Adding a certificate takes three steps: upload the document, fill in the details, and save

LinkedIn lets you add certificates directly to your profile in the Licenses & Certifications section. You can upload a PDF or image file of your certificate, or type in the details manually. The process takes about five minutes and makes your credentials visible to recruiters and connections.

You do not need to upload a file — you can add the certificate by typing the name, issuing organization, issue date, and credential ID or URL. If you have the document handy, uploading it is faster and looks more official to people viewing your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Licenses & Certifications section on your profile, click the plus icon, and choose whether to upload a file or enter details manually.
  • Accepted file types are PDF, JPG, PNG, and GIF; the file size limit is 10 MB.
  • You can add the credential URL so people can click through to verify the certificate on the issuer's website.
  • LinkedIn will extract text from your uploaded file, but you should review and correct the details before saving.
  • Certificates appear on your profile when ready after you save them and are visible to anyone viewing your profile unless you change your privacy settings.

How to upload a certificate file

Go to your LinkedIn profile and scroll to the Licenses & Certifications section. If you do not see this section, click the Add profile section button and select Licenses & Certifications from the menu. Click the plus icon next to the section title.

Select Upload a file and choose your certificate image or PDF from your computer. LinkedIn accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, and PDF files up to 10 MB. After you select the file, LinkedIn will read the text on the certificate and fill in some fields automatically — but check these carefully, because the text recognition is not always accurate.

Review the certificate name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date (if any). Add the credential ID or URL if your certificate has one — this is the link where someone can verify the certificate on the issuer's website. Click Save when you are done.

How to enter certificate details manually

If you do not have a digital copy of your certificate or prefer to type the information, click the plus icon in the Licenses & Certifications section and select Enter details. Type the certificate name exactly as it appears on the document.

Enter the organization that issued the certificate — this is usually the training company, professional body, or educational institution. Add the month and year you received the certificate. If the certificate expires, toggle on the This credential expires option and enter the expiration date.

The credential ID and credential URL fields are optional but recommended. The credential ID is a reference number on the certificate itself. The credential URL is the web address where someone can verify the certificate — for example, a link to your profile on the issuer's website or a verification page. Click Save when finished.

What happens after you save a certificate

Your certificate appears on your profile when ready in the Licenses & Certifications section. Anyone viewing your profile can see it unless you have changed your privacy settings to hide this section. The certificate stays on your profile until you delete it.

If you added a credential URL, people can click the link to verify the certificate on the issuer's website. This is especially useful for well-known certifications like Google Career Certificates, AWS certifications, or professional licenses — recruiters often click through to confirm.

Editing or removing a certificate

To change the details of a certificate you have already added, hover over the certificate and click the pencil icon. Update any of the fields and click Save. To remove a certificate entirely, hover over it and click the trash icon, then confirm the deletion.

You can add as many certificates as you want. There is no limit to the number of licenses and certifications you can display on your profile.

Privacy settings for your certificates

By default, your certificates are visible to everyone on LinkedIn. If you want to hide the entire Licenses & Certifications section from your profile, click the eye icon next to the section title and select who can see it — only you, your connections, or everyone.

You cannot hide individual certificates while keeping the section visible; the privacy setting applies to the whole section. If you want some certificates public and others private, you will need to remove the private ones from your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file types does LinkedIn accept for certificates?

LinkedIn accepts PDF, JPG, PNG, and GIF files. The file size limit is 10 MB. Make sure your certificate image is clear and readable — blurry or low-contrast images may not extract text correctly.

Can I add a certificate that has already expired?

Yes. You can add expired certificates to your profile. If you toggle on the expiration date, LinkedIn will show when the certificate expired. Many people keep expired certifications on their profile for reference, especially if they show relevant skills or training.

Do I need the credential URL to add a certificate?

No, the credential URL is optional. However, adding it is a good idea because it lets recruiters and connections verify the certificate on the issuer's website, which strengthens your credibility.

Will LinkedIn notify my connections when I add a certificate?

LinkedIn does not send a notification when you add a single certificate. However, if you have activity notifications turned on, your connections may see the update in their feed if they follow your profile activity.

Can I upload a certificate that is not in English?

Yes. LinkedIn accepts certificates in any language. The text recognition may be less accurate for non-English documents, so review the extracted details carefully and correct them if needed.