Just finished a course and received a professional certification that you’d like to share on LinkedIn? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add certifications to your LinkedIn profile.
Adding Certifications to the LinkedIn Profile
Finding the Certifications Section on Your Profile
Before you can add certifications, you need to locate the Certifications section on your LinkedIn profile. Sign in to your LinkedIn account and navigate to your profile page. By default, the Certifications section is not displayed on your LinkedIn profile. However, following the steps outlined below, you can easily add this section.
Clicking the “Add Profile Section” Button
To add the Certifications section, locate the blue “Add profile section” button at the top of your profile just below your cover image. Click on this button, and a dropdown menu will appear. Select “Licenses & certifications” from this menu under the “Recommendations” subheading (learn why LinkedIn recommendations are important). Clicking on this option will open a form where you can input your certification information.
Completing the Certification Form
To fill out the form, you will need to provide the necessary information about your certifications. This will include the certification name, licensing organization, credential ID, and more. Follow the instructions given in each of the fields to complete the form.
Entering Certification Details
Begin by typing the name of your certification or designation, such as “Certified Public Accountant (CPA)” or “Project Management Professional (PMP).” Be sure to include any acronyms or abbreviations associated with the certification title.
Next, provide the name of the organization that issued the certification. LinkedIn will attempt to suggest relevant matches for the organization name as you type. If you see a match in the dropdown suggestions, select it to ensure your certification is associated with the proper issuing authority.
Adding License Number and Certificate URL
If your certification has a specific license number, add that information in the appropriate field. You can also include a link to an online copy of your certificate or the URL of the certification authority’s verification page. This step is optional but can lend additional credibility to your profile.
Indicating Certification Dates
Specify the month and year when you obtained the certification and, if applicable, the month and year it is set to expire. If your certification has no expiration date, check the box next to “This credential does not expire.”
Saving the Certification Information
Once you’ve completed the form with all the necessary information, click the blue ” save” button to finalize your changes. Your new certifications will now be displayed in the Certifications section of your LinkedIn profile, providing viewers with further evidence of your skills and expertise.
By adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile, you’re showcasing your achievements and qualifications, strengthening your online presence, and potentially increasing your visibility to prospective employers, clients, or networking contacts.
Displaying Certifications on Your Profile
Having relevant certifications on your profile can enhance your credibility and make you stand out among other professionals. In order to effectively showcase your achievements, it’s essential to display and organize your certifications on your profile correctly.
Let’s discuss how to reorder certifications in the Certifications section, move the Certifications section higher or lower on your profile, and show or hide specific certifications from your profile.
Delete or Editing Specific Certifications from Your Profile
Deleting or editing specific certifications is sometimes necessary depending on their relevance or significance. To delete or edit specific certifications from your profile:
Locate the certification you want to delete or edit.
Look for a pen icon associated with the specific certification.
Once you click on that icon, you’ll get back to certification information which you can edit or just delete the specific certificate.
Save your changes by clicking the “Save” button at the bottom of the Certifications section.
Remember that deleting less relevant certifications can streamline your profile and allow your target audience to quickly recognize your most important achievements. Showing relevant certifications, on the other hand, can provide a fuller picture of your qualifications and professional growth.
Frequently asked questions
1. How can I add my new certification to my LinkedIn profile?
To add a certification to your LinkedIn profile, go to the “Accomplishments” section and click on “Add certifications.” Fill out the required fields, like the certification name, issuing organization, and dates, then click “Save” to showcase your achievements.
2. Can I add certifications that are not connected to any course or institution?
Yes, you can add certifications to your LinkedIn profile, regardless of whether they are connected to a course or institution. Simply enter the certification details, the issuing authority, and relevant dates in the “Certification” section.
3. Can I feature my most important certifications at the top of my LinkedIn profile?
LinkedIn arranges your certifications chronologically by default; however, you can rearrange the “Featured” section to highlight your most important certifications, add any posts or articles about your achievements, or include any media showcasing your credentials.
4. How does adding certifications to my LinkedIn profile improve my professional exposure?
Adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile can enhance your credibility, demonstrate your expertise, and help potential employers, clients, or collaborators recognize your skills, increasing your chances of being discovered for relevant opportunities.
5. What if the issuing organization for my certification is not available in LinkedIn’s dropdown menu?
If the issuing organization is not listed on LinkedIn, type the organization’s name into the “Issuing Organization” field. This will allow you to add your certification and showcase it on your profile.
6. How do I add a license or professional accreditation to my LinkedIn profile?
Adding a license or professional accreditation is similar to adding a certification. Access the “Accomplishments” section, click “Add certifications,” fill in the license name, issuer, associated dates, and any relevant details, and then click “Save” to display it on your profile.
Why Add Certifications to LinkedIn
Adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile can be a game-changer in today’s competitive job market. It highlights your skills, expertise, and commitment to professional development. Here are some reasons why adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile is essential:
Enhances your Professional Profile
Certifications and your education and work experiences are crucial elements of your LinkedIn professional story. They provide valuable insights into your skills and capabilities, making your profile more complete and attractive to potential employers, colleagues, and network connections.
Displays your Expertise
Certifications strongly indicate your expertise in a specific area or field, demonstrating that you have undergone rigorous training and assessment to achieve them. By adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile, you provide tangible evidence of your professional skills and competencies, setting yourself apart from other professionals who may have similar experiences but lack the certification.
Additionally, certifications also highlight your commitment to continuous learning and development. Organizations today value professionals who continually invest in their skills and knowledge, so showcasing your certifications on LinkedIn can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Attracts Potential Employers and Recruiters
Including certifications in your profile increases the chances of appearing in relevant search results, attracting potential employers and recruiters looking for professionals with your skill set. The more certifications you have, the more likely you are to be considered for job opportunities in your field, as they will validate your experience and capabilities.
Builds Credibility and Trust
Certifications also represent a reliable, third-party endorsement of your skillset. When you display certifications on your LinkedIn profile, you provide potential employers with the added assurance that you possess the expertise and knowledge required for a particular job or task. This can significantly enhance your credibility within your professional network and among potential employers, leading to higher trust and more opportunities coming your way.
Adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile is an excellent way to showcase your expertise, attract potential employers and recruiters, and build credibility and trust in your professional network. It’s a simple yet effective step to strengthen your online presence and improve your career prospects. So don’t miss out on the benefits of displaying your hard-earned certifications on your LinkedIn profile – take the time to add them today.
