7 in-demand professional certifications in 2025
Professional certifications can boost your employability, advancement potential, and earning power. These credentials signify that your education, knowledge, and skill set meet or exceed the certifying body's high standards.
You can earn valuable, widely recognized professional certifications in many fields. This resource profiles seven in-demand certifications in 2025. In this guide, explore your options and connect with educational programs.
By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Published: May 30, 2025
What is the difference between a certification and a certificate?
People often confuse certification and certificate. Some even use the terms interchangeably, though they mean very different things.
A certification is an industry-recognized credential typically earned through a combination of education, experience, and examination. It validates an elevated skill set specific to a particular career path or professional discipline.
A certificate is a non-degree academic award issued by an educational institution. It confirms that you've completed a formal program of study and possess associated knowledge.
How to choose a professional certification
Consider these questions as you compare your options:
- Eligibility: Do you meet the specific educational and/or experience requirements necessary to qualify for the certification?
- Cost: How will you pay for the prep courses, exam fees, and registration fees associated with your certification program?
- Marketability: Will the credential open career doors or boost your earning potential? By how much?
- Recertification: Is the credential good for life, or do you need to renew it periodically? If the latter, what requirements and costs do you need to meet?
Most in-demand professional certifications
The below professional certifications could elevate your career in 2025 and beyond:
1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 17% job growth for personal financial planners from 2023-33. To earn CFP certification, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, plus financial planning coursework from a program registered with the CFP Board
- A passing score on the 170-question CFP exam
- 4,000-6,000 hours of professional experience
According to the CFP Board, which provides the certification, the process typically takes 18-24 months to complete.
About the test
- Cost: $825-$1,025 (depending on how close to the date of the exam you register)
- The CFP Board offers the exam three times a year: March, July, and November.
- You can select your exam's specific date and location after you register.
2. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
According to ISC2, the organization that offers the credential, 90% of employers struggle with cybersecurity skills gaps. ISC2's CISSP certification program is designed to help fill those gaps.
You'll need five years of relevant professional experience to sit for the CISSP exam, which covers eight cybersecurity domains. The coveted credential can help you advance in the high-paying, fast-growing field of cybersecurity.
About the test
- Cost: As of February 2025, the CISSP exam cost $749. Annual certification dues also apply.
- You may enroll in preparatory courses or programs to brush up on your knowledge or find free resources to study for the exam.
- You can select the specific date and location of your exam when you register.
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), CMA certification is for accounting and finance professionals seeking to advance into managerial roles. CMAs operate at the crossroads of accounting and business management, helping employers optimize their financial strategies.
According to the IMA, you could earn 21% more with a CMA credential. To qualify, you'll need a bachelor's degree or one or more IMA-approved certifications along with two years of relevant experience.
About the test
- Cost: $370-$495 per part (plus the CMA entrance fee and IMA membership fee if you have not paid them before)
- The exam has two parts, and you'll have to go to a testing center to take them.
- There are three exam windows every year in January, May, and September.
4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
According to the BLS, financial analysts earned a median salary of nearly $100,000 per year in 2023. The Bureau projects jobs for these workers to grow by 9% from 2023-33.
You can market yourself to employers and individual clients with a CFA certification. Offered by the CFA Institute, this globally recognized credential is ideal for finance and investing professionals seeking an edge in a competitive industry.
About the exam
- Cost: $990 as of February 2025
- You will need to pass three exams (levels) and the modules that accompany them. Each level takes about 300 hours to complete.
- The modules and exams are offered online, and you can advance at your own pace.
5. CompTIA A+
CompTIA describes A+ certification as the entry-level standard for emerging information technology professionals.
To earn the certification, you must pass two CompTIA examinations (Core 1 and Core 2). These 90-question exams cover:
- Computer software and hardware
- Cloud computing and virtualization
- Mobile devices
- Networking
- Operating systems
- Security
About the exam
- Cost: $253 for each exam as of February 2025
- You can choose between online and in-person testing.
- The exam doesn't have prerequisites, but 9-12 months of experience are recommended.
6. Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications
PMI certification serves as a widely recognized standard for project management professionals at various stages of their careers.
PMI's flagship certifications include:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (entry level)
- Project Management Professional (3-5 years of experience)
- Program Management Professional (4-7 years of experience)
- Portfolio Management Professionals (8 or more years of experience)
You can also pursue five specialized certifications that pair project management with other business proficiencies.
About the exam
- Cost: $180-$800 (depending on your flagship certification)
- Each level of certification increases the experience required, from none at the entry level to over eight years for the "Portfolio Management Professional."
- You can prepare for the exams independently with resources provided by PMI or enroll in instructor-led training.
7. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certifications
SHRM's credentialing program includes the Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications. According to SHRM, these certifications can lead to a 35% pay increase and advantageous access to human resources jobs.
About the exam
- Cost: $495-$695 as of February 2025, but student, corporate, and military discounts are all available.
- SHRM recommends allowing 3-4 months to study for the certification exams.
- Testing windows are in May and December.