Many times, we’ve addressed the question asked by job seekers: how can I stand out to potential employers? Our focus this time is on one answer: receiving a professional certification.

Certifications are available in a wide range of jobs - everything from florists to public relations. When you receive your certification, you not only get those all-too-important initials behind your name (e.g. CPA, CFP, CWC), but you show potential employers that you are committed and passionate about your line of work. Certifications demonstrate that your knowledge is up to date and that you possess a high level of expertise in your field. It also provides you the ability to break into new professional fields and hone your competitive edge if you’re looking for a change.

For those who are already employed, receiving a professional certification may help you get a job raise. As MSN explains, many people who receive their certification receive substantial raises and better job offers when they job hunt.

Are You Ready to Get Certified?
If you are convinced of the value of certifications, then your next step is to decide your program or field. As mentioned, certifications exist in a wide variety of professions, including:

• Human Resources
• Personal Training
• Public/media relations
• Financial planning
• Wedding consulting
• Professional organizing

Once you determine your certification path, you will need to enroll in a credible certification program. Most programs require a certain number of course hours combined with hands-on experience. You may also consider a program that offers online courses to accommodate your schedule or transportation restrictions.

Get Started Today
If you are interested in learning more about certification programs, a great place to start is the eLearners Certificate Programs. There, you will find certificate programs divided into eight categories, including arts and humanities, health care and computer science. Note that the eLearner program offers all its courses online, making it an attractive option.

A few other resources to consider are the Career Builder Institute, which lists free online courses and certification programs and the Accredited Online Colleges, which lists many certification programs by subject.

In the job hunt, it’s easy to get lost. Professional certifications help you stand out move your career in the right direction.