Best certification programs for well-paid jobs

It’s common knowledge that degree programs can increase your chances of landing a job with great pay and benefits. But what if you don’t have the money or time to invest in a degree program? Fortunately, we’ve gathered together some of the best certification programs for well-paid jobs that can enhance your career or help move into a new career that could change your life.

What are certification programs?

A certification program offers training to improve upon current skills or acquire new skills. Certification programs are perfect for those who:

• Are just starting their careers and want to acquire skills that set them apart from the competition.
• Have experience and are looking to upskill for more jobs and higher pay.
• Are seeking a career change and want to land jobs sooner than later.
• Have a good job and are looking to grow their skillset and increase their pay in the short- and long-term.

Finding the best certification programs for you

To determine the best certification programs for you, consider the following questions:

• What are my career goals and aspirations?
• If I’m looking to change careers, what fits best with my overall desires and life fulfillment?
• How much time and resources am I willing to invest to increase my pay, advance in my career, or change careers?
• How much time and resources do I have available for training and certifications?

How to determine the best certification programs

• Speak with your manager. Ask your manager about viable options to help you advance in your career and meet the requirements of potential promotions.
• Talk to your connections. Ask your professional contacts what they’d recommend for advancement in your field or requirements if you’re considering switching career paths.
• Research local schools and programs. Identify local schools and certification programs to meet your needs and resource requirements.
• Find options that work with your availability. Determine which programs allow you to still meet the needs of your professional and personal life.
• Identify resources from professional affiliations. Join professional organizations and seek out networking opportunities to determine the best options to support your career and certification aspirations.
• Seek out accredited programs. Employers often prefer certifications from accredited programs when hiring for new positions. Do your homework and determine what programs might be preferred by local employers.
• Speak with program graduates. Another great option when conducting research is to speak with program graduates about the programs you’re considering. How did their job prospects improve? Did their pay increase? How did they use the certification?

Best certification programs for in-demand skills

Below is a list of 10 in-demand positions and the certification requirements to help you land them.

Architectural and Civil Drafter

Many drafters have a two-year or four-year degree or certification in engineering and architectural design. Areas of focus include wastewater, public works, transportation (i.e., bridges and roadways), and more. The majority of drafters have experience working with computer-aided design and drafting (CADD).

Construction and Building Inspector

Some construction and building inspectors have an associate degree, whereas others have a certificate in construction and building inspection. Inspecting buildings and construction sites to ensure required regulations, laws, and codes are met is the primary responsibility of a construction and building inspector.

Court Reporter

Court reporters sit in on trials and court proceedings to transcribe what’s said. They typically work in legislatures and courts and have a minimum of a post-secondary education or certificate from a technical institute or community college.

HVAC and Refrigeration Technicians

HVAC and refrigeration professionals work on heating, cooling, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in offices and homes. HVAC professionals usually complete a certificate or degree program that lasts anywhere from six months to a year or longer.

Industrial Engineering Technician

The primary role of an industrial engineering technician is to support industrial engineers with updating and administering the requirements they must meet for jobs. They support efficient operations of industrial sites. The majority of industrial engineering technicians have an industrial engineering certification or associate degree from a community college or vocational-technical program.

Mobile Equipment and Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

As the title implies, mobile equipment and heavy vehicle mechanics work on and inspect machinery and vehicles used for construction, transportation, farming, business, and more. Mechanics who have completed an associate degree or a one- to two-year certification program are often sought after by organizations that have heavy machinery and vehicles that require maintenance and repair.

Plumber and Pipefitter

Some plumbers and pipefitters secure jobs through a certification program. Some employers require a four- to five-year apprenticeship program on top of a certification program for open positions. Licensure requirements for plumbers and pipe fitters vary by state.

Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers install and construct thin sheet metal products. Duties include drilling holes, carrying, welding, soldering, riveting, and marking sheet metal. Sheet metal workers secure certificate programs and apprenticeships for future work.

Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists support surgeons in hospital operating rooms. They typically complete a surgical technology certification program that can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years to complete.

Web Developer

Websites and web pages are developed and designed by web developers. Web developers determine how a site looks and handle how it performs, including user capacity and speed. It is common for web developers to either have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or a web developer certification. Web developers can work for businesses in a variety of industries as well as marketing firms and website development companies.

Tips for representing your certifications

• Mention relevant certifications in your cover letter. When writing your cover letter for a position, mention any certifications that are relevant and necessary for the job.
• Add certifications to your resume. Add relevant certifications to the education section of your resume.
• Add certifications to your social media and LinkedIn profiles. Add any significant certifications that support your career aspiration on LinkedIn. There is a “licensure and certification” section on your LinkedIn profile that you can update as needed.

When to renew your certifications

Some certifications, like CPR, require regular recertification every one to two years. Other certifications do not require recertification. It’s up to you to determine which certifications you need to recertify and which ones you do not.