Using Certifications to Advance Your Career
Earning a professional certification is one of the most practical steps you can take to move your career forward. Whether you're looking to get hired, earn more, or stand out in a competitive field, certifications signal to employers that you have verified, job-ready skills.
What Is a Certification?
To earn a certification, you typically pass an exam or demonstrate a specific skill. Prep courses are widely available through community colleges, technical schools, or the organizations that administer the exams themselves. And the best part? Certifications are stackable — meaning you can build on them over time, adding credentials that continuously increase your value to employers or clients.
Why Certifications Are Worth It
They go wherever you go. A certification is portable proof of your skills. It travels with you from job to job and is recognized across industries, occupations, and locations. No matter where your career takes you, your credentials come along.
They may be required. In many fields, certifications aren't optional — they're a condition of being considered for a role. Some employers require them before you even apply; others expect new hires to obtain them right away. Knowing what's required in your field puts you ahead of the curve.
They give you a competitive edge. When two candidates have similar experience, a certification can be the deciding factor. It shows you've gone beyond the basics and invested in your own professional growth — and that stands out.
How to Get Started
Search for certifications that align with your career goals using a Certification Finder — you can search by occupation, industry, skill, or technology. You can also speak with a career center team member to learn about subsidized training options that may help cover the cost.
Contact your local career center to get started.
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