Direct Answer
What is the difference between a certification and a license?
A license is issued by a state government and legally required to practice. A certification is awarded by a professional body, federally mandatory (EPA 608, HAZWOPER), employer-required (OSHA 30, NCCCO), or industry-valued (PMP, Six Sigma). Both affect hiring and salary; neither replaces the other.
66 certifications
🏗️
Construction & Trades
17 certificationsOSHA 30
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
US Dept. of Labor, OSHA
Cost
$189–$280
Renewal
No federal expiry
OSHA 10
OSHA 10-Hour Construction
US Dept. of Labor, OSHA
Cost
$79–$139
Renewal
No federal expiry
NCCCO
Crane Operator Certification
National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators
Cost
$800–$1,400
Renewal
5 years
NCCER
National Center for Construction Education
NCCER, standardised craft training
Cost
$200–$600
Renewal
Per level
AWS CWI
Certified Welding Inspector
American Welding Society
Cost
$670–$1,100
Renewal
3 years
NICET III
Fire Alarm Systems Level III
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
Cost
$190–$300
Renewal
3 years
LEED GA
LEED Green Associate
US Green Building Council
Cost
$250
Renewal
2 years (30 CEs)
HAZWOPER
Hazardous Waste Operations
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120
Cost
$199–$350
Renewal
Annual 8-hr refresher
OSHA 500
OSHA 500 Construction Trainer Course
US Dept. of Labor, OSHA Training Institute
Cost
$650–$900
Renewal
4 years
Confined Space
Confined Space Entry, Competent Person
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1203
Cost
$150–$400
Renewal
Annual review
Scaffold CP
Scaffold Competent Person Certification
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, employer-designated
Cost
$150–$350
Renewal
No federal expiry
NCCCO Rigger
Rigger Level I Certification
National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators
Cost
$150–$300
Renewal
5 years
Lead RRP
Lead-Safe Certified Renovator (EPA RRP)
US Environmental Protection Agency
Cost
$150–$225
Renewal
5 years
AHERA
Asbestos Abatement Worker Certification
EPA AHERA / state environmental agency
Cost
$150–$400
Renewal
Annual refresher
ACI Grade I
Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I
American Concrete Institute
Cost
$225–$300
Renewal
5 years
Flagger
Traffic Control Flagger Certification
ATSSA
Cost
$60–$120
Renewal
3–4 years
CESSWI
Certified Erosion, Sediment & Stormwater Inspector
EnviroCert International
Cost
$400–$600
Renewal
3 years (CEs)
🏥
Healthcare
15 certificationsBLS/CPR
Basic Life Support / CPR
American Heart Association or Red Cross
Cost
$25–$75
Renewal
2 years
CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
State nursing boards + competency exam
Cost
$100–$400 training
Renewal
Annual / biennial
CPhT
Certified Pharmacy Technician
PTCB or NHA ExCPT
Cost
$129–$165
Renewal
2 years (20 CEs)
CST
Certified Surgical Technologist
NBSTSA
Cost
$190
Renewal
4 years (60 CEs)
ACLS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
American Heart Association
Cost
$150–$300
Renewal
2 years
PALS
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
American Heart Association
Cost
$150–$300
Renewal
2 years
EMT-B
Emergency Medical Technician, Basic
NREMT + state EMS office
Cost
$100–$150 exam
Renewal
2 years (CE hours)
Paramedic
Paramedic Certification
NREMT + state EMS office
Cost
$125–$180 exam
Renewal
2 years (CE hours)
CMA (AAMA)
Certified Medical Assistant
American Association of Medical Assistants
Cost
$125–$175
Renewal
60 months (CEs)
CPT
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
NHA or ASCP
Cost
$117–$135
Renewal
2 years
CRCST
Certified Registered Central Service Technician
HSPA (formerly IAHCSMM)
Cost
$120–$150
Renewal
5 years (CEs)
HHA
Home Health Aide Certification
State-approved training program
Cost
$0–$300
Renewal
Annual (varies by state)
CMT
Certified Medication Aide / Technician
State nursing boards
Cost
$100–$300 training
Renewal
Varies by state
ARRT
Radiologic Technologist Certification
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Cost
$225
Renewal
Annual + CE
CDA
Certified Dental Assistant
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
Cost
$425
Renewal
2 years (CEs)
🏭
Manufacturing & Logistics
11 certificationsSix Sigma GB
Six Sigma Green Belt
ASQ, IASSC or equivalent
Cost
$300–$600
Renewal
3 years recertification
Six Sigma BB
Six Sigma Black Belt
ASQ, IASSC or equivalent
Cost
$600–$1,200
Renewal
3 years recertification
APICS CPIM
Certified in Production & Inventory Mgmt
ASCM (formerly APICS)
Cost
$785–$990
Renewal
5 years (75 PDUs)
Forklift
Forklift / Powered Industrial Truck
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178
Cost
$100–$400
Renewal
3 years
CDL-A
Commercial Driver's License, Class A
FMCSA + state DMV
Cost
$3,000–$7,000 training
Renewal
4–8 years by state
OSHA 10 GI
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
US Dept. of Labor, OSHA
Cost
$79–$139
Renewal
No federal expiry
OSHA 30 GI
