Adding a certification takes three minutes and lives in its own section

LinkedIn has a dedicated Certifications section separate from your work history and education. You add certifications by opening your profile, finding that section, and filling in the issuing organization, certification name, and dates. The section is visible to anyone viewing your profile, and you can add as many as you've earned.

The process works the same whether you're adding a recent certification or one from years ago. LinkedIn doesn't verify the certifications you list — it's your responsibility to list only ones you actually hold. If you earned a certification from a recognized organization (Google, Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, or thousands of others), you can add it here.

Key Takeaways

  • Certifications appear in their own section on your profile, separate from your job history and education.
  • You can add the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date if one exists.
  • LinkedIn does not verify certifications, so only list ones you actually hold and can prove if asked.
  • You can link your certification to a credential URL if the issuing organization provides one, making it easier for others to verify.
  • Certifications stay on your profile until you remove them, even after they expire.

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 selecting "View profile." Scroll down until you see the Certifications section. If you don't see it, scroll further — it usually appears after your Skills section.

Click the + icon next to "Certifications" or click "Add certifications" if the section is empty. A form will open asking for the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date. Fill in the certification name first — this is the exact name of the credential you earned, like "Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer" or "CompTIA Security+".

Type the organization name in the "Issuing organization" field. LinkedIn will show you suggestions as you type. Select the official organization from the dropdown if it appears — this makes your certification more credible because it links to the organization's verified LinkedIn page. If the organization doesn't appear, type the full name anyway.

Enter the month and year you received the certification in the "Issue date" field. If your certification has an expiration date, enter that too. Some certifications last forever (like many CompTIA certs), while others expire after a set period (like most cloud certifications). Check your certificate document if you're unsure. When you're done, click "Save."

How to add a certification on mobile

Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down to find the Certifications section. Tap the + icon next to it.

The same form appears on mobile as on desktop. Enter the certification name, issuing organization, issue date, and expiration date using the same process described above. Tap "Save" when finished. The mobile app works identically to the desktop version for this task.

Adding a credential URL to make your certification verifiable

After you save a certification, you can add a link to the actual credential. This is optional but recommended — it lets people viewing your profile click through and verify you actually earned it. Many certification organizations issue a public URL or credential ID that proves you passed.

Go back to the certification you just added and click the pencil icon to edit it. Look for a field labeled "Credential URL" or "Credential ID." If your certification came with a public link (Google, AWS, and Coursera certifications usually do), paste it here. Some organizations only provide a credential ID number — paste that instead, and LinkedIn will often auto-format it.

If you don't have a credential URL, you can leave this blank. LinkedIn doesn't require it, and many older or less common certifications don't have public verification links. Save your changes when done.

Certifications that expire and what happens to them

If you entered an expiration date, LinkedIn will show that date on your profile. The certification doesn't automatically disappear when it expires — you have to remove it yourself or update the dates if you renew it.

If you renew a certification (like recertifying for CompTIA or AWS), edit the certification and update the expiration date to the new one. Don't create a duplicate entry. If you let a certification expire and don't plan to renew it, remove it from your profile by clicking the three dots next to the certification and selecting "Delete."

Organizing multiple certifications

If you have many certifications, they appear in the order you added them. LinkedIn doesn't let you manually reorder them, so the most recent addition appears first. If you want a specific certification to appear at the top, delete it and add it again — it will move to the front of the list.

You can also add context to a certification by including relevant details in your job descriptions or skills section. For example, if you earned an AWS certification while working as a cloud engineer, mention it in that job description so people understand when and why you earned it.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't list certifications you haven't actually earned or don't currently hold. LinkedIn doesn't verify them, but recruiters and hiring managers sometimes ask to see the actual certificate, and lying about credentials can disqualify you from jobs or damage your professional reputation.

Don't forget to add the issuing organization. A certification name alone is vague — "Cloud Architect" could mean dozens of different things. The organization name tells people exactly which credential you hold. Always select the official organization from LinkedIn's dropdown if it appears.

Don't leave the issue date blank if you remember it. Dates give context and credibility. If you earned a certification years ago and don't remember the exact month, put your best estimate — most people won't have the original certificate in front of them either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add certifications that are no longer valid or have expired?

Yes, you can leave expired certifications on your profile. LinkedIn won't remove them automatically. However, if a certification is no longer valid, consider whether it helps your professional story. If you've earned newer certifications in the same field, the expired one may be less relevant. You can delete it or leave it as a record of your learning history.

What if the issuing organization doesn't appear in LinkedIn's dropdown?

Type the organization name in full anyway. Not every certification body has a verified LinkedIn page, especially smaller or regional organizations. LinkedIn will still accept the entry. If you have a credential URL, include it so people can verify the certification independently.

Do I need to add certifications if I already mention them in my job descriptions?

No, but it's worth doing both. The Certifications section makes credentials more visible and searchable. Recruiters often filter by certifications, so having a dedicated section increases the chance they'll find you. Mentioning them in job descriptions adds context about when and why you earned them.

Can I add certifications from online courses like Coursera or Udemy?

Yes, if the course issued a recognized credential. Coursera and Udemy both issue certificates of completion, and you can add them to LinkedIn. Use the course name as the certification name and the platform (Coursera, Udemy) as the issuing organization. Include the credential URL if the platform provided one.

What happens if I delete a certification by mistake?

It disappears from your profile immediately. You can add it back by following the same steps. LinkedIn doesn't keep a history of deleted certifications, so you'll need to re-enter the information if you want it back on your profile.