What Certifications Are Worth It in Your Industry? (And How to Find the Right Ones)
If you’ve ever wondered whether adding a certification to your resume could give you an edge in the job market, you’re not alone. Certifications can be a great way to boost your credibility, fill skills gaps, and even unlock new career paths—but not all certifications carry the same weight, and some may not be worth your time or money.
So how do you know which certifications actually matter in your industry? Let’s break it down.
Do Certifications Really Make a Difference?
In many fields, the answer is yes—if you choose the right one. According to a 2022 CompTIA report, 91% of employers believe IT certifications play a key role in hiring decisions, and a 2023 Coursera survey found that 89% of business leaders see professional certifications as a way to verify job-ready skills.
But certifications aren’t just for IT or tech roles. In competitive industries like healthcare, project management, HR, and marketing, the right credential can help you:
- Stand out to recruiters
- Qualify for more advanced roles
- Command a higher starting salary]
Example: A 2023 Salary Survey by the Project Management Institute (PMI) shows that project managers with a PMP® certification earn 16% more on average than their non-certified peers.
Certifications That Matter (by Industry)
Technology / IT
- CompTIA A+ / Network+ / Security+ (IT support, networking, cybersecurity)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect (cloud computing)
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate (great for entry-level roles)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (advanced cybersecurity)
Why these matter: Employers rely heavily on certifications to assess baseline skills in IT and cybersecurity.
Project Management
- Project Management Professional (PMP®)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Google Project Management Certificate (entry-level, fast-growing)
Why these matter: Project management certifications are widely respected across industries and can significantly increase your earning potential.
Healthcare
Why these matter: Many healthcare roles legally require certifications to practice, and having additional credentials can help you stand out in administrative or technical healthcare jobs.
Human Resources
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
Why these matter: HR certifications are often required for advancement and signal strong knowledge of employment law, benefits, and people management.
Marketing
- Google Analytics Certification
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate
Why these matter: In digital marketing, certifications from industry leaders like Google, HubSpot, and Meta can prove you’re up-to-date with tools and strategies employers rely on.
Skilled Trades
- OSHA 10/30-Hour Safety Certification
- Apprenticeship or Journeyman Licenses (industry-specific)
Why these matter: Safety certifications and state-recognized licenses are often mandatory and can open doors to higher-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
How to Figure Out Which Certifications Are Worth It for You
1. Check Job Descriptions in Your Field
If a certification shows up repeatedly as "required" or "preferred," that’s a strong signal it’s worth pursuing.
Tip: Search on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or TalentAlly for roles you’re interested in and see what certifications consistently appear.
2. Talk to People Working in the Roles You Want
Informational interviews with professionals can give you valuable insight into which certifications are truly valued and which ones might be outdated or unnecessary.
3. Consider Industry Trends
Some industries are moving toward skills-based hiring and placing more weight on real-world experience than certifications. In others (like IT or healthcare), certifications remain essential.
Example: Google, IBM, and Meta have launched career certificate programs that can be completed in under six months and are now recognized by hundreds of employers as credible alternatives to four-year degrees (Grow with Google).
4. Evaluate the Investment
Some certifications cost thousands, while others are free or low-cost. Consider:
- Does the certification have a strong return on investment?
- Will it directly qualify you for higher-paying jobs?
- Is it widely recognized in your industry?
Example: Google Career Certificates cost about $49 per month on Coursera and can often be completed in 3-6 months, making them a low-cost, high-impact credential for many entry-level job seekers.
Final Takeaways
Certifications can be a powerful way to stand out—but only if they’re recognized and respected in your target industry.
Before investing time or money:
- Check what’s required (or preferred) in real job listings.
- Talk to people in your desired field.
- Prioritize certifications that are backed by credible organizations and offer clear career benefits.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider free or affordable certifications from well-known providers like Google, Meta, or HubSpot to quickly build skills and boost your resume.
Want to explore more job search tips and connect with inclusive employers? Check out upcoming TalentAlly Career Fairs—a great opportunity to meet recruiters and learn what skills and certifications they’re really looking for.