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
US Dept. of Labor, OSHA
Cost
$189–$280
Renewal
No federal expiry
CSCP
Certified Supply Chain Professional
ASCM
Cost
$865–$1,065
Renewal
5 years (75 PDUs)
CLTD
Certified in Logistics, Transportation & Distribution
ASCM
Cost
$865–$1,065
Renewal
5 years (75 PDUs)
CCO Overhead
Overhead Crane Operator Certification
National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators
Cost
$300–$600
Renewal
5 years
CQT
Certified Quality Technician
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Cost
$586 member / $486
Renewal
3 years recertification
🛡️
Safety & Compliance
4 certificationsEPA 608
Section 608 Technician Certification
US Environmental Protection Agency
Cost
$20–$60
Renewal
None (one-time)
LOTO
Lockout/Tagout Authorised Technician
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147
Cost
Employer-conducted
Renewal
Annual review
TWIC
Transportation Worker Identity Credential
TSA / US Coast Guard
Cost
$125.25
Renewal
5 years
CSP
Certified Safety Professional
Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
Cost
$110 app + $350 exam
Renewal
5 years (25 recert points)
🍽️
Food & Hospitality
5 certificationsServSafe FH
ServSafe Food Handler Certification
National Restaurant Association
Cost
$15–$20
Renewal
2–3 years by state
ServSafe FPM
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
National Restaurant Association
Cost
$99–$149
Renewal
5 years
TIPS
TIPS Alcohol Server Certification
Health Communications, Inc.
Cost
$40–$60
Renewal
2–3 years by state
CHS
Certified Hospitality Supervisor
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)
Cost
$219–$329
Renewal
No expiry
HACCP
HACCP Certification
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, accredited providers
Cost
$150–$400
Renewal
No federal expiry
⚡
Energy & Utilities
3 certificationsCEM
Certified Energy Manager
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Cost
$755–$1,050
Renewal
3 years (CEs)
NERC
NERC Reliability Certification (System Operator)
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Cost
$450–$700
Renewal
3 years (CE hours)
NIULPE
Journeyman Power Plant Operator Certification
National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers
Cost
$100–$250
Renewal
No federal expiry
💼
Business & Professional
11 certificationsPMP
Project Management Professional
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost
$555 member / $405
Renewal
3 years (60 PDUs)
SHRM-CP
SHRM Certified Professional
Society for Human Resource Management
Cost
$335 member / $435
Renewal
3 years (60 PDCs)
PHR
Professional in Human Resources
HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
Cost
$395 + application
Renewal
3 years (60 CEs)
CAPM
Certified Associate in Project Management
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost
$300 member / $250
Renewal
3 years (30 PDUs)
SHRM-SCP
SHRM Senior Certified Professional
Society for Human Resource Management
Cost
$335 member / $435
Renewal
3 years (60 PDCs)
SPHR
Senior Professional in Human Resources
HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
Cost
$425 + application
Renewal
3 years (60 CEs)
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
State boards of accountancy + AICPA exam
Cost
$1,000–$1,500 exam
Renewal
Annual by state (CPE hours)
CMA (IMA)
Certified Management Accountant
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Cost
$460–$1,100
Renewal
Annual (30 CPE hours)
CBAP
Certified Business Analysis Professional
International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)
Cost
$450 member / $650
Renewal
3 years (60 CDUs)
CEBS
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans / Wharton
Cost
$700–$1,200 per course
Renewal
2 years (CEs)
CPTD
Certified Professional in Talent Development
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Cost
$536 member / $736
Renewal
3 years (recert points)
66 certifications shown above across 7 industries. 9 additional credentials are tracked in our full database but not yet published as standalone guides, ask your recruiter or contact us if you don't see one you need.
FAQ
Certification FAQ
Your career research journey
Do your homework, then let the network do the rest.💰
1. Know your salary
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2. Know your licences & certifications
🧭
3. Career guide
🎤
4. Interview preparation
Get the job, then keep rising
Free🚀
Step 5
Get matching jobs
Set your intent, matching jobs come to you. No applying.
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Step 6
Career advancement plan
A roadmap to your next licence tier and higher pay band.
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Once placed, we cover all certification, licence & career-guide fees.
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Every certification guide, A–Z
All 165 published certification guides — issuing body, prerequisites, exam format, cost, renewal cycle and pay impact for each.
