Sara Sutton – CEO and Founder of FlexJobs | Flexjobs
Earning a career certification is increasingly recognized as a practical approach to enhance one's income and access new professional opportunities without the need for a full degree program. These certifications, spanning industries such as finance, IT, and marketing, are designed to make job candidates more competitive and aid in salary negotiations.
FlexJobs, known for assisting job seekers in finding quality remote and flexible jobs, emphasizes that obtaining certifications can provide specialized skills and industry recognition. This can lead to competitive roles with high salaries while working from home.
For those in accounting and finance, certifications like CFP, CMA, and CPA are particularly beneficial. They highlight expertise in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, tax preparation, and auditing. According to Payscale data cited by FlexJobs, these credentials correlate with average salaries ranging from $76,975 to $102,000.
In the technology sector, certifications such as CDMP and CISSP are highly regarded. These credentials validate skills in data governance and cybersecurity respectively. CompTIA A+ certification is noted for IT professionals focusing on technical support.
The healthcare industry also offers various certification opportunities. Credentials like CPAHA focus on telehealth technologies while CPC validates medical coding expertise. The RHIT certification targets professionals managing medical records.
Marketing and business fields benefit from CRM and HubSpot’s Inbound Certification among others. These qualifications boost credibility in risk management or digital marketing strategies.
Short-term certificate programs offer alternatives for those unable to commit extensive time to education. Programs lasting three to six months can significantly improve earning potential across fields like supply chain management (CSCP), business analysis (IBM’s Business Analyst Professional Certificate), or IT support (Microsoft’s IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate).
Selecting the right certification involves defining career goals and assessing current skills. It requires researching high-paying remote jobs and understanding employer requirements. The credibility of the certification provider is crucial; programs should be well-regarded within their respective industries.
Ultimately, online certificates can help secure employment especially within the remote work landscape when combined with relevant experience and networking efforts.
###