LinkedIn Basics
Yasmina Akni Ebourki
Last updated: Jun 25, 2025
Want to quickly show your expertise on LinkedIn?
One of the smartest moves you can make is adding LinkedIn Certifications to your profile.
It's one of LinkedIn's most underrated features among all their services.
The challenge? With hundreds of options out there, how do you pick the ones that actually matter?
I'm going to walk you through how to use certifications strategically, plus share the 10 must-have LinkedIn certifications for 2025 that can really make a difference.
What Are LinkedIn Certifications?
LinkedIn Certifications are part of the LinkedIn Learning platform, a premium service from LinkedIn that offers a variety of online courses across different industries and skill levels.
In some of these classes, users can take tests and receive official LinkedIn certifications that they can display on their LinkedIn profiles, CVs, and personal websites.
Benefits of LinkedIn Certifications
But the best part?
These courses are designed and created by industry professionals and business experts, focusing on real-world application rather than just theory.
Some of the key advantages include:
Showcase continuous learning: Certifications demonstrate that you're committed to growth and always keeping your skills up to date.
Gain a competitive edge in the job market: Because LinkedIn Learning courses are taken voluntarily, they show initiative. Adding them to your resume can give you an edge over other candidates.
Stay current in your industry: Courses are frequently updated to reflect new tools, trends, and best practices. This keeps you aligned with what's happening in your field.
Enhance your LinkedIn profile and personal brand: Displaying certifications on your profile adds credibility and gives recruiters a clearer picture of your expertise and ambition. It also reinforces your curiosity and willingness to learn.
Boost visibility and authority: Certifications help improve your presence in LinkedIn search results, strengthen your authority in your niche, and support the growth of your personal brand.
Learn on your own terms: Perhaps the greatest benefit is flexibility, you can learn from anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.
3 Types of LinkedIn Certifications by Role or Goal
But with so many options, how do you know if they offer specialized content for you?
If you decide to get certified, LinkedIn Learning has an extensive library of courses and certifications that are distributed across three major categories.
Within each category, you'll find numerous subcategories and classes that guarantee you'll find something that matches your interests.
1. Business & Professional Development
This category is perfect for those aiming to enhance their leadership, productivity, and workplace skills.
It includes certifications in:
Productivity and time management
Leadership and communication
Human Resources and team management
Customer service and client relations
Project management fundamentals
Essential software tools like Microsoft Excel
Business applications of AI and automation
Sales techniques and CRM training
It’s ideal for professionals looking to upskill in day-to-day business operations or grow into managerial roles.
2. Technology & IT Certifications
The tech category is designed for individuals looking to gain technical and digital skills across a wide range of disciplines that include:
Cybersecurity fundamentals
Data science and data engineering
Software development and coding (Python, JavaScript, etc.)
Cloud computing and system architecture
Mobile app and game development
Network administration and infrastructure
Hardware and device engineering
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned IT professional, these certifications help you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field.
Plus, each course clearly indicates whether it's designed for beginners, intermediate, or expert levels, so you can choose based on your current knowledge and experience.
3. Creative & Design Certifications
Tailored for creatives and designers, this category teaches everything from how to build a strong portfolio to mastering the industry's essential tools.
Courses and certifications can cover topics such as:
Graphic design and branding
UX/UI design principles
Animation and motion graphics
Video editing and production
Audio design and music editing
3D modeling and rendering
Web design and interactivity
Tools like Photoshop, Figma, Canva, Illustrator, and more
How to Access Your LinkedIn Certifications
But where do you access these courses? Let me walk you through it step by step.
Log into your LinkedIn account
Click on your profile icon in the top right corner
Select “For Business” from the dropdown menu
In the left-hand sidebar, scroll to the bottom and click “Learning”
This will take you directly to LinkedIn Learning, where you can browse courses and certifications by topic, role, or skill level
6 Steps to Use LinkedIn Certifications Strategically
Now, browsing through hundreds of classes is great, but how do you choose and add them to your LinkedIn in a way that actually adds value?
Yes, beyond learning, they can be a real asset to enhance your personal brand and professional visibility.
Here are 6 strategies you should consider when earning your LinkedIn certifications.
1. Align Certifications with Your Career Narrative
When choosing your courses, treat your certifications as building blocks in your professional story.
They should reflect a logical progression in your skillset and career direction.
Ask yourself:
Does this certification align with the roles I'm targeting?
Does it complement other skills or experiences I've listed?
Having the right certifications can show that you're constantly evolving and investing in your own growth, rather than diluting your expertise and ending up as a generalist instead of a specialist.
2. Add Context and Personalization
Don’t just list a certification, give it context.
In your profile, use the description field to explain:
What you learned
Why you took the course
How it fits into your goals
This makes your profile more human and authentic, showing not just what you know but why it matters.
4. Share Your Achievement
After adding the certification, share it with your network:
Create a short LinkedIn post summarizing what you learned and how it’s relevant to your work or career path
Tag relevant people (mentors, peers, or even the course creator)
This boosts engagement and shows your followers that you're proactive and forward-thinking.
5. Add Certifications to Your LinkedIn Profile
Once you’ve completed a certification, here’s how to add it to your LinkedIn profile:
Go to your profile
Scroll down to the “Licenses & Certifications” section
Click the “+” (Add) icon
Enter:
The certification name
The issuing organization (LinkedIn Learning)
The date of completion
A link to the certification, if available
Any skills acquired during the course
This helps make your profile more complete and discoverable.
6. Use It Beyond LinkedIn
Finally, leverage your certification off-platform:
Include it in your resume or CV
Mention it in job applications or interviews
Use it in your portfolio or website to add credibility
Discuss what you learned in cover letters or during networking
Are LinkedIn Certifications Really Worth It?
As you can see, the options are endless with LinkedIn Learning services.
But is it worth dedicating time to these courses, and do they really add value to your career?
The short answer is: yes, but with a few considerations.
LinkedIn certifications aren't the same as academic degrees or formal diplomas like a Master's. They won't carry the same weight in highly regulated or academic fields.
However, they offer immense practical value:
You gain relevant, updated skills taught by industry experts.
They demonstrate that you’re proactive, self-driven, and continuously learning.
You build a strong portfolio of knowledge that enhances your personal brand and professional credibility.
Many courses are tightly aligned with current job market trends, especially in tech, leadership, AI, and design.
More than just a certificate, these programs help show potential employers or clients that you’re committed to growth, you stay current, and you’re not afraid to take initiative.
In a competitive digital landscape, that alone is a major advantage.
FAQ
How do I get LinkedIn certifications?
To get a LinkedIn certification, simply complete a course through LinkedIn Learning.
Once finished, you’ll receive a digital certificate that you can download and showcase on your LinkedIn profile under the “Licenses & Certifications” section.
