Add a certification through the Licenses & Certifications section

LinkedIn has a dedicated section for certifications that appears on your profile below your experience and education. To add one, click the Add profile section button (the plus icon) on your profile, then select Licenses & Certifications from the dropdown menu. If you already have this section visible, you can click the plus icon directly within it.

A form will open asking for the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date (if applicable). Fill in each field with the exact name of your certification as it appears on your credential. For the issuing organization, start typing the name and LinkedIn will suggest matches — selecting a suggested organization links your certification to that company's verified profile, which makes it more visible to recruiters.

You can also add a credential ID and a URL to the certification itself. If your certification has a public verification page or digital badge, paste that link in the URL field. This lets viewers confirm your credential without contacting you. When finished, click Save.

Key Takeaways

  • The Licenses & Certifications section sits on your profile below experience and education, and you add to it by clicking the plus icon or using Add profile section.
  • Selecting the issuing organization from LinkedIn's suggestions links your certification to a verified company profile, making it more discoverable.
  • Adding a credential ID or public verification URL lets recruiters and connections confirm your certification without asking you directly.
  • You can set an expiration date for certifications that renew, and LinkedIn will remind you before it expires.
  • Certifications appear in your profile headline and in search results when they match job keywords recruiters are looking for.

Choose the right organization name so your certification is discoverable

When you type the issuing organization's name, LinkedIn shows you a list of verified company profiles that match. Always select from this list rather than typing a custom name — certifications linked to verified organizations appear in more search results and look more credible to recruiters.

If the organization does not appear in the suggestions, type the name exactly as it appears on your certificate. Common examples include Google Cloud, AWS (Amazon Web Services), Coursera, Udemy, CompTIA, and the Project Management Institute. If you cannot find the exact match, LinkedIn will create a new organization entry, but it will not be linked to a verified profile and will be less visible in searches.

Add an expiration date if your certification renews

Many professional certifications expire and require renewal — CompTIA Security+, AWS certifications, and medical licenses all have expiration dates. When you add the expiration date, LinkedIn sends you a reminder 90 days before it expires, so you do not accidentally let it lapse on your profile.

If your certification does not expire, leave the expiration date field blank. LinkedIn will display it as a permanent credential. If you renew a certification, you can add the new one as a separate entry with a new expiration date, or you can edit the existing entry to update the dates.

Include a credential ID or verification URL for proof

Many certification programs issue a credential ID or provide a public verification page where anyone can check that you earned the certification. Adding this information makes your profile stronger because recruiters and hiring managers can verify your credential without contacting you.

For example, Google Cloud certifications have a public verification URL you can find in your Google Cloud account. AWS certifications can be verified through the AWS Certification Verification page. Coursera and other online learning platforms often provide a shareable certificate link. If your certification has either of these, paste it into the URL field on your LinkedIn form.

Edit or remove a certification after you add it

To change a certification you have already added, hover over it on your profile and click the pencil icon. You can update the organization, dates, credential ID, or URL. To remove a certification entirely, click the pencil icon and then select Delete.

Removing a certification does not affect your profile history — LinkedIn does not notify your connections when you remove it. However, if you remove a certification and then add it back later, it will appear as a new entry with a new addition date.

Certifications appear in your profile headline and search results

LinkedIn automatically includes your certifications in your profile headline if there is space, and they appear in full on your profile page. When recruiters search for candidates with specific certifications — for example, "AWS Solutions Architect" — your profile shows up if you have added that certification and the keywords match.

The more specific your certification name, the better it performs in searches. "AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional" will match more recruiter searches than a generic "AWS Certification." Use the exact official name of your certification, not a shortened or paraphrased version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add certifications I am currently working toward?

Yes. Leave the issue date blank and set an expected completion date in the expiration date field. LinkedIn will display it as "In progress" on your profile. Once you complete the certification, edit the entry to add the actual issue date and update the expiration date if needed.

What if my certification does not have an expiration date?

Leave the expiration date field empty. LinkedIn will display the certification as permanent. You can always edit it later if the issuing organization adds an expiration requirement or if you need to renew it.

Does adding a certification change my profile visibility?

Yes. Certifications make your profile more searchable when recruiters filter by credential keywords. They also signal to connections and hiring managers that you have completed formal training in a specific area, which can increase profile views and recruiter messages.

Can I add multiple certifications from the same organization?

Yes. Add each certification as a separate entry. For example, you can list both "AWS Certified Solutions Architect" and "AWS Certified Developer" as two distinct certifications. LinkedIn will display all of them in your Licenses & Certifications section.

What happens if the certification issuer is not on LinkedIn?

Type the organization name exactly as it appears on your certificate. LinkedIn will create a new organization entry. It will not be linked to a verified profile, but it will still appear on your profile and be searchable. If the organization later joins LinkedIn, your certification may link to their verified profile automatically.