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In this guide, you’ll get a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to add online certifications on LinkedIn using both desktop and mobile, plus tips to make your credentials actually work in your favor.
How to Add Certifications on LinkedIn (Desktop)
If you’ve stacked up some completed courses and left them floating in your inbox, it’s time to put them to work. Adding certifications to your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a visual upgrade, it helps potential employers see your commitment to staying sharp. Plus, it gives your personal brand that extra layer of credibility without rewriting your entire resume.
1. Go to your LinkedIn profile
First, log into your LinkedIn account and head straight to your profile page. No distractions, no detours.
- Click the “Add profile section” button (you’ll find it just under your headline area).
- A dropdown will appear. Under “Recommended,” choose “Add licenses & certifications.”
This is where your credentials start showing off for you. If you don’t see it right away, try expanding the “Recommended” section it’s there, just being shy.
2. Choose the right section
You want these certifications in the licenses certifications area, not the education section. Think of it this way: your degree shows where you started, your certifications show what you’re doing right now to stay ahead.
Make sure you’re adding things that actually support your goals:
- Professional or industry-specific certifications
- Recognized training from platforms like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, or Google
- Programs that reflect current skills you're using or building toward
This isn’t the place for your yoga instructor badge unless you’re coaching execs through burnout recovery.
3. Fill in your certification details
Here’s where you’ll give your credential a proper intro. Don't rush this part get specific.
Fill in the following:
- Name of the certification or specific course
- Issuing organization, chosen from the dropdown (so the logo shows up on your profile)
- Issue date and expiration date (if applicable)
- Credential ID (only if it’s provided and relevant)
- Credential URL, which links directly to your verified certificate or badge
A clean, clickable credential URL is a small move with a big payoff. It tells hiring managers you’re organized, and it backs up your claim instantly.
4. Save and repeat
Click Save, then take a breath. That’s one cert done right.
If you’ve got more certifications to list and let’s be honest, you probably do go ahead and add them one by one. There’s no shortcut to building a standout profile, but consistency counts more than flash.
5. Review how it looks
Scroll down to the certifications section to make sure it’s all working in your favor. At a glance, your certs should:
- Reflect real skills you’ve gained
- Be relevant to your current role or the job you’re aiming for
- Look clean, current, and fully filled out
How to Add Certifications on LinkedIn (Mobile)
You can update your LinkedIn profile from your phone in a few quick steps. If you're not at your computer, the mobile app lets you add certificates just as easily, without sacrificing any of the important details.
1. Open your profile
Start by opening the LinkedIn app. Tap your profile picture twice to go directly to your profile page. This shortcut skips the homepage and search bar so you can get straight to editing.
Once you're in your profile:
- Tap Add section
- Scroll down to the Recommended category
- Select Add licenses & certifications
This opens the certifications section, where you'll enter the information for your completed course or program. If you don’t see this option, make sure your app is updated—older versions may bury it deeper in the menu.
2. Fill in the certification fields
You’ll now see a form with several fields. Don’t skip any, even if some seem optional. Each one helps present your professional achievements clearly and gives your certification more weight.
Here’s what you’ll need to enter:
- Name of the course or certification: Use the full, official title as listed by the provider. Avoid abbreviations or casual versions.
- Issuing organization: Start typing the name, and choose it from LinkedIn’s dropdown list. Selecting from the list ensures the organization’s logo appears on your profile. This visual boost helps build trust and catches a recruiter’s attention.
- Issue date and expiration date: If the certification never expires, leave the expiration field blank. Otherwise, include it to show you're up to date.
- Credential ID: Only include this if it’s part of your certification. Not all courses or programs issue one, and that’s fine.
- Credential URL: This should be a direct link to the certificate or badge from the provider’s site. It lets hiring managers or clients verify your credentials instantly and adds a layer of transparency to your LinkedIn profile.
A complete, accurate entry tells people you care about the details and have actually finished the course you’re listing. It also helps LinkedIn’s algorithm understand your skills and show your profile in the right searches.
3. Save and repeat if needed
Tap Save to add the certification to your profile. If you've got more than one, go through the same steps for each one.
It’s worth taking the time to list all relevant certifications. Each one strengthens your personal brand and gives people a better view of your qualifications and the training you’ve invested in.
4. Edit or delete existing certifications
If you need to update something later, you can do that right from your phone.
- Scroll to the licenses certifications section on your profile
- Tap the Edit icon (the pencil) next to the certification you want to change
- Make your updates, then tap Save
- To delete, tap the entry, scroll to the bottom, and choose Delete license or certification
How Often You Should Update Your Certifications
You should update your certifications on LinkedIn every time you complete a new course, receive a new credential, or renew an existing one. Keeping this section current helps potential employers see your most recent skills and training without digging. Remove expired certifications that no longer apply, especially if they’re outdated or irrelevant to your current role or goals.
Regular updates also improve your profile’s visibility in search results, making it easier for recruiters to find you based on recent qualifications. Set a reminder to log updates monthly or after finishing any new program.
Conclusion
Keeping your certifications updated on LinkedIn is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your profile and show you're serious about growth. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps your skills stay visible, your learning stay relevant, and your personal brand stay sharp. If you’ve done the work, let it speak for you.
