How to List Google and Microsoft Certifications on Your CV: The Complete Guide

Landing your dream job in today’s competitive market requires more than just experience. Professional certifications from tech giants like Google and Microsoft have become powerful credentials that can transform your CV from ordinary to outstanding. Whether you’ve earned a Google Data Analytics Certificate or a Microsoft Azure certification, knowing how to showcase these achievements properly can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly how to list Google and Microsoft certifications on your CV, with practical examples that work for UK job seekers and beyond. By the end of this article, you’ll know precisely where to place your certifications, how to format them correctly, and which common mistakes to avoid.

Why Google and Microsoft Certifications Matter on Your CV

Before diving into the technical details, let’s address the elephant in the room: are these certifications actually worth listing on your CV?

The short answer is yes, absolutely. Google Career Certificates are designed to aid aspiring professionals in expanding their technical expertise, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world applications of cutting-edge technologies.

These credentials serve multiple purposes:

• Validate your skills with industry-recognised qualifications
• Demonstrate commitment to professional development
• Bridge experience gaps for career changers or entry-level candidates
• Signal current knowledge of in-demand tools and platforms
• Improve ATS compatibility by matching job description keywords

According to research, 50.6% of recruiters filter candidates by certifications and licences when searching through applicant tracking systems. This means that properly listing your Google or Microsoft certification could literally be the factor that gets your CV noticed.

For UK job seekers specifically, these certifications align perfectly with the evolving demands of the British job market, where digital skills and continuous learning are increasingly valued by employers across industries.

Understanding Different Types of Certifications

Google Certifications

Google offers various professional certificates through platforms like Coursera and Google Cloud. Popular options include:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
• Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate
• Google UX Design Certificate
• Google Project Management Professional Certificate
• Google Cloud certifications (Associate Cloud Engineer, Professional Cloud Architect)
• Google Ads certifications
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification

Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft’s certification programme spans multiple technology areas:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
• Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals

Understanding which type of certification you hold helps determine the best placement strategy for your CV.

How to List Google Certification on CV UK: Strategic Placement Options

The location of your certifications on your CV depends on their relevance to the role you’re applying for. Here are the five main placement strategies, ranked by visibility and impact:

1. Next to Your Name (For Required or Critical Certifications)

Put job-critical resume certifications in four places: by your name, in your summary, in your work history, and in a special certifications section.

If a certification is legally required or absolutely essential for your role, place the abbreviation directly after your name:

Example:

Sarah Thompson, PMP, Google Cloud Certified
Digital Marketing Specialist

This placement works best for:

• Certifications that are job requirements
• Widely recognised industry credentials
• Professional licences

2. In Your Professional Summary

Your CV summary or personal statement is prime real estate for highlighting 1-2 highly relevant certifications. This ensures hiring managers see your credentials within seconds of scanning your document.

Example:

Results-driven data analyst with Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate and three years of experience transforming complex datasets into actionable business insights. Skilled in SQL, Tableau, and Python, with a proven track record of driving revenue growth through data-driven decision-making.

3. Dedicated Certifications Section (Most Common Approach)

For most job seekers, creating a separate “Certifications” section is the ideal solution. This approach keeps your CV organised while giving your credentials proper visibility.

Where to place it: Position your certifications section after your work experience but before your education section, unless you’re an entry-level candidate with limited work history.

Example:

CERTIFICATIONS

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | February 2024
Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing | January 2024

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals | December 2023
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) – Excel | November 2023

4. Within the Education Section

If you have only one or two certifications, or if they’re academic in nature, you can incorporate them into your education section.

Example:

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

BA (Hons) Marketing — University of Leeds, 2016 (2:1)

Google Ads Search Advertising Certification | Google, May 2024
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification | HubSpot Academy, July 2023

5. Integrated Within Your Work Experience

For certifications that you’ve applied directly in previous roles, mention them within your work accomplishments to demonstrate practical application.

Example:

Digital Marketing Manager | TechStart Solutions
March 2022 – Present

• Increased organic website traffic by 145% within 12 months by implementing SEO strategies learned through Google Digital Marketing Certificate
• Leveraged Microsoft Power BI certification to create automated reporting dashboards, reducing manual reporting time by 8 hours weekly

The Perfect Format: How to List Certifications on CV

Consistency and clarity are paramount when formatting your certifications. Follow this proven structure:

Essential Elements to Include

1. Full certification name (no abbreviations unless widely recognised)
2. Issuing organisation (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
3. Date earned (month and year)
4. Expiration date (if applicable)
5. Certification ID (optional, but useful for verification)

Standard Format Template

[Full Certification Name] | [Issuing Organisation] | [Month Year]

or

[Full Certification Name] – [Issuing Organisation], [Month Year]

Real-World Examples

Google Certifications:

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Google via Coursera | February 2024

Google Cloud Certified – Associate Cloud Engineer | Google Cloud | January 2024 | Valid through January 2027

Google Ads Certified – Search Advertising | Google | March 2024 | Certification ID: 12345678

Microsoft Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) | Microsoft Corporation | January 2024 | Expires: January 2026

Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate | Microsoft | December 2023

Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert | Microsoft | November 2023

UK CV Standards: What You Need to Know

UK CVs follow specific conventions that differ slightly from American resumes. Here’s what matters for certification listings:

Length and Structure

• A UK CV in 2026 typically spans two pages and follows a clean, professional layout with clear sections
• Use reverse chronological order for all sections, including certifications
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout your document

Formatting Specifications

• Date format: DD/MM/YYYY (British standard) – e.g., 23/08/2024
• Font: Arial, Calibri, or Garamond, sized 10-12pt
• Margins: 2.5cm all around
• File type: PDF unless specifically requested otherwise
• Paper size: A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

What Not to Include

Unlike some international CVs, UK standards prohibit:

• Photographs (unless specifically requested)
• Date of birth
• Marital status
• National Insurance number
• Full home address (city and postcode are sufficient)

Optimising Certifications for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Applicant Tracking Systems are used by over 90% of medium-to-large UK companies to filter CVs. Your certifications won’t help if the ATS can’t read them properly.

ATS-Friendly Best Practices

Use standard section headings:

• “Certifications”
• “Professional Certifications”
• “Certifications & Licences”
• “Education & Certifications”

Avoid creative headings like “My Credentials” or “Qualifications & More” – these confuse ATS software.

Include both full names and common abbreviations:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

This ensures the ATS picks up both the full name and the abbreviation that might appear in job descriptions.

Avoid graphics and tables:

• Use simple bullet points
• Stick to standard fonts
• Don’t embed certifications in headers or footers
• Avoid text boxes or columns for certification listings

Mirror job description language: If a job posting mentions “Google Analytics certification,” use that exact phrase rather than “GAIQ” or “Google Analytics Individual Qualification.”

When to Include In-Progress Certifications

Currently working towards a certification? You can absolutely include it on your CV, provided you’re transparent about its status.

Correct formatting:

Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect (In Progress)
Expected completion: June 2025

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Status: In progress | Anticipated completion: December 2025

You can include certifications that are still in progress by adding the phrase “in progress” to the description and including the expected date of completion.

This demonstrates initiative and forward-thinking professional development, which employers value highly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced professionals make errors when listing certifications. Avoid these pitfalls:

1. Listing Irrelevant Certifications

Listing irrelevant certifications is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. It’s not going to help you win.

Your Google Data Analytics certificate is relevant for a data analyst position but won’t strengthen an application for a graphic design role. Tailor your certification list to each position.

2. Including Expired Credentials

If your certification has lapsed, either:

• Renew it before applying
• Remove it from your CV
• Mark it clearly as “Former” if it’s prestigious and relevant

Never list an expired certification as if it’s current – this will damage your credibility if discovered.

3. Inconsistent Formatting

❌ WRONG:
Google Data Analytics Certificate, 2024
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Microsoft Corporation (December 2023)
Google Ads certified – 2023

✅ CORRECT:
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Google via Coursera | February 2024
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals | Microsoft Corporation | December 2023
Google Ads Certified – Search Advertising | Google | March 2023

Consistency signals attention to detail – a quality every employer values.

4. Overloading Your CV with Too Many Certifications

Quality trumps quantity. If you have 10+ certifications, select the 4-6 most relevant for each application. You can always mention additional credentials during the interview or add them to your LinkedIn profile.

5. Omitting Key Details

Always include the issuing organisation. “Data Analytics Certificate” is vague; “Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate” carries weight and credibility.

Industry-Specific Examples

Example 1: Digital Marketing Professional

CERTIFICATIONS

Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate | Google via Coursera | March 2024
Google Ads Certified – Search, Display & Video Advertising | Google | January 2024
Google Analytics Individual Qualification | Google | February 2024
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification | HubSpot Academy | December 2023

Example 2: IT Support Specialist

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENCES

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) | Microsoft | June 2024
Google IT Support Professional Certificate | Google via Coursera | April 2024
CompTIA A+ | CompTIA | March 2024 | Valid through March 2027
Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate | Microsoft | January 2024

Example 3: Data Analyst

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Google via Coursera | September 2024
Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate | Microsoft | July 2024
Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert | Microsoft | May 2024
Tableau Desktop Specialist | Tableau | March 2024

Example 4: Project Manager

CERTIFICATIONS

Google Project Management Professional Certificate | Google via Coursera | November 2024
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals | Microsoft | October 2024
PRINCE2 Foundation | AXELOS | August 2024
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Alliance | June 2024

Comparison Table: Where to Place Your Certifications

How to Leverage Online Certifications

One question that frequently arises: do online certifications carry the same weight as in-person credentials?

The answer is increasingly yes. Certification online can be just as impressive as in-person licensing. The key is choosing certificates from reputable organisations like Google and Microsoft, which are recognised globally.

