20 Quick Certifications That Pay Well for Work From Home Jobs

Last updated Mar 26, 2024

Do you want to work remotely? Let’s say you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to earn your own income. Or, maybe you just like the flexible lifestyle of a remote job.

Whatever the case, it’s a MUST to stand out among the crowd. This is because work-from-home jobs are getting more and more popular. In fact, a study by Forbes showed that 16% of companies are now fully online.

How do you stand out? You get an online certificate, of course.

Today, I’m going to go over 20 quick certifications that pay well for work from home jobs. My list will range from FREE online courses to specific industry programs for easy certifications. But first…

Why Are Certifications Important for Remote Jobs?

Is a professional certificate necessary for an online job? No, it’s not. However, it’s very important to get certified if you want to land a job sooner rather than later.

Here’s one thing you should know: The online competition is very tough. A Forbes survey showed that a whopping 98% of employees want to try remote work. That’s a lot of people fighting for remote openings.

Now, a certification program can make you the wanted candidate as it shows that you acquired the right skills and knowledge. Moreover, it tells an employer something about your dedication to the industry or field.

Also, remote work requires you to work independently. You’ll need to know how to use quite a few tools and platforms. Well, relevant certifications can showcase your readiness in this aspect.

The bottom line: A certification is not necessary but highly important to your online career. So in a way, I say it’s a NEED.

20 Best Quick Certifications That Pay Well for Work From Home Jobs

Here is a list of the best certifications for remote jobs:

IT Support Professional Certificate
Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate
Front-End Developer Certificate
Ads Certifications
Project Management Certificates
Data Analytics or Data Science Certification
User Experience Certificates
SEO Certification
Digital Marketing Certifications
Graphic Design Certificates
Human Resources Certifications
Computer Support Specialist Certificates
Copywriting Certificates
Personal Trainer Certification
Medical Coder Certification
Coding Certifications
Sales Administrator Certification
AWS Certification
Information Systems Security Professional Certificates
Ethical Hacker Certificates

1. IT Support Professional Certificate

Are you looking to enter the IT landscape? Then the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is all you need to get started. Here, you’ll be taught the basics of network protocol, systems administration, cloud computing, Windows operating system troubleshooting, and much more.

With this certificate, you can easily find a job as a database administrator, tech support, systems analyst, IT assistant, network engineer, etc… If you’re hired, you can earn around $50,000-70,000 a year.

The best part is that you can complete this certificate in just 6 months. Moreover, there’s a 7-day FREE trial. Here’s what Alex Chris, a Digital Marketing Consultant, says:

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is one of the most popular entry-level Google Career Certifications to pursue and start a career in the IT industry.

2. Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate

According to Upwork, social media manager takes the #1 spot when it comes to the top online jobs. You can earn a decent $57,727 a year for simply managing social media accounts.

If you’re interested, take the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate. Alex Chris tells us a bit about this certificate:

You’ll learn how to create effective social media posts and leverage tools like Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns. There are also behind-the-scenes insights into measuring and understanding the outcomes of campaigns.

In just 5 months, you can complete everything. What’s more, you can access the program with a 7-day FREE trial. From there, you’ll have to pay $49 a month.

One study by Forbes discovered that 77% of businesses use social media to reach customers. No doubt, these companies are willing to hire social media managers or marketers. And with the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate, you’re sure to be wanted.

3. Front-End Developer Certificate

Do you want to create websites and apps? Then you should consider the Front-End Developer Certificate from Meta. You’ll learn all about HTML, CSS, JavaScript, user interface designs, React, etc…

Let me tell you this. If you get hired as a front-end developer, you can easily see a HUGE income – as big as $181,686 a year. That’s not at all. If you complete this certification program, you gain credit and have access to the Meta job board.

For such great benefits, it’ll only take around 7 months to finish. As for the price, the Coursera Plus subscription should cost a total of $273.

Here’s what Karthik P, an Information Technology Manager at Amazon, says:

The Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate is designed to provide comprehensive training in the realm of mobile and web development. Through a series of carefully curated courses, this program covers essential technologies, tools, and techniques that are vital for front-end developers. Targeted towards individuals aspiring to become front-end developers or seeking to upgrade their skills, the program caters to both beginners and those with some prior experience in programming.

4. Ads Certifications

When it comes to ads, the Google Ads Certifications is the most well-known worldwide. Companies can easily recognize their certificates and favor any job seeker who has it under their resume.

These are the certificates to get if you’re looking into Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing and Google advertising campaigns. You can choose from several programs, too, depending on your field. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the certificates you can get:

Google Ads Display Certification
Shopping ads Certification
Google Ads Search Certification
Google Ads Apps Certification
And more!

You’ll also love that this is a FREE quick certifications that pay well for work from home jobs. Yes, you don’t need to spend a single dollar to grab one of these certificates and stand out in your job search.

5. Project Management Certificates

If you want to learn more about project management, you should check out the Project Management Institute (PMI). You can choose 2 popular certifications, the PMP certification or the CAPM certification.

The PMP certification teaches comprehensive project management methodologies, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. It covers areas such as project scope, schedule, cost management, quality assurance, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

As for the CAPM certification, it teaches fundamental project management principles and terminology. It covers the project lifecycle, processes, and knowledge areas defined in the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge).

You can complete both certificates in just 3 to 6 months each. When you do, you’ll have a whole set of job listings ready to conquer.

6. Data Analytics or Data Science Certification

Let’s say you’re into data work. Data analytics or data science is one way you can fulfill your dream, as well as earn BIG. You can expect an annual average salary of $70,505 and $123,442, respectively.

Here’s what the NetWerk team says:

Now more than ever, companies are looking for data scientists and data analysts to help them make big decisions. If you’re good with numbers and have strong analytical skills, data science might be right for you.

For this certification, you can check out Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Science Professional Certificate . These will teach you how to excel in the world of data.

On estimate, you can finish these certification programs in only 6 short months. You’ll have to pay a Coursera subscription fee to access both certification programs.

7. User Experience Certificates

User experience (UX) designers have a very fun and satisfying job. They’ll need to unclutter websites and apps to make it easy to navigate. More than that, they ensure user-friendliness, easy access, and enjoyable experience.

The median salary for a UX designer is $106,367. If you get your certificate with Google UX Design Certificate, you only need to pay $39 per month for at least 6 months (total: $234). That’s a very small investment for its earning potential.

Other certificates you can consider are Springboard UX Career Track and Designlab UX Academy. If you want to get hired for remote work as a UX designer, these are the best quick certifications that pay well for work from home jobs.

8. SEO Certification

According to Demandsage, the SEO industry is expