Professional certificates provide students with the skills to move into new industries or enhance their careers. Certification is also an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise.
In this post, we've reviewed a range of highly-rated certifications from leading institutions to find the best professional certifications worth taking.
10 Top Professional Certifications
- Google Digital Marketing and Ecommerce Certificate
- Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Certificate
- Google Project Management Certificate
- IBM’s Data Science Professional Certificate
- PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate
- AWS Fundamentals Specialization
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- Meta Marketing Science Professional
- Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certification
1. Google Digital Marketing and Ecommerce Certificate
The Google Digital Marketing and Ecommerce professional certificate aims to empower students with all the skills they need to thrive in the digital marketing landscape.
This Google professional certification is split into a series of 7 courses, each with its own distinct focus.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the Google Digital Marketing and eCommerce program, students will learn in-demand skills to prepare them for entry-level roles in the online marketing landscape.
The 7 courses include insights into developing digital marketing and eCommerce strategies for a brand. You’ll also learn how to engage customers through search and email, measure important marketing metrics, and design eCommerce stores with the potential for high sales.
The lessons include advice from subject matter experts at Google and tips on how to use common marketing platforms like Shopify, Canva, Google Ads, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and many others. You’ll also have an opportunity to build your own portfolio with customer personas, social media calendars, and more. Topics covered include:
- The foundations of digital marketing and eCommerce
- How to engage and attract customers with SEO, SEM, and social media
- Interacting with customers online to build brand loyalty
- How to leverage email marketing to nurture and convert customers
- Assessing marketing analytics and metrics
- How to build, launch, and manage your eCommerce store
Jobs You Can Do
The Google Digital Marketing and eCommerce professional certification prepares students for entry-level roles in the digital marketing and eCommerce industry.
Time Investment and Cost
This course takes approximately 6 months to complete at a suggested pace of 10 hours of study per week. You’ll pay $39 monthly for your Coursera subscription, following an initial free trial period of 7 days. Over 6 months, you can expect to pay less than $300.
Read our Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate Review to learn more about this certification.
2. Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Certificate
The Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Certification is one of the most reliable certifications to pursue if you want to start a career in digital marketing. The certificate is highly rated and trusted by thousands of students who choose to get certified by a reliable online academy.
What You Will Learn
Throughout 13 courses, you'll learn EVERYTHING you need about Digital Marketing. The course covers the following topics:
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Ads
- Google Ads
- YouTube Marketing
- Retargeting
- Content Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Affiliate Marketing
What differentiates this professional certificate from the rest is that it's highly actionable based on the author's experience working in the industry for 20+ years. After completing the courses, you can pursue two certifications: an SEO Certification and a Digital Marketing Certification.
Jobs You Can Do
Upon completing this certificate, you'll have the skills to work as an SEO specialist, SEO manager, digital marketing specialist, digital marketing manager, Google Ads expert, Facebook Ads specialist, content marketing professional, and many other jobs related to online marketing. You'll also have the necessary knowledge to start your own online digital marketing business.
Time Investment and Cost
On average, it takes students 2 weeks to complete the lessons and get both the SEO and Digital Marketing certifications.
The total cost to register for this course is $149.
3. Google Project Management Certificate
The Google Project Management Professional Certificate is specifically tailored toward students interested in project management. The certificate is split into 6 courses, covering the key actionable skills project management professionals need to succeed. There are over 140 hours of instruction and hundreds of practice-based assessments to assist you in developing your knowledge.
What’s more, upon completion of the certificate, students can also apply directly for jobs with Google, as well as a range of other employers throughout the US, such as Walmart and Best Buy. The program also qualifies students for over 100 hours of project management education, preparing them for Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications.
What You Will Learn
As one of the top Professional Certifications for jobs in the project management space, this course provides students with an immersive understanding of the foundations of project management. You’ll learn how to create project documentation throughout the phases of a project and explore the foundations of agile project management with Scrum components.
The lessons provide training opportunities for students to practice problem-solving, stakeholder management, and strategic communication. You’ll learn how to manage team dynamics and process improvement techniques and use project management software to enhance your skills. The lessons start with an introduction to the foundations of project management, followed by insights covering how to:
- Start and plan a successful project.