To maximise the impact of online certifications:

• Link to your digital badge on platforms like Credly or Acclaim (if submitting digitally)
• Include the learning platform (e.g., “via Coursera”) to add context
• Mention hands-on projects completed during certification in your work experience
• Share certificates on LinkedIn to build your professional brand beyond your CV

Beyond Your CV: Where Else to Showcase Certifications

Your CV isn’t the only place to highlight your Google and Microsoft certifications:

LinkedIn Profile

• Add certifications to the dedicated “Licences & Certifications” section
• Share certificate achievements as posts to increase visibility
• Include relevant certifications in your headline if they’re critical to your role

Email Signature

For notable credentials related to your current role:

Sarah Thompson
Digital Marketing Specialist
Google Ads Certified | Microsoft 365 Specialist

Portfolio or Personal Website

Create a dedicated credentials page showcasing all your certifications with digital badges and project samples.

Cover Letter

Use the cover letter to provide context and reassure the employer of your commitment and suitability for the role by briefly mentioning how your certifications prepared you for the specific position.

Keeping Your Certifications Current

Professional certifications require maintenance. Here’s how to stay current:

Track Expiration Dates

Create a spreadsheet or calendar reminder system for:

• Certification renewal dates
• Continuing education requirements
• Re-examination schedules

Budget for Renewals

Factor renewal costs into your professional development budget. Microsoft Azure certifications, for example, typically require renewal every year.

Plan Continuous Learning

Technological advancements mean staying updated is essential. Certifications provide a structured way to acquire new skills and remain relevant.

Map out your certification journey:

• Current year: Foundational certifications (Google Digital Marketing, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals)
• Next year: Intermediate credentials (Microsoft Certified Associate levels)
• Long-term: Expert-level certifications (Microsoft Certified Expert, Google Cloud Professional)

Real Success Story: How Certifications Transformed a CV

Consider this before-and-after scenario:

Before: Jamie, a retail assistant with three years of customer service experience, wanted to transition into digital marketing but lacked formal qualifications. His CV was repeatedly rejected because it didn’t demonstrate relevant skills.

After: Jamie completed the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate and the Google Ads certification. He reformatted his CV to include a prominent certifications section and rewrote his professional summary to highlight his new credentials. Within six weeks, he secured three interviews and landed a junior digital marketing coordinator position.

The difference? Properly showcased certifications that validated his transition and demonstrated commitment to his new career path.

Tailoring Your Certifications for Different Applications

Remember: your CV should never be a static document. Each application deserves a tailored approach.

For Tech Roles

Emphasise technical certifications:

• Google Cloud certifications
• Microsoft Azure credentials
• Platform-specific qualifications

For Marketing Positions

Highlight marketing-focused credentials:

• Google Ads certifications
• Google Analytics qualifications
• Digital marketing certificates

For Data-Related Roles

Feature analytical certifications:

• Google Data Analytics Certificate
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
• Platform-specific data credentials

For Entry-Level Positions

Leverage certifications to compensate for limited experience by:

• Placing them higher on your CV
• Expanding descriptions to include projects completed
• Connecting certifications directly to job requirements

Quick Reference Checklist

Use this checklist before submitting your CV:

Formatting:

• [ ] Certification names are spelled correctly with no abbreviations (unless widely recognised)
• [ ] Issuing organisation is included for each certification
• [ ] Dates follow UK format (DD/MM/YYYY)
• [ ] Formatting is consistent across all certifications
• [ ] Section heading uses standard terminology (“Certifications” or “Professional Certifications”)

Content:

• [ ] Only relevant certifications are included
• [ ] Expired certifications are removed or marked appropriately
• [ ] In-progress certifications include expected completion dates
• [ ] Certifications are listed in reverse chronological order
• [ ] Most relevant certifications appear first or highest on CV

Optimisation:

• [ ] Keywords from job description are incorporated
• [ ] ATS-friendly formatting is used (no graphics, tables, or unusual fonts)
• [ ] Certifications match terminology used in job posting
• [ ] CV is saved as PDF (unless otherwise specified)

Conclusion: Your Certifications Are Your Competitive Advantage

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, Google and Microsoft certifications represent more than just completed courses. They’re tangible proof of your skills, your commitment to professional growth, and your readiness to contribute from day one.

The way you present these credentials on your CV can significantly impact your job search success. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure your certifications work as hard as you do to land that next great opportunity.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Strategic placement matters – position critical certifications where they’ll be seen immediately
• Formatting consistency builds credibility and demonstrates attention to detail
• Relevance trumps quantity – tailor your certification list for each application
• ATS optimisation is non-negotiable in today’s digital hiring landscape
• Continuous learning through certification renewal keeps you competitive

Whether you’re listing your first Google IT Support Certificate or adding an advanced Microsoft Azure credential to an already impressive CV, the principles remain the same: clarity, relevance, and strategic presentation.

Now it’s time to update your CV. Review your certifications, apply the formatting techniques you’ve learned, and position yourself as the qualified, committed professional you truly are. Your next career opportunity is waiting – make sure your CV tells the complete story of your expertise.

Read also: Best Way to Follow Up After a Job Application in the UK (Email Templates)

Further Resources:

For more detailed guidance on crafting an exceptional CV, explore additional formatting strategies and industry-specific examples.

To understand the complete landscape of professional certifications, review comprehensive certification options across various industries and skill levels.