Getting special certificates can really help you stand out when you’re looking for a job. You’ve probably listed them on your resume, but hiring managers often want to hear more. They might ask you in an interview, “What certifications do you have?” This question comes up a lot, especially for technical jobs.
Why do they ask this? First, they want to make sure you have the right qualifications for the job. Some jobs need certain certificates by law, and others are required by the company. But it’s not just about checking boxes. They also want to hear you talk about your certifications in your own words. This tells them more about you than just reading your resume can. Your answer shows how much you know and how interested you are in the field.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand what interviewers are looking for when they ask about your certifications. We’ll share some tips to help you impress them with your answer. Knowing this can make you feel more confident and ready for your interview.
What hiring managers look for when they ask about your certifications
When interviewers ask about your certifications, they want to make sure you have the right skills and knowledge to do the job well. Having professional certificates shows them that you’ve learned important things and can start working without needing a lot of basic training.
They also like to see that you care about keeping your skills up to date. By earning new certifications, you show that you’re interested in learning the latest tools and ideas. This means you’ll help the company use new technology and stay on top of changes in your field.
Finally, asking about certifications helps them find the best person for the job. If several people are good fits, but one person has extra or advanced certificates that others don’t, that might tip the scales in their favor. It shows you’ve gone the extra mile to learn more, which can make a big difference in who gets hired.
How to answer “What certifications do you have?”
Name your certifications
When someone asks about your certifications, it’s important to tell them exactly which ones you have. Sometimes, the person interviewing you might not know all the details about every certification out there. So, it’s helpful to give a short explanation of each one. For example, you could say:
- “I have a CISSP certification. This means I’m trained in designing and managing cybersecurity programs for businesses.”
- “I also earned my CASP+ certification, which shows I’m skilled in advanced areas like risk analysis and cryptography.”
By naming and briefly explaining your certifications, you help the interviewer understand your skills and how they make you a good fit for the job.
Describe how your certifications will help you in the role
Next, talk about how your certifications will help you do the job well. Think about what the company needs and how your skills can meet those needs. For instance:
- “My leadership training certification has taught me how to work well with teams and lead projects. I believe this will help me coordinate with my coworkers and contribute to team success.”
- “I’m certified in advanced Excel skills, which means I can analyze data more effectively. This could help us make better decisions based on the numbers.”
Even if a certification isn’t required for the job, explaining how it adds value shows that you can bring something extra to the team.
Share your future plans
Let the interviewer know if you’re planning to get more certifications or are currently learning new skills. This shows that you’re committed to growing and staying updated in your field. You might say:
- “I’m currently studying for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam because I want to deepen my understanding of cloud computing. I think this knowledge will be really useful for future projects here.”
- “I’m taking a course in project management to improve my organizational skills, which I believe will help me handle multiple tasks more efficiently.”
Sharing your future plans shows that you’re proactive and eager to keep improving, which is something many employers appreciate.
How not to answer
Don’t just give a bullet-point list
It might seem quick and easy to just list your certifications like bullet points, but doing this misses a big opportunity. When you only list your credentials, it’s like you’re reading straight from your resume. This doesn’t help the interviewer understand why these certifications matter or how they make you a strong candidate.
Instead of saying:
- “I have a PMP, CISSP, and Six Sigma Black Belt.”
Take the chance to tell a story about what each certification means and how it helps you in the job. For example, you could say:
- “I have a PMP certification, which means I’m trained in managing projects efficiently and keeping them on track. This will help me make sure all tasks are done on time and within budget.”
This approach is much more engaging and leaves a stronger impression on the interviewer.
Don’t use jargon without explanation
Another thing to avoid is throwing out technical terms without explaining them. If the interviewer doesn’t know what your certification means, they won’t understand its value. For instance, if you just say:
- “I have a CASP+ certification.”
It might not make an impact if the interviewer isn’t familiar with that term. Instead, you could add a brief description:
- “I earned my CASP+ certification, which means I’m skilled in advanced cybersecurity, like risk management and encryption.”
This helps the interviewer clearly see why that certification is important.
Don’t downplay your achievements
Some people might feel awkward talking about their achievements and end up downplaying their certifications. If you say something like:
- “I just have a couple of basic certifications…”
It doesn’t sound confident, and the interviewer might think your certifications aren’t that valuable. Instead, be proud of what you’ve accomplished and explain how each one adds to your skill set. Even if it’s a beginner-level certification, you can say something like:
- “I have an entry-level certification in digital marketing, which taught me key strategies to increase online engagement.”
Remember, this is your chance to show what makes you stand out!
Sample answer to “What certifications do you have?”
Example #1
“I have a Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional certification. This means I know how to keep software safe at every step while it’s being made. I think it’s important to think about security right from the beginning, not just at the end. It’s like making sure a house has strong locks when you’re building it, not after it’s finished. I’m also planning to earn the Certified Agile Leadership certificate this year because I want to learn how to help teams work better together.”
Why this works:
In this answer, you clearly state your certification and explain what it means in simple words. You use an easy example to show why security is important from the start. By mentioning your plan to get another certification, you show that you’re eager to keep learning and growing in your field.
Example #2
“I recently earned my Google Ads Certification. This means I know how to create online ads that help businesses reach more people. In one of my classes, I used these skills to help a local store get more customers through online advertising. I’m also studying for the Google Analytics Certification so I can understand how people use websites and how to make them better.”
Why this works:
This answer is good because you share a certification that’s useful for many companies, especially in marketing. You explain what the certification means and give a real-life example of how you used it. Mentioning that you’re working on another certification shows you’re committed to improving your skills.
Example #3
“I have a CPR and First Aid certification from the Red Cross. This means I know how to help people in emergencies. I got this certification because I care about keeping people safe. At my summer job as a camp counselor, I used these skills to help a camper who got hurt. I’m planning to get my Lifeguard Certification next, so I can be even more helpful in keeping everyone safe around water.”
Why this works:
In this answer, you mention certifications that show you are responsible and care about others—qualities that are important in many jobs. You explain what the certification is and share an example of how you used it in a real situation. By talking about your plan to get another certification, you demonstrate that you’re proactive and interested in growing your abilities.
By giving detailed answers like these, you help the interviewer understand your certifications and why they matter. Explaining how you’ve used your skills shows that you’re not just qualified on paper—you can apply what you’ve learned in real life. Sharing your plans to earn more certifications shows that you’re dedicated to learning and will continue to bring valuable skills to the company.