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Quick answer: Can I put an in-progress certification on my resume?
- Yes — if you've started and have a date.
- Format — "In progress, expected Month Year".
- Where — Certifications section.
- Be ready — to discuss what you've learned.
- Never — present it as completed.
Key takeaways
- Include in-progress certifications that are relevant and genuinely underway.
- Use "In progress, expected Month Year" or "Expected completion".
- Give a realistic date: recruiters may ask.
- Show progress ("3 of 5 courses complete") for multi-course programs.
- Update your resume the day you pass.
In-progress certification examples
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – Amazon Web Services – In progress, expected Feb 2027
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate – Google/Coursera – In progress (6 of 8 courses), expected Jan 2027
- PMP – PMI – Exam scheduled Mar 2027
Should you include it?
| Include it if… | Leave it out if… |
|---|---|
| It's relevant to the job | It's unrelated |
| You've started and have a date | You've only thought about it |
| You can discuss what you've learned | You haven't begun studying |
| It's required or preferred in the ad | You're unlikely to finish soon |
Where to put it
In your Certifications section alongside completed ones. If the certification is a stated requirement, also mention it in your summary: "Completing AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (Feb 2027)".
In-progress certifications on LinkedIn
LinkedIn's Licenses & certifications section is designed for earned credentials, so mention in-progress learning in your headline or About section instead, and add the certification when you pass. See how to add certifications on LinkedIn.
Prove it free: the tests that match this guide
Have one completed certification alongside the one in progress. (Disclosure: Science of Apps publishes these tests.)
- AI Literacy CertificationA completed, verifiable credential in 10 minutes.Start free test →
- Microsoft Excel Certification Test (Fundamentals)A practical completed certification.Start free test →
- Project Management Fundamentals CertificationA completed PM credential while you prepare for CAPM or PMP.Start free test →
What to say in an interview
"I'm about two-thirds through my preparation for AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, and my exam is booked for February. I've already applied what I learned about high availability to our test environment." See talking about certifications in interviews.
Have something completed too
Pair an in-progress certification with a completed, verifiable one. Free Science of Apps certifications take 10–30 minutes and give you an earned credential while the bigger one is underway. See also how to list certifications on a resume.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put an in-progress certification on my resume?
Yes, if it's relevant, you've genuinely started, and you list a realistic expected completion date.
How do I show an in-progress certification on a resume?
Write 'Certification name – Issuer – In progress, expected Month Year'.
Should I include an in-progress certification on my resume?
Include it if it's relevant and underway; leave it out if you haven't started or are unlikely to finish soon.
Can you add an in-progress certification to LinkedIn?
LinkedIn's Licenses & certifications section is designed for earned credentials, so mention in-progress learning in your headline or About section instead, and add the certification when you pass. See how to add certifications on LinkedIn.
What should you say about an in-progress certification in an interview?
"I'm about two-thirds through my preparation for AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, and my exam is booked for February. I've already applied what I learned about high availability to our test environment." See talking about certifications in interviews.
Sources
- LinkedIn Help: add licenses and certifications to your profile
- AWS Certification
- Science of Apps: free online certifications
- Checked November 11, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
- Build a portfolio with certification projects — turn your certifications into a job-winning portfolio
- How many certifications on a resume? — how many certifications to put on a resume (usually 3–5), which ones to include
- Talk about certifications in an interview — how to talk about your certifications in a job interview
- CertificationsList certifications on a resumeHow and where to list certifications on your resume, with examples for freshers, career changers and professionals.
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- Product managementProduct manager resume: examples, bullet formulas and a template that gets interviewsWrite a product manager resume that gets interviews: an outcome-first bullet formula, before-and-after examples, a one-page template and tips.
- CertificationsIndustry-recognized certificationsWhich certifications are actually industry-recognized? A list by field, with the governing bodies and employers behind each one.
- CertificationsCertifications for nurses, teachers & accountantsThe most valuable certifications for nurses (BLS, ACLS, CCRN), teachers (CTET, TEFL, CELTA) and accountants (CPA, CMA, ACCA), and what each one costs.
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