Whether you’ve just finished a LinkedIn Learning course, earned a Google certification, or completed a free Coursera program from our list of Top Free Coursera Courses in 2025, adding certificates to LinkedIn is one of the best ways to showcase your skills and attract opportunities.
In this detailed guide, you'll learn exactly how to add certificates to LinkedIn the right way—step-by-step, with screenshots, tips, and FAQs to boost your visibility.
Why Add Certifications to LinkedIn?
LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume—it’s your professional brand. Certifications:
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Increase credibility
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Help you stand out in job searches
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Show you’re committed to learning
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Improve recruiter interest
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Enhance your personal brand
Recruiters are 6x more likely to engage with profiles that show continuous learning and relevant certifications.
Where Can You Add Certifications on LinkedIn?
There are two main places to add your certificate:
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Licenses & Certifications Section – For formal certifications
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Featured Section / Posts – To visually showcase certificates
You can also:
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Add them in your About section
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Mention them under a relevant job or project
Step-by-Step: How to Add Certificates to LinkedIn (Licenses & Certifications)
This is the most professional and widely recommended method.
🔧 Step 1: Log in to Your LinkedIn Profile
Visit linkedin.com and log in to your account.
🔧 Step 2: Go to Your Profile
Click on your profile photo or the "Me" icon → then click “View Profile”.
🔧 Step 3: Scroll Down to “Licenses & Certifications”
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If the section exists, click the “+” icon to add a new certificate.
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If you don't see it:
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Click “Add profile section”
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Go to “Recommended” → “Add licenses & certifications”
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🔧 Step 4: Fill in Certification Details
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Name | Name of the certificate (e.g., "Google Digital Marketing Certificate") |
| Issuing Organization | The name of the platform or institution (e.g., Coursera, Google, Harvard, Unicaf) |
| Credential ID | Optional, often found on your certificate |
| Credential URL | Link to view your certificate online (if applicable) |
| Issue Date | Date you received the certificate |
| Expiration Date | Leave unchecked if it doesn’t expire |
🔗 Related: Free Online Courses with Free Certificates in 2025
🔧 Step 5: Click “Save”
That’s it! Your certificate will now appear under Licenses & Certifications.
Pro Tips for Optimizing Your Certification Entry
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Use recognized course names: Stick to official titles
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Add the credential URL: Recruiters may click to verify
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List relevant keywords: Helps with LinkedIn search ranking
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Don't add outdated or irrelevant certificates
Example: How a Great Certification Entry Looks
📜 Google Data Analytics Certificate
Issued by: Coursera
Issue Date: January 2025
Credential URL: coursera.org/verify/somecode
This format is clean, professional, and includes all the right data.
BONUS: How to Showcase Certificates Visually (Featured Section)
Step-by-step:
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Go to your profile
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Scroll to the Featured section
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Click the “+” icon → Choose Media
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Upload an image/PDF of your certificate
This is especially useful if you:
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Don’t have a credential URL
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Want more visibility on your profile
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Earned a visual badge or graphic
How to Add Certifications on LinkedIn Mobile App
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Tap your profile picture → View Profile
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Tap the “+” button → choose Add License or Certification
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Fill in the details as described above
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Tap Save
Done! Easy to do from your phone right after completing a course.
How to Use Certifications to Boost Visibility
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Mention new certifications in a LinkedIn post
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Use hashtags like #certified #LinkedInLearning #AIcertified
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Tag the issuing organization (e.g., @Coursera, @HarvardOnline)
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Add them to your resume or digital portfolio
Want to learn how to build a beginner-friendly portfolio? Read:
👉 How to Create a Digital Marketing Portfolio
Examples of Certifications to Add on LinkedIn
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LinkedIn Learning Certificates
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Coursera / edX / Udemy certifications
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Google Career Certificates (UX, IT Support, Data Analytics)
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Harvard Free Course Certificates (See how to get them)
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Microsoft, IBM, AWS certifications
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Project Management, AI, Cybersecurity credentials
FAQ: Adding Certificates to LinkedIn
Q1: Can I add free certificates from Coursera or edX?
Yes! Just be sure to include the official credential link if available.
Q2: What if I don’t have a certificate link?
Upload a PDF or image to the Featured section instead.
Q3: Should I add every certificate?
Only add relevant, credible certificates that support your current goals or role.
Q4: Can I reorder certifications?
LinkedIn orders them by date—most recent first. You can’t manually rearrange them.
Q5: Will certifications improve my job prospects?
Yes, especially when combined with a strong profile, skills section, and networking activity.
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Final Thoughts
In 2025, showcasing your certifications on LinkedIn is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re transitioning careers, upskilling, or proving your value to recruiters, your certifications tell a powerful story. And with LinkedIn offering multiple ways to feature them, there’s no excuse not to!
Be intentional. Be visible. Keep learning.
Now go add that certificate!
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