How to Effectively Include a Sample Certificate of Completion on Your Resume for Maximum Impact
If you’ve ever taken a professional course or completed a training program, you might be wondering whether that certificate of completion deserves a spot on your resume. The short answer? Absolutely — when it’s relevant.
Certificates of completion can demonstrate your initiative, continued learning, and up-to-date industry knowledge, especially when you’re entering a new field or applying for a role that values practical skills. In today’s fast-paced job market, employers are often just as interested in your ongoing learning as they are in your formal education.
In this guide, you'll learn how to list a certificate of completion on your resume, why it matters, and how to do it in a way that adds real value — not clutter. Plus, we'll show you a realistic resume sample that includes a certificate of completion the right way.
Why a Certificate of Completion Can Boost Your Resume
Certificates of completion are most impactful when they:
Are recent and relevant to the job you’re applying for
Come from a reputable provider or platform (like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or company-sponsored programs)
Demonstrate hard or technical skills that align with the job description
Whether you’re an aspiring project manager, digital marketer, or software developer, a strategically placed certificate can help bridge a skills gap or prove that you’re serious about professional growth.
Let’s dive into what this actually looks like on a resume.
Sample Resume Featuring a Certificate of Completion
Here’s a human-written, realistic resume sample that shows how to list a certificate of completion effectively. In this example, the job seeker is applying for a role in project management and has recently completed an online course in Agile methodologies.
Jordan Taylor
Project Coordinator | Agile Enthusiast | Certified in Modern PM Practices
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: jordan.taylor@email.com | City, State
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Project Coordinator with 3+ years of experience supporting cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments. Adept at managing project timelines, budgets, and communications using Agile and Scrum methodologies. Recently completed an intensive Agile Project Management course to deepen practical skills and support a transition into a full Project Manager role.
Skills
Agile & Scrum Frameworks
Jira & Trello
Project Lifecycle Management
Stakeholder Communication
Risk Mitigation
Cross-functional Team Coordination
Professional Experience
Project Coordinator
BrightPath Solutions, City, State
March 2022 – Present
Assisted in the coordination of over 12 cross-departmental projects, each valued at $50K+, from planning through execution
Facilitated weekly sprint reviews and retrospectives, helping the team increase sprint efficiency by 20%
Created and maintained detailed Gantt charts, timelines, and deliverable trackers
Communicated daily with stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency throughout project life cycles
Administrative Assistant (Project Team)
Innovatech Group, City, State
January 2020 – February 2022
Supported the project team by organizing schedules, managing documentation, and coordinating meetings
Helped improve project communication by implementing a new file-sharing protocol, reducing delays by 15%
Gained exposure to Agile practices and developed interest in project management career path
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
State University – City, State | Graduated 2019
Certifications
Certificate of Completion: Agile Project Management
Coursera – Completed April 2024
Completed a 30-hour course covering Agile principles, Scrum framework, backlog grooming, sprint planning, and stakeholder communication. Applied concepts in a capstone project simulating real-world team scenarios.
Professional Development
LinkedIn Learning – “Foundations of Project Management” (2023)
Google Project Management Specialization – In Progress
Tips for Listing a Certificate of Completion on Your Resume
Place it in the Certifications or Education section. If the certificate is from a professional course (not a degree), it fits better under Certifications.
Include the course provider and completion date. This adds credibility and shows the certificate is recent.
Mention key skills or takeaways. A short line about what the certificate covers adds weight.
Only include what’s relevant. Listing every certificate you’ve ever received (especially those unrelated to the job) can dilute your resume’s impact.
Pro tip: If your certificate includes a project or hands-on component, mention it briefly. It shows practical application, not just passive learning.
FAQs About Certificates of Completion on Resumes
1. Should I include a certificate of completion even if it's not accredited?
Yes — if it’s relevant and from a reputable source. Hiring managers often care more about what you learned than who gave you the paper.
2. Where exactly should a certificate of completion go on a resume?
List it in the "Certifications" section. If you don’t have one, you can create a “Professional Development” or “Courses & Training” section instead.
3. Can I list certificates from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning?
Absolutely. Just make sure the topic is related to the role you’re applying for. Stick to professional, career-relevant courses.
4. What’s the difference between a certificate of completion and a certification?
A certificate of completion shows you finished a course. A certification typically requires passing an exam and may be recognized by an industry body (like PMP, CompTIA, etc.).
Including a sample certificate of completion on your resume can be a smart move — especially when you're trying to stand out in a competitive job market. Done right, it’s more than just a line on your resume — it's proof that you’re investing in your future and actively growing your skills.
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