Want to stand out to employers, earn a higher salary, or pivot to a brand-new field? The solution might be a certification. In this video, we explore CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder and how it can help you make informed decisions about certifications, training, and career advancement.
Let’s get started.
Think of the Certification Finder as a massive, searchable database of thousands of professional certifications. A certification is a credential awarded by an organization to show that you’ve demonstrated specific knowledge or skills in a field. It’s proof to an employer that you have the exact skills they need.
While you see them everywhere in IT and healthcare, you might be surprised to find them related to careers in almost every industry – from manufacturing to finance.
Each certification listed in the search results is a link to a detailed description. It includes what you need to know to help you evaluate whether it fits your goals. You can view:
A description of the certification
Eligibility requirements
Exam details
Renewal requirements
The organization that awards the certification, and a link to its website
Not all certifications are the same. We categorize them into different types:
Core certifications typically represent entry-level or foundational credentials.
Advanced certifications generally require prior training, work experience, or prerequisite credentials. These are often for people who want to move up in their careers.
Product certifications show you are an expert in a specific software or technology platform. These are common in IT and technical industries.
Specialty certifications correspond to a specialty within an occupation, often in healthcare.
Skill certifications show knowledge in something that doesn’t directly relate to an occupation, like CPR.
Keep an eye out for certifications marked with a red chili pepper icon. These are In Demand certifications. Our team analyzes national job postings to find credentials employers are asking for right now.
Ready to search? Under CareerOneStop’s Toolkit you’ll find a link to the Certification Finder. You can search by:
keyword
certification name
organization name
occupation code
and industry code
Once you have your results, use the options on the left-hand side to search by related occupations, or to filter your results down by In Demand, or a specific Industry, Type, or Organization.
So how does this support your career planning?
If you’re changing careers, certifications can provide a structured pathway into a new field.
If you’re already employed, a certification can help you stand out when you’re seeking a promotion or applying for a new job.
By using this information strategically, you can invest your time, effort, and resources where it counts.
Career planning is not just about choosing a job title—it’s about identifying the skills and credentials that support long-term career growth.
Visit CareerOneStop today and find credentials to help connect those pieces.