Where to find the certifications section and what to add there

LinkedIn has a dedicated Licenses & Certifications section on your profile where you can list professional credentials you've earned. This section sits separately from your work experience and education, making it straightforward for recruiters and colleagues to spot your qualifications at a glance.

You can add any certification that shows professional competency: trade licenses, industry certifications, online course completions, vendor-specific credentials, or professional development certificates. LinkedIn will display these in reverse chronological order (newest first), so your most recent or relevant credentials appear at the top.

Key Takeaways

  • The Licenses & Certifications section is a separate area on your profile, distinct from your job history and education.
  • You can add the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date (if applicable) in just a few steps.
  • LinkedIn lets you include a credential URL or credential ID so viewers can verify your certification directly.
  • You can add certifications from your desktop profile or the LinkedIn mobile app using the same process.
  • Updating your certifications keeps your profile current and signals to recruiters that you're actively maintaining your skills.

How to add a certification on desktop

Open LinkedIn and go to your profile by clicking your profile photo in the top right corner, then select "View profile." Scroll down to the Licenses & Certifications section. If you don't see this section yet, scroll to the bottom of your profile and click "Add profile section," then choose "Licenses & Certifications" from the menu.

Once the section is visible, click the pencil icon or the plus sign to add a new certification. A form will appear asking for the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date. Fill in each field with the information from your certificate or credential document. If your certification doesn't expire, leave the expiration date blank or uncheck the "This credential does not expire" box if it's already checked.

You can also add a credential URL (a link to your badge or certificate on the issuer's website) or a credential ID number. This step is optional but recommended—it gives viewers a way to verify your certification without asking you. Click "Save" when you're finished, and the certification will appear on your profile when ready.

Adding certifications from your phone or tablet

Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen to go to your profile. Scroll down to find the Licenses & Certifications section. If it's not there, scroll to the bottom and tap "Add profile section," then select "Licenses & Certifications."

Tap the plus icon next to the section heading. The same form appears on mobile as on desktop: certification name, issuing organization, issue date, expiration date, and optional credential URL or ID. Enter your information and tap "Save." The process is identical to desktop, just adapted for a smaller screen.

What information to include for each certification

Certification name: Use the exact official name of the credential as it appears on your certificate. For example, "Certified Public Accountant" rather than "CPA" or "AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate" rather than "AWS Solutions Architect."

Issuing organization: Type the name of the body that issued the certification. LinkedIn will often suggest matches as you type—select the official organization from the dropdown if it appears. This helps LinkedIn link your credential to the organization's official profile.

Issue date: Enter the month and year you earned the certification. If you're unsure of the exact month, use January or the month listed on your certificate.

Expiration date: Add this only if your certification has a renewal requirement. Many certifications (medical licenses, food safety cards, security clearances) expire and must be renewed. If your certification is permanent, leave this blank.

Credential URL or ID: If the issuing organization provides a public URL where your credential can be verified, paste it here. Some organizations issue credential IDs instead—add that number if you have it. This step builds trust because viewers can confirm your certification is real.

How to edit or remove a certification

To change information on an existing certification, go to your profile, find the Licenses & Certifications section, and hover over the certification you want to edit. Click the pencil icon that appears. Update any field and click "Save."

To remove a certification entirely, hover over it and click the trash icon. LinkedIn will ask you to confirm the deletion. Once you confirm, the certification is removed from your profile when ready. You can add it back later if you change your mind.

Why certifications matter on LinkedIn and when to add them

Recruiters often search LinkedIn by certification—they may filter for "PMP" or "Google Analytics Certified" when looking for candidates. Having your certifications listed and linked to the issuing organization makes you discoverable in those searches. It also signals that you've invested in professional development and maintain current credentials in your field.

Add certifications as soon as you earn them, while the credential is fresh on your mind and you have the details at hand. If you've earned certifications in the past but haven't added them yet, go back and add those too—there's no time limit. Certifications that have expired can stay on your profile (they show your history), but make sure the expiration date is accurate so viewers know the credential is no longer active.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't abbreviate certification names. "PMP" means nothing to someone unfamiliar with the credential, but "Project Management Professional" is when ready clear. LinkedIn's search function works better with full names too.

Don't leave the issuing organization blank or misspelled. LinkedIn uses this field to verify and link your credential to the official organization. If you type "Amazn" instead of "Amazon," the link won't work and viewers won't be able to verify your AWS certification.

Don't add certifications you haven't actually earned or completed. LinkedIn is a professional network, and false credentials damage your reputation if discovered. Stick to certifications you can prove with a certificate or credential document.

Don't forget to add the credential URL or ID if the issuing organization provides one. This optional step takes 30 seconds and makes your credential verifiable, which increases its value to recruiters and colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add certifications I'm currently working toward?

LinkedIn doesn't have a separate "in progress" status for certifications. Add the certification only after you've completed it and received your credential. If you want to signal that you're pursuing a certification, mention it in your headline or about section instead.

What if I don't remember the exact issue date?

Use the month and year from your certificate or credential document. If you've lost the certificate, check your email for the issuing organization's confirmation message—it usually includes the date. If you genuinely can't find the date, use your best estimate; LinkedIn doesn't verify dates, only the organization name and credential itself.

Should I add certifications that have expired?

Yes, if you want to show your professional history. Make sure the expiration date is accurate so viewers know the credential is no longer active. If you've renewed the certification, add the renewed version as a separate entry with the new issue and expiration dates.

Can I link my LinkedIn certification to a digital badge?

Yes, through the credential URL field. Many organizations (Coursera, Google, Microsoft, Credly) issue digital badges with public URLs. Paste that URL in the credential URL field so viewers can click through and see your badge directly.

Do certifications help with LinkedIn's search algorithm?

Yes. Recruiters can filter by certification, and having certifications listed makes your profile more discoverable when they search for specific credentials. Certifications also appear in your profile headline and summary if you mention them, which helps with general search visibility.