- Execute the various phases of a project management lifecycle.
- Examine data and use insights to enhance the results of your project.
- Leverage agile project management frameworks like Scrum.
- Apply your project management insights to real-world scenarios.
Jobs You Can Do
This Google certification prepares students for entry-level roles like Program Manager, Junior Project Manager, Scrum master, and Project Coordinator. Project management also includes many transferable skills that can be useful for other marketing and digital positions.
Time Investment and Cost
This course takes approximately 6 months to complete at a steady pace of 10 hours per week. There’s an initial 7-day free trial for Coursera, followed by a $39 monthly subscription cost. If you complete the lessons within 6 months, you can pay less than $300 for the full course. Financial assistance is available.
Read our Google Project Management Certificate Review to learn more about this certification.
4. IBM’s Data Science Professional Certificate
The IBM Data Science Professional Certificate gives students a phenomenal way to kick-start their careers in data science and machine learning. The certificate requires no prior knowledge of computer science or programming languages and offers a complete step-by-step introduction to data science over a series of 9 courses.
Aside from a Professional Certificate of completion from Coursera, students who complete this training will also receive a digital badge from IBM to add to their portfolio. The lessons are also ACE-recommended, meaning students can earn up to 12 transferable college credits to take with them into their next education stage.
What You Will Learn
The lessons include insights into using leading open-source tools and libraries and Python, SQL, and databases. Students also gain a deep understanding of data visualization, data analysis, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling techniques.
This Professional Certificate strongly emphasizes applied learning, with various projects to undertake. Using tools like Jupyter, GitHub, R Studio, NumPy, and Seaborn, students will learn how to extract and graph financial data, create dynamic dashboards, and compare classification algorithms for machine learning. By the time you’re done, you’ll know how to:
- Leverage the most popular open-source tools, libraries, and data sets
- Apply data science methodology to different scenarios, including the CRISP-DM method
- Explore the concepts of using AI and machine learning in data science
- Leverage Python for data science, AI, and development
- Use databases and SQL for data science with Python
- Conduct data analysis and data visualization tasks using real data
Jobs You Can Do
The IBM Professional Certification ensures students are job-ready for a career in data science. This could open the door to roles related to data analytics, data science, data visualization, and machine learning program development.
Time Investment and Cost
This course takes approximately 11 months to complete at a recommended studying pace of 4 hours per week. You could also accelerate your learning outcomes by increasing your study time.
After a 7-day free trial of Coursera, users will need to subscribe to a $39 per month subscription, up to around $429 for 11 months.
Read our IBM Data Science Professional Certificate Review to learn more about this certification.
5. PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
Delivered by the leading Project Management Institute, the PMI Project Management Professional Certificate was designed by project managers for emerging professionals. The lessons are divided into sections focused on concepts like “People”, “Processes” and “Business Environment”.
To successfully gain your certification, you’ll need to pass a 180-question exam, covering all of the topics addressed in the course materials. Students applying for this course will need a four-year degree, 36 months of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education. You can also apply with a high school diploma, 60 hours of project lead experience, and 35 hours of project management training.
What You Will Learn
The PMP Certification from PMI provides students with the job-ready skills they need to thrive in a Project Management role. The course covers several topics, including insights into managing people in a project management setting and guiding them through a strategic process. You’ll also learn how to use predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches to determine the best way of working in any scenario. Plus, the course covers tips on " working smarter” in your role.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain an insight into some of the most important resources you’ll need to succeed as a project manager. There are tips on passing the exam at the end of the course and a certification handbook to guide you through the process. Topics covered include:
- How to successfully guide and lead team members through a project
- Using agile, Scrum, and other methodologies for project management
- Organizing the right business environment for a successful project
- How the project management project affects business outcomes
- How to use common tools in the project management space
Jobs You Can Do
The PMI certificate prepares students for high-level jobs in the project management space. You’ll be able to take on roles like Project Manager or Project Lead, with skills beyond the basics of a standard entry-level role.
Time Investment and Cost
This course is entirely self-paced, so students can consume the knowledge and take the exam at speed suited to them. There’s an exam fee required to earn the PMP, which costs $555 for non-members and $405 for those with a PMI membership.
6. Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate
One of the most popular professional certifications for experts in the social media marketing landscape, this Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate prepares students for a lucrative career in the social media marketing world. The ACE-recommended certificate includes a series of 6 courses, each covering topics related to social media management, advertising, and growth.
At the course's end, students earn a professional certificate from Meta and the Meta Digital Marketing Associate certification. Students will also gain access to the exclusive Meta job board, where they can find employers in search of their skills.
What You Will Learn
This Professional Certificate offers students all the insights they need to build a lucrative career in social media marketing. The training starts with an introduction to social media and how it influences the results of companies in the modern world.
While the course strongly focuses on Facebook and Meta-owned social media channels, it also offers insights into how to use tools like LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, among others. The course includes multiple hands-on projects to help students demonstrate their skills and build a portfolio for future employers. By the time you’re done, you’ll know how to:
- Define the right social media channels for online campaigns
- Set SMART goals and identify KPIs
- Choose your target audience and build audience personas
- Manage social media platforms and create paid ads
- Advertise with Meta using the Meta Ads Manager
- Analyze and optimize social media marketing campaigns
Jobs You Can Do
This professional certificate prepares students for a role in the social media and digital marketing landscape. You can pursue a role as a digital marketing specialist, social media marketer, or social media marketing manager.
Time Investment and Cost
This course takes approximately 7 months to complete at a pace of 2 hours per week. However, students can accelerate their learning if they choose. The course comes with a 7-day free trial for new Coursera users, followed by a subscription cost of $39 per month. This full program should cost around $273 over the period of 7 months.
Read our Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate Review to learn more about this certification.
7. AWS Fundamentals Specialization
The AWS Fundamentals Specialization is a leading professional certificate offered by Amazon.
The specialization includes four courses, with numerous hands-on projects and resources to help you test your skills in a realistic environment. Students can also complete labs and exercises built by AWS instructors, which they can showcase in their digital portfolio.
What You Will Learn
This professional certificate offers aspiring or current IT professionals a complete overview of the features and capabilities offered by AWS. The lessons provide a deep insight into key AWS security concepts, strategies for migrating into the AWS cloud, and tips on how to build basic serverless applications using AWS.
Throughout the four courses, students will learn how to articulate the security measures and IAM solutions offered by AWS. You’ll discover how to distinguish between services like AWS Lambda, EC2, and ECS. Plus, you’ll gain a deeper overview of storage offerings like the Amazon Relational Database, Amazon S3, and Amazon DynamoDB. By the end of the lessons, you’ll know how to:
- Define and effectively choose the right AWS tools for each project
- Address security risks and implement best practices for cloud environments
- Migrate on-premises systems into the cloud space
- Design and deploy your own serverless applications
Jobs You Can Do
The Amazon Web Services course prepares students for a role in the cloud environment, specifically using AWS services and tools. You could pursue a career as a cloud migration specialist, cloud manager, or cloud development expert. Students could also pursue roles as cloud administrators, network engineers, automation engineers, or security analysts.
Time Investment and Cost
This course will take approximately 4 months at a suggested study pace of 2 hours per week. Students can also learn at a rate of 4 hours per week to complete the course in 2 months. There’s a free 7-day trial for Coursera, after which you’ll pay $39 monthly for your subscription.
8. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
The Google Data Analytics Professional certificate offers insight into how to use various tools to gain an immersive understanding of marketing data.
Students can develop the key analytical skills they need to collect, transform, and organize data collected by a business. The 8 courses include numerous hands-on projects and allow students to build a portfolio they can showcase to potential employers.
What You Will Learn
Throughout a series of 8 courses, this professional certification teaches students how to understand and leverage the value of data in different environments. You’ll learn to clean and organize data for analysis, complete calculations using SQL, R programming, and spreadsheets, and visualize information in powerful dashboards.
The course begins with an introduction to data analytics and science foundations. Students will learn to ask questions to make data-driven decisions and set SMART project goals. You’ll uncover tips and tricks on preparing data for exploration and processing data to ensure your information is accurate. Other topics include:
- How to use data analytics to answer important questions
- How to share data through the art of visualization
- Using R Programming for Data Analysis
- Completing a Google Analytics project with available data
Jobs You Can Do
This professional certificate prepares students for roles that include data analytics and science. You can apply for roles like Junior or Associate data analyst, database administrator, and even marketing manager. Students can also apply directly for jobs with Google and a range of other leading employers on completion of the courses.
