An “in-progress” certification is a formal training program or course of study currently being undertaken to achieve an industry-recognized credential. The coursework is active, but the final requirements or examination have not yet been completed. Including this status on a professional document is a proactive strategy to enhance a candidate’s profile by transparently communicating current skill acquisition efforts. This approach allows a hiring manager to view the application based on future potential, not just past experience. Understanding how and when to present this information is paramount to leveraging its strategic value.
Why Listing In-Progress Certifications Matters
Listing an active certification signals a strong sense of initiative and commitment to ongoing professional development. This demonstrates a growth mindset, confirming the job seeker is dedicated to staying current with industry standards and best practices. Pursuing a credential can also bridge minor skill gaps that might otherwise disqualify a candidate. By showing the effort is underway, the applicant proves immediate relevance to the job description and a willingness to meet future competency requirements.
Optimal Placement on Your Resume
The ideal location for an in-progress certification depends on the applicant’s experience level and the credential’s nature.
For recent graduates or those with limited professional history, placing the entry within the Education section provides the best visibility. This positions the learning effort alongside academic degrees and emphasizes the foundational knowledge being acquired, which is pertinent for entry-level roles.
If the certification is highly technical and directly related to specific required competencies, listing it under a Skills section can be effective, especially for mid-level professionals. This positioning highlights the functional application of the training program and makes it easily scannable by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
The most experienced candidates, or those with multiple completed and active credentials, should create a dedicated Certifications section. This option gives the certification high visibility, preventing it from being overshadowed by extensive work history or academic details.
Formatting and Wording Best Practices
Clarity and professionalism must guide the formatting of any in-progress certification to avoid misrepresentation.
The most common and accepted phrasing is to use the term (In Progress) immediately following the certification title, often enclosed in parentheses to clearly denote its status. Other acceptable variations include (Anticipated Completion: [Month, Year]) or (Currently Studying), which offer specific context.
Formatting should use consistent professional standards, such as bolding the certification name to help it stand out. Avoid ambiguous language; phrases like “studying for” or “planning to take” lack the formality of an actively enrolled program and should be avoided. A clean structure might look like Project Management Professional (PMP) (Anticipated Completion: May 2026), ensuring all necessary information is succinct and easily digestible.
Essential Details to Include
Regardless of where the entry is placed on the resume, several non-negotiable pieces of information must accompany the certification title to lend it credibility. The name of the Issuing Body or institution is necessary, such as AWS, CompTIA, or the Project Management Institute (PMI), as this provides context for the credential’s rigor and recognition. This detail validates the effort by linking it to a reputable industry organization.
An Expected Completion Date is also necessary, providing a concrete timeline for when the full credential will be achieved. This date should be relatively near-term, ideally within the next 12 to 18 months, to maintain relevance for the hiring manager. Candidates should also include a specific Status/Progress indicator, such as “Completed 3 of 5 Modules” or “Exam Scheduled for [Date],” which adds a layer of verifiability to the claim and strengthens the overall presentation.
When to Avoid Listing a Certification
There are specific scenarios where including an active certification can be detrimental to a resume’s integrity and a candidate’s profile. If the course or program is only in its nascent stages, such as less than 15% to 20% of the coursework completed, listing it is premature and suggests minimal commitment. The effort must be substantial and formally underway to warrant inclusion on a professional document.
Furthermore, any certification that is entirely irrelevant to the target role should be omitted, as it only serves to clutter the resume and dilute the focus on pertinent skills. For example, a certification in advanced welding should not appear on a resume for a software development position. Job seekers must also refrain from listing a program if they have already made multiple unsuccessful attempts at the final examination, as this can inadvertently signal difficulty or a lack of competence to the hiring committee.