No matter where you are in your career or salary potential, earning professional certifications can significantly advance both.

Content marketing certificates can help build an audience and expand your resume; front-end developer certificates allow individuals to acquire skills in an emerging industry.

1. IT Certifications

IT certifications offer professionals an effective means of furthering their careers. No matter if it's entering or progressing within an IT field, or shifting careers within it - choosing an IT certificate that aligns with your goals can enhance your resume while giving you new skills and opening doors of opportunity.

An added professional certificate to your resume can give you an edge in the job market and set you apart from other applicants, while even leading to higher salary potential. Before starting to add random certificates, first identify which IT field most interests you before selecting a certification that supports your long-term career goals.

If you want a career in IT support, obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification could be the right start for you. This entry-level certification teaches essential principles such as hardware, troubleshooting and mobile devices that will get your career off the ground quickly and safely. This certification can also serve as a great option for students or career switchers unsure if IT is their ideal career field.

Other popular IT certifications include Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), which covers networking, cloud computing, industrial IoT technologies and more. For software developers or those specializing in application development who would like to demonstrate their abilities for creating apps across Windows platforms. Microsoft's MCSE/MCSD certifications could also prove this point.

2. Accounting Certifications

Acquiring accounting certifications can help both entry-level accountants and experienced finance professionals to build credibility in an increasingly competitive job market, and stand out among applicants. Certain positions often require certification, making them essential components of your career path.

Consider your individual interests and career goals when selecting an accounting certification. For instance, CPA certification is ideal for finance professionals seeking careers in taxation, auditing and compliance while Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credentials may prove more advantageous in advancing your career goals.

Are You Looking to Enter Internal Auditing or Expand Cybersecurity Risk Knowledge? A CISA certification could be just what's necessary! With its focus on technology troubleshooting skillset development and use in any business setting, CISA certification gives individuals an invaluable set of abilities they can apply in just about any setting.

SHRM-CP certification is ideal for human resources professionals seeking to expand their credentials, earn more in current roles or prepare for advancements within HR, while CGAP provides payroll professionals with a worthwhile progression certification that increases salary potential while becoming more cost competitive in their workplace. No matter which accounting or finance certifications you decide upon, Surgent has comprehensive exam prep programs designed to help ensure you pass first time round and accelerate your career trajectory.

3. Trade Certifications

Many skilled trades jobs offer great pay and are in high demand. If you want a career that offers job security or want to advance in your current field, obtaining industry certifications could help set yourself apart from competitors and enhance the value of your resume - giving you a significant competitive edge over those with less qualifications.

For instance, if you're interested in becoming a real estate agent, pre-licensing coursework can typically be completed within 200 hours and allow you to begin work in what can be one of the most lucrative and flexible careers out there.

An associate degree may not be necessary to break into healthcare; medical assistant certification provides an excellent alternative. These allied health professionals assist physicians and nurses with patient care duties such as recording medical histories and providing education on treatment options.

Computer programming is another field in which professional certification can help set you apart. Our daily electronics use, from computers and mobile phones to video games and consoles, all depend on computer programmers whose programs make our lives possible. According to Code Platoon reports, Java and Python are two popular programming languages so obtaining one or both certifications will make you even more attractive to employers.

Court reporter certifications can also help boost career advancement. Transcribe proceedings within the legal system requires attention-to-detail, listening skills, mental strength, time management skills, grammar knowledge and confidentiality - traits which set court reporters apart from their peers.

4. Management Certifications

No matter where your career journey may lead you, earning a management certificate can give you an edge in the job market, increase earnings potential and provide connections that could support future career goals.

For instance, the PDMA Product Development Management certificate could be invaluable for project managers seeking employment in fast-paced industries where innovation is critical. It covers topics like creating roadmaps for product development and overseeing collaborative projects requiring a collaborative approach; moreover, this program requires ongoing commitment to learning; making it a great option for professionals wanting to keep expanding their knowledge and abilities.

One helpful certification to consider is the Business Process Management Practitioner (BPM) certificate, which can help your company improve efficiency and lower operational costs. Ideal for anyone with managerial responsibilities in any organization (directors and senior executives alike), it demonstrates you possess all of the skills needed to bring about change within their workplace.