Experience, working hard, and sending out plenty of resumes all help, but sometimes, the quickest way to a better paycheck is by earning a certification. This kind of program offers a fast and focused way to learn valuable skills, helping you qualify for higher-paying jobs without spending years in school.
Obviously, this will only be the case if the topic is relevant to your interests, though, so to help you find the best ones for you, here are some fast certifications that will help you land higher-paying jobs.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
First up, a CNA certification is undeniably one of the quickest ways to break into healthcare, with programs often lasting just a few weeks! They involve helping patients with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, while also providing crucial support to nurses.
We’re sure you’ll find that this role is in high demand at hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, making CNAs ideal for finding job security and opportunities for advancement in healthcare.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
If you’re looking to become a project manager, the PMP certification is invaluable, as it can lead to seriously well-paying roles across all industries. Often completed in a few months, it’s designed for those with prior project management experience, but as long as you have that, you’ll likely fly through it. Generally, it focuses on planning, executing, and overseeing projects efficiently.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP certification is a top-tier credential in the cybersecurity world. Yes, it requires some prior IT experience, but you can prepare for the exam in a few months with the right resources. It’s definitely worthwhile, as it will give you expertise in protecting sensitive data and managing security systems, both of which are critical these days.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Offered by Google, this qualification is designed for beginners looking to start a career in IT. Conveniently, it can be completed in less than six months, despite covering troubleshooting, system administration, and customer support.
It’s available through platforms like Coursera, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Usually, graduates find themselves securing roles as IT support specialists or help desk technicians, and the chances of securing this are quite likely, as the credential is recognized by all major employers.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Becoming an EMT is a fast-paced route into healthcare, with training programs that can be completed in just a few months. In contrast to CNAs, EMTs deal with first response, providing life-saving care during emergencies.
The certification process includes classroom learning, hands-on practice, and fieldwork, and if you do well with this, you’ll likely be offered competitive starting salaries and opportunities for advancement into roles like paramedic or firefighter.
Certified HVAC Technician
While it might seem less serious in comparison to EMT, HVAC technicians are always in demand, especially as modern homes and businesses are starting to prioritize energy efficiency. Typically lasting a few months, this certification will teach you how to install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, and will likely lead to stable, high-paying jobs–who wouldn’t want that?!
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Another fast certification that will help you land a higher-paying job is becoming a certified phlebotomy technician. Essentially, this is a quick way to enter the healthcare field, specifically when it comes to drawing blood for tests, donations, and medical research. Training focuses on proper techniques, safety, and patient care, so we’re sure you’ll find it useful.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
One of the most popular certifications on this list is to become an Amazon Web Services (AWS) architect. What does that involve? Well, these certifications are highly regarded in the tech industry for their versatility, with the Solutions Architect credential being among the most valuable. This certification teaches you how to design and manage secure and scalable systems on AWS, a skill that’s in high demand.
Best of all, you can prepare for the exam in just a few months, even without extensive tech experience. It can lead to roles like cloud architect or systems engineer, with salaries reflecting the value of this expertise.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Not to be confused with the CNA, a CNA teaches medical assistants to handle both clinical and administrative tasks, making them an essential part of healthcare teams. Certification programs typically take six months to a year, covering topics like patient care, medical terminology, and office procedures.
CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ certification is a beginner-friendly credential for IT enthusiasts, covering essential skills like troubleshooting, hardware repair, and software management. Many people complete the program in a few months, and no prior experience is required.
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
If fitness is your passion, becoming a certified personal trainer can turn that into a career. Normally, these certification programs will take three to six months and include training in exercise science, nutrition, and safety. Once certified, you can work in gyms, start your own business, or coach clients online. Now that sounds handy!
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Famously, pharmacy technician certification programs are often completed in under a year, making this a surprisingly fast entry into the healthcare field. Certified pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, and providing customer support.
One of the reasons so many people value this certification is that jobs in the field are available in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and care facilities, giving you plenty of options. What’s more, this certification offers the potential for stable income and plenty of opportunities to grow within the industry.
Six Sigma Green Belt
Six Sigma certifications focus on improving processes and reducing waste, skills that are highly valued in business and manufacturing these days. Specifically, the Green Belt certification is a mid-level credential that can be completed in a few months, preparing you to lead small projects and analyze data effectively. Therefore, this certification is popular in industries like healthcare, finance, and engineering, where efficient systems are crucial.
Certified Electrician
It’s no secret that electricians are always in demand, but despite this, certification programs typically take a year or less. On a day-to-day basis, training will include classroom instruction and hands-on apprenticeships, covering wiring systems, safety codes, and much more.
Certified Bookkeeper
For those with a knack for numbers, bookkeeping certification is a fast way to enter the finance industry. Programs often take a few months and cover topics like payroll, taxes, and financial reporting, all of which are very important in any industry you can imagine.
Certified Welder
Ever watched a welder at work and thought, “I’d like to give that a go”? If so, you’ll need a welding certification, but this can be achieved in as little as six months, offering a quick path to high-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Training focuses on welding techniques, safety procedures, and blueprint reading. The best part is that certified welders are in demand worldwide, and the trade offers opportunities for travel and specialized work.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Finishing things off with a particularly cutting-edge option, the CEH certification is perfect for those interested in cybersecurity–specifically ethical hacking. Training programs typically last a few months and teach you how to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
Usually, CEH-certified professionals work for government agencies, tech firms, or as independent consultants, and that’s as high-paying as it sounds. Overall, this certification combines fast training with high earning potential in a growing industry, so if it sounds interesting, go for it!