Time Investment and Cost
This program will take approximately 6 months to complete at a pace of 10 hours per week. The course will cost $39 per month to subscribe to Coursera, and successful completion will give students 12 college credits.
Read our Google Data Analytics Certification Review to learn more about this certification.
9. Meta Marketing Science Professional
The Meta Marketing Science Professional certificate provides insight into the science behind promotional methods like social media and content marketing. This program provides students with a comprehensive insight into how to set KPIs, define business goals, and run tests.
The course includes a range of insights into how to examine the various components of an advertising strategy. Over approximately 105 minutes of content, students will complete online courses with videos, uploaded resources, and a range of self-assessment quizzes. Ideally, students will have at least 3 years of career experience in marketing science before applying for this course.
What You Will Learn
The Meta Marketing, Science Professional Certificate, includes access to a comprehensive study guide and various materials to prepare you for your end-of-program exam. The courses are split into several sections, starting with an introduction to business goals and KPIs, then insights into SQL basics, data use, and measuring your campaigns.
Students will learn how to design A/B tests and similar solutions to examine the full impact of their courses. Videos and guides are also available to help you understand the more complex aspects of data science and analysis. Topics include:
- How to choose the right data measurement approach for each campaign
- Designing different analysis solutions for your campaigns
- How to explore and optimize your data sources
- Interpreting statistical output for data-driven recommendations
Jobs You Can Do
This course prepares professionals for a job in a higher-level role of marketing and analysis. You could pursue a job as a marketing analyst, digital marketing manager, or social media marketing manager.
Time Investment and Cost
The Digital Marketing Science Professional certificate from Meta is free, with lessons you can explore at your own pace. However, you must finish all the courses and complete the exam to earn your certificate.
10. Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certification
Produced by the Google Digital Garage, the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certificate is a 26-module program with around 40 hours of content to consume. This beginner-friendly course requires no prior knowledge and includes video tutorials and resources.
The Interactive Advertising Bureau in Europe and the Open University accredited the certificate. It also includes real-world examples to help you understand how to turn your knowledge into action and hands-on self-assessment options.
What You Will Learn
As you progress through the modules, you’ll learn how to design your website, make it easy to use, plan an online business strategy, and build a marketing campaign for search engines.
The lessons include tips on paid and organic content strategies and leveraging SEO basics. Students will also learn how to create search ads and improve their campaigns using effective keywords. Other topics include:
- Tips for local SEO advertising and mobile customers
- How to get noticed on social media
- How to leverage mobile marketing strategies
- Using content marketing to your advantage
- Email marketing and online advertising
- Display marketing and how to create an ad campaign
Jobs You Can Do
This course prepares students for a career in digital marketing from an entry-level position. You can apply for roles like digital marketing expert or manager, digital marketing consultant, content marketing, and online advertising.
Time Investment and Cost
The course includes approximately 40 hours of content and is free for users to take at their own pace. You’ll receive unlimited access to the course and a recognized certificate once you enroll and complete all the modules.
Read our Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certification Review to learn more about this certification.
Are Professional Certifications Worth It?
Professional Certificates are an excellent way to prove your knowledge and skills to employers in your chosen industry. Not only do these training solutions make it easier to develop the right knowledge to thrive in your role, but they can also help your resume stand out.
Taking a professional certification, like one of the options above, can allow you to:
- Verify your knowledge in the eyes of potential employers
- Boost your chances of employment with access to specific job boards
- Enhance your understanding of crucial IT and digital marketing skills
- Open the door to new employment opportunities and industries
- Develop transferable skills that boost your position in various roles
Methodology
To help you find the best professional certificates to take online, we’ve looked at certificate programs prepared by well-known companies such as Google, Meta, IBM, and others. All chosen certificates are globally recognized, and most importantly, they help you build job-ready skills. You can also read our detailed reviews for most of the certifications.
Related Certifications
Here is a list of other certifications to further improve your skills:
