In today’s job market, having a strong LinkedIn profile and digital presence is crucial for career success. LinkedIn certifications can demonstrate your expertise in specific skills, help you stand out from other candidates, and open doors to new opportunities. But with so many LinkedIn courses available, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money? This comprehensive guide examines the top LinkedIn certifications for marketers, sales professionals, recruiters, and anyone looking to advance their career. We break down the key benefits of LinkedIn certifications, factors to consider when choosing a course, and provide an in-depth look at 10 of the best certifications LinkedIn offers through LinkedIn Learning in 2023. Read on to learn how LinkedIn certifications can pay dividends for your professional growth and success on the platform.
The Benefits of Earning a LinkedIn Certification
Here are some of the top reasons why completing a LinkedIn certification course can give your career a boost:
- Gain in-demand skills – LinkedIn courses allow you to build specialized skills in high growth digital marketing areas like SEO, social media marketing, data analytics, and more.
- Stand out on LinkedIn – Earning a LinkedIn certification badge will make your LinkedIn profile stand out and demonstrate your investment in professional development.
- Get noticed by recruiters – 76% of hiring managers say certifications make a job candidate more attractive. LinkedIn certs get you on recruiters’ radars.
- Network and collaborate – Online courses allow you to connect with other professionals and expand your network.
- Advance your career – Certifications can lead to raises, promotions, and new job opportunities by showing your dedication to your craft.
- Learn at your own pace – LinkedIn Learning courses are self-paced and mobile friendly, allowing you to study on a schedule that fits your life.
- Affordable and convenient – LinkedIn certifications are a budget-friendly way to boost your resume compared to formal degree programs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a LinkedIn Certification
With over 15,000 courses to choose from on LinkedIn Learning, narrowing down which certification is right for you can be overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Your career goals – Pick a LinkedIn certification that is highly relevant to your target job or industry.
- Your existing skills – Look for courses that will build upon skills you already possess or fill in gaps in your abilities.
- Level of certification – Entry level courses are good for beginners while more advanced programs provide deeper training.
- Time commitment – Make sure you can devote the required time to complete the coursework and exam(s).
- Cost – LinkedIn Learning certifications range from free courses to over $100, so factor cost into your decision.
- Instructor quality – Courses taught by masters in their field will provide the best educational experience.
- Hands-on learning – Look for certifications that allow you to apply concepts through realistic projects.
- Post-course support – Some certifications provide continued career support after you pass the exams.
Taking stock of your professional situation and learning goals will help surface the LinkedIn certifications that are worth your time and investment.
The 10 Best LinkedIn Certification Courses
Based on the quality of instructors, hands-on learning, career impact, and reviews from real students, here are 10 of the best LinkedIn certifications to boost your professional brand in 2023:
1. LinkedIn Learning Certified Professional
The LinkedIn Learning Certified Professional certification validates your ability to effectively use LinkedIn Learning to achieve professional objectives. By earning this credential, you can demonstrate your investment in skill development through LinkedIn’s learning platform.
Key details:
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Format: Video course & exam
- Price: Free
2. Project Management Certification
Developed in partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification covers essential project management concepts aligned with the PMI’s standards. It prepares you for a career as a project coordinator, manager, or director.
Key details:
- Duration: 23 hours
- Format: 11 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
3. Agile Certification
Gain in-demand skills in agile project execution. Covers topics like implementing agile workflows, facilitating scrum teams, and applying lean product development strategies.
Key details:
- Duration: 17 hours
- Format: 11 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
4. Salesforce Certified Administrator
This certification validates your ability to implement and configure Salesforce CRM to meet business needs. Become a certified Salesforce Admin with training created in partnership with Salesforce.
Key details:
- Duration: 15 hours
- Format: 11 courses & 2 exams
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
5. Digital Marketing Associate Certification
From search engine optimization to email and social media marketing, this certification helps entry to mid-level marketers master essential digital marketing skills.
Key details:
- Duration: 31 hours
- Format: 23 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
6. Customer Service Specialist Certification
Gain customer service techniques for engaging with customers, improving satisfaction, and diffusing tensions. Ideal for CSRs, agents, and customer experience specialists.
Key details:
- Duration: 19 hours
- Format: 8 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
7. SQL for Data Analysis Certification
Master SQL programming for in-demand data analysis roles. Covers SQL querying, database design, reporting visualizations, and integrating SQL with Python and R.
Key details:
- Duration: 13 hours
- Format: 10 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
8. Excel Specialist Certification
Advance your Excel skills to become a certified specialist. Learn advanced formulas, analysis tools, dashboard creation, macros, and more.
Key details:
- Duration: 14 hours
- Format: 6 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
9. Technical Recruiter Certification
Master sourcing techniques, screening, interviewing, networking, and data-driven hiring as a technical recruiter. Ideal for IT and engineering hiring roles.
Key details:
- Duration: 8 hours
- Format: 11 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
10. Graphic Design Certification
Build in-demand visual design skills with this certification endorsed by Adobe. Covers Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign fundamentals ideal for graphic designers.
Key details:
- Duration: 43 hours
- Format: 27 courses & exam
- Price: $238 per year for LinkedIn Learning access
Which LinkedIn Certification Is Right For You?
With a wide range of certifications to choose from, deciding on the right LinkedIn course path can be challenging. Here are some recommendations for popular LinkedIn certifications based on job roles:
- Marketing professionals – Digital Marketing Associate, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing
- Sales professionals – Salesforce Certified Administrator, Account Management
- HR and recruiting – Technical Recruiter, HR Operations, Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace
- Project managers – Project Management, Agile, Six Sigma Green Belt
- Customer service – Customer Service Specialist, Customer Experience Management
- Finance – Excel Specialist, QuickBooks, Accounting Fundamentals
- IT professionals – SQL for Data Analysis, Python, IT Support
- Designers – Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Adobe Certified Expert
Focus on LinkedIn certifications that align with your target career path and existing professional experience. For instance, if you’re in marketing, the Digital Marketing Associate certification can help level up your digital skills. For developers, SQL for Data Analysis is a valuable credential.
Getting Started with LinkedIn Learning Certifications
Ready to earn a certification that will take your LinkedIn profile and resume to the next level? Here are some tips to get started:
- Activate LinkedIn Learning with your account. You can access over 15,000 courses by starting a free 1-month trial or paid subscription.
- Browse certification courses and assess prerequisites. Make sure you have the baseline skills to pass the exams.
- Create a study plan. Give yourself enough time to complete the course videos, assignments, and practice tests.
- Study! Set aside regular time to work through the certification materials at your own pace.
- Schedule your certification exam. Exams are typically done online via webcam proctoring.
- Add your new certification badge to your profile! Showcase your achievement and new skills.
Earning a certification takes focus and dedication, but it’s a rewarding investment. With a LinkedIn Learning certification on your profile, you can demonstrate your specialized skills, get noticed by recruiters, and achieve your professional goals. Find the certification that’s right for you and take your career to the next level in 2023!
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning offers a diverse array of high-quality certifications to help you stand out in today’s job market. Choose a certification that aligns with your career aspirations, skill level, and interests. Top courses for marketers, salespeople, recruiters, project managers, and finance professionals can equip you with specialized abilities to thrive in your role. With flexible self-paced courses taught by industry experts, LinkedIn Learning makes it convenient to get certified. Add a certification to your LinkedIn profile and resume to get more out of the platform, get noticed, and reach your career goals. The investment in professional development will pay dividends for years to come.