A (18)
- ABO — American Board of Opticianry Certification
- Adobe Certified Professional — Adobe's application certification programme
- AIB International — food safety audits, certification programmes and training
- AIC — Associate in Claims
- AICP — Certified Planner of the American Institute of Certified Planners
- American Board of Pediatrics Certification
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Certification
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification and Registration
- ARDMS — American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Credentials
- ARM — Associate in Risk Management
- ASCP Board of Certification Credentials for Laboratory Professionals
- ASE Certification — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
- ASE Master Technician — Master Automobile Technician (A1–A8) and companion series
- ASE Parts Specialist Certification — P-Series (P1, P2, P4)
- AWI QCP — Quality Certification Program of the Architectural Woodwork Institute
- AWS Certified Welder — American Welding Society Certified Welder Program
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- AWS D1.1 Welder Qualification — Structural Welding Code, Steel
C (65)
- C-EFM — Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring
- CAM — Certified Apartment Manager
- CAMS — Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
- CAP — Certified Administrative Professional
- CAPM — Certified Associate in Project Management
- CBAP — Certified Business Analysis Professional
- CCA — Certified Crop Adviser
- CCE — Certified Credit Executive
- CCEP — Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional
- CCIE — Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
- CCMA — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- CCNA — Cisco Certified Network Associate
- CCNP — Cisco Certified Network Professional
- CDA — Certified Dental Assistant
- CEBS — Certified Employee Benefit Specialist
- CEDS — Certified E-Discovery Specialist
- CEM — Certified Energy Manager
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Sous Chef (CSC) — American Culinary Federation
- Certified Tile Installer (CTI) — Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) — the welding inspection career and credential ladder
- CFA — Chartered Financial Analyst
- CFE — Certified Fraud Examiner
- CFP — CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Certification
- CGFM — Certified Government Financial Manager
- CGMA — Chartered Global Management Accountant
- CHFP — Certified Healthcare Financial Professional
- CHMM — Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
- CHPN — Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
- CIA — Certified Internal Auditor
- CIC — Certification in Infection Prevention and Control
- CIH — Certified Industrial Hygienist, American Board of Industrial Hygiene
- CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor, ISACA
- CMC — Certified Management Consultant
- CMP — Certified Meeting Professional
- CMPE — Certified Medical Practice Executive
- CMRP — Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional
- CMRS — Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist
- CMSRN — Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
- CNML — Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
- CNOR — Perioperative Nursing Certification
- COC — Certified Outpatient Coder
- COPC Certification — the COPC Customer Experience Standard and its training
- COTA — Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- CPB — Certified Professional Biller
- CPCM — Certified Professional Contract Manager
- CPCU — Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
- CPHIMS — Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems
- CPHQ — Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality
- CPhT — Certified Pharmacy Technician
- CPIM — Certified in Planning and Inventory Management
- CPN — Certified Pediatric Nurse
- CPSM — Certified Professional in Supply Management
- CPSP — Certified Professional in Sourcing and Procurement
- CPT — Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NHA)
- CPTD — Certified Professional in Talent Development
- CRCM — Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager
- CRCR — Certified Revenue Cycle Representative
- CRCST — Certified Registered Central Service Technician
- CRNA — Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- CSEP — Certified Systems Engineering Professional
- CSM — Certified ScrumMaster
- CSP — Certified Safety Professional, Board of Certified Safety Professionals
- CST — Certified Surgical Technologist
- CWCN — Certified Wound Care Nurse
D (3)
E (3)
F (5)
G (4)
H (5)
- HACCP — Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Training Certification
- HAZWOPER — Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training
- HDI Certification — technical support and service management credentials
- HRIP — Human Resource Information Professional
- HubSpot Academy Certifications — inbound, marketing, sales and service credentials
I (6)
- I-CAR Training and Recognition — Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair
- ICC Building Inspector Certification — International Code Council
- ISA Certified Arborist
- ISACA Certifications — the professional association's credential portfolio
- ISC2 Certifications — including CISSP, SSCP, CCSP and Certified in Cybersecurity
- ITIL 4 Certification — IT service management framework, administered by PeopleCert
L (5)
M (4)
N (14)
- NATE Certification — North American Technician Excellence
- National Board Certification — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- NCARB Certificate — National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
- NCC — National Certified Counselor
- NCCCO Crane Operator Certification — National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
- NCCER Credentials — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- NCCT — National Center for Competency Testing Certifications
- NCIDQ Certification — Council for Interior Design Qualification
- NERC System Operator Certification
- NETA Certified Electrical Testing Technician — InterNational Electrical Testing Association
- NICET Certification — National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- NIMS Credentials — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- NREMT Certification — National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
- NRP — Neonatal Resuscitation Program
O (5)
P (9)
- PALS — Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- PBT(ASCP) — Phlebotomy Technician Certification
- PCCN — Progressive Care Certified Nurse
- PCM — Professional Certified Marketer, American Marketing Association
- PgMP — Program Management Professional
- PMI-ACP — Agile Certified Practitioner
- Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) — FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food
- PRINCE2 — Projects IN Controlled Environments
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
R (6)
S (8)
- S.T.A.B.L.E. Program — Neonatal Post-Resuscitation and Pre-Transport Stabilisation Education
- SACA Certification — Smart Automation Certification Alliance
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- ServSafe Alcohol Responsible Alcohol Service Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
- SHRM-CP — SHRM Certified Professional
- Six Sigma Black Belt
- Six Sigma Green Belt