduate degrees, or extensive experience in a role. Achieving certifications and including them on your resume can help you demonstrate to employers that you have a commitment to ongoing professional development and becoming a more effective employee. They also help demonstrate the level of competency you have in certain areas, and may explain the level of standards you adhere to. Certifications are also a way to validate your experience and lend credibility to your skills, knowledge, and experience.

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Easy certifications by industry

Here is a list of certifications for you to consider in a variety of different fields:

Certifications in the information technology sector

Certifications are in high demand in the information technology (IT) sector. This demand corresponds to the fast rate that technology is evolving and the frequency at which new and innovative products are being integrated into the market. Having IT certifications can help you convey to employers that you have current and relevant skills to contribute to a workplace. Here is a list of IT-specific certifications for you to consider pursuing if you are interested in the field:

Project Management Professional

The Project Management Institute (PMI) expects that the project management workforce is going to grow by 33% by 2027. This growing demand for project management professionals makes PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) designation an attractive option for anyone interested in entering this field. The PMP certification requires both project management experience and project management education.

Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer

The Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer certification is common among those in the IT field with high paying salaries. Recipients of this certification have skills in designing, building, and operationalizing data processing systems. It is common to have at least three years of industry experience prior to taking the exam.

Certified Information Systems Security Professionals

The increase in number and sophistication of cybercriminals means there is a high demand for skilled IT professionals who are able to reduce their effects. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification provides an advanced level of cybersecurity training. This designation is in demand with serious cybersecurity professionals and many people consider it to be the equivalent of a master's degree in cybersecurity.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is best described as a framework for delivering information technology services. ITIL currently comprises five books, each covering various processes and stages of the IT service life cycle. Hiring managers who are seeking this accreditation value the systematic approach to IT service management that it teaches. It can help businesses manage risk, strengthen customer relations, and establish cost-effective practices. The ITIL certification mentors IT professionals through the full scope of IT projects, from team management to workflow and IT strategy.

Certifications in the human resources sector

Here are three leading certifications for those working in the human resources field:

Certified Human Resources Professional

The Certified Human Resources Professional designation includes training in areas such as recruitment, compensation, training and development, labour relations, and occupational health and safety. This certification is offered exclusively by the Human Resources Professional Association, and the designation encourages a commitment to lifelong learning. To receive this certification, you complete coursework and an exam.

Professional Recruiter Accreditation Program

The Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR) designation, provided by the Association of Professional Recruiters of Canada is a good option for anyone interested in specializing in recruitment practices. It includes training in job description analysis and development, interviewing competencies, and contract disputes. The RPR is in self-study format and takes approximately 22 to 26 hours to complete.

Certified Career Strategist

The Certified Career Strategist (CCS) is a credential designed for career development professionals and is in demand in government, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. Once you have obtained the CCS designation, there is a Master's Level credential to further pursue. If you are interested in achieving this certification, there are options for either fast-tracked, course-based programming, or self-study formats.

Certifications in the sales and marketing sector

Here are a number of certifications related to sales and marketing that you can consider:

Certified Sales and Marketing Professional

The Certified Sales and Marketing Professional is a certification offered by the Canadian Management and Training Institute. The target audience for this accreditation is sales and marketing practitioners, as well as senior business leaders who have sales and marketing responsibilities in their portfolios. This high-level certification teaches about the relationship between sales and marketing, customer relationship management, and other topics designed to improve your sales and marketing skill set.

Chartered Marketer Program

The Chartered Marketing Program is a two-year program provided by the Canadian Marketing Association. This online certification involves a professional networking component and uses video, simulations, audio, and webinars. Achieving this certification provides you with knowledge of diverse marketing disciplines.

Certified Sales Professional

If you are a member of the Canadian Professional Sales Association, you are eligible to pursue the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) designation. Applicants require a college diploma and two years of experience or need at least six years of sales experience. This certification requires applicants to produce evidence of meeting or exceeding sales targets for two years.

Certifications in the financial services sector

Here are some financial services sector certifications that are widely sought by prospective employers:

Certified Financial Planner

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation is the most widely recognized financial planning designation in Canada and worldwide, with 17,000 holders in Canada, and almost 200,000 holders globally. To obtain this designation, you need a minimum of three years of qualifying work. This certification includes a rigorous education program and requires you to pass an exam.

Chartered Financial Analyst

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation consists of a three-part exam that covers the fundamentals of investing, valuations, and portfolio management. The CFA designation especially suitable for those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business. Several roles can benefit from this designation, including wealth managers, investment bankers, and portfolio managers.

Certified Management Accountant

A Certified Management Accounting (CMA) designation demonstrates to prospective employers that you are able to perform standard accounting duties and have the strategic foresight to be a member of any leadership team. Many consider this certification to be a global benchmark for the industry.

Certifications in the medical and health care sector

Here is a list of certifications that you can consider if you are interested in developing your career in the medical and health care sector:

Certified Health Information Management

The Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) credential focuses on information governance, data quality, medical terminology, clinical knowledge, analytics, and privacy. This designation requires those who have earned it to adhere to a professional code of conduct. The Canadian College of Health Information Management provides this certification.

Certified Health Executive

The Certified Health Executive (CHE) is the only Canadian designation for health leaders and it supports leadership development and aims to build a common leadership language across health systems nationwide. Achieving this certification requires either a university degree and two years of experience working in a health organization, or five years of experience in a health organization and a Prior Learning Assessment Review (PLAR). This certification also involves a self-evaluation leadership component.

Healthcare Supply Chain Certification

The Healthcare Supply Chain Certification is a joint venture between Supply Chain Canada and the Healthcare Supply Chain Network. Elements of the certification include spend and contract analysis, product standardization, contract award and management, and identification and discussion of procurement risk. Webinars, as well as in-person course delivery, are both offered to those wanting to obtain this certification.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.