Earning professional certifications can set you apart when seeking a new role. While they might appear on your resume, hiring managers often want to hear about them directly. Interviewers may ask, “What certifications do you have?” especially in technical fields.
They ask this question because they want to confirm you meet certain qualifications, including any that might be legally required. Beyond that, talking about certifications in your own words tells them how well you understand these credentials and what excites you about your field.
What Hiring Managers Look For When They Ask About Your Certifications
Interviewers want to know that you have the skills and knowledge needed to perform successfully without extensive basic training. Certifications show that you’ve studied critical areas and passed exams proving your competence.
They also appreciate candidates who keep their skills up to date. Regularly earning or renewing certifications shows you stay current with new trends, tools, and concepts. This readiness to learn helps the company stay competitive.
If multiple strong candidates apply, extra or advanced certifications might make you stand out. Going above and beyond can influence the hiring decision in your favor.
How to Answer “What Certifications Do You Have?”
Name your certifications
Mention your certifications clearly and provide a brief explanation for each. Doing so helps the interviewer understand the relevance of your credentials.
Example: “I have a CISSP certification, which means I’ve been trained in designing and managing cybersecurity programs. I also earned my CASP+ certification, which covers advanced topics like risk analysis and cryptography.”
Explaining what each certification entails shows the interviewer why it matters.
Describe how your certifications will help you in the role
Connect your certifications to the job you’re applying for. If the company values leadership, point to how your training supports effective team management. If data analysis is key, highlight certifications that show your command of analytical tools and methods.
Example: “My leadership training certification taught me how to manage teams and coordinate projects more smoothly. I believe that experience will help the group meet its goals here.”
Share your future plans
If you’re working toward new certifications or considering them, let the interviewer know. Mentioning future goals shows you’re motivated to keep improving, which employers value.
Example: “I’m currently studying for an AWS Solutions Architect exam. Gaining more cloud computing knowledge should help me tackle upcoming challenges this role might present.”
How Not to Answer
Don’t just give a bullet-point list
Rattling off certifications without context misses a chance to impress. Instead of saying, “I have a PMP, CISSP, and Six Sigma Black Belt,” add value by explaining how these credentials apply to the job.
Example: “I hold a PMP certification, which taught me how to keep projects on track and within budget. That approach would help ensure efficient delivery on our team’s objectives.”
Don’t use jargon without an explanation
If the interviewer is unfamiliar with a particular certification, they won’t know its significance unless you explain it. Instead of just saying, “I have a CASP+ certification,” add a brief description.
Example: “I earned a CASP+ certification, which covers advanced cybersecurity topics such as risk management and encryption, ensuring critical data remains protected.”
Don’t downplay your achievements
Avoid minimizing your accomplishments. Saying, “I just have a couple of basic certifications,” undersells your qualifications. Even if they’re entry-level, emphasize what you learned.
Example: “I earned a foundational certification in digital marketing that helped me understand key strategies for increasing online engagement.”
Sample Answers to “What Certifications Do You Have?”
Example #1
“I hold a Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional certification, which means I understand how to integrate security practices throughout the development process. It’s like building a house with secure locks from the start rather than adding them after construction. In addition, I plan to earn a Certified Agile Leadership certification this year to improve how I guide teams through projects efficiently.”
Why this works:
The candidate names the certification, explains its meaning, and uses a simple analogy to highlight its importance. Mentioning plans for an additional certification shows commitment to growth.
Example #2
“I recently completed the Google Ads Certification, which taught me how to create targeted online campaigns to reach more customers. I applied these skills in a previous role to boost a small business’s online presence. I’m also pursuing the Google Analytics Certification to better understand user behavior and improve website performance.”
Why this works:
This approach mentions a useful certification, explains what it covers, and provides a practical example of using the new skill set. Sharing plans for another certification shows that the candidate continues to advance their abilities.
Example #3
“I have a CPR and First Aid certification from the Red Cross, which means I can assist in emergencies. When volunteering at a community center, I used these skills to respond quickly when someone needed help. I’m planning to earn a Lifeguard Certification next, so I’ll be prepared to ensure everyone’s safety around water activities.”
Why this works:
The candidate clearly explains their certification, shares a relevant real-life example, and highlights a future goal. These details show responsibility and a willingness to learn more.
By giving detailed, confident answers, you help the interviewer understand why your certifications matter and how they translate into actionable skills. Highlighting plans for further development reinforces that you’ll continue growing professionally and bringing added value to the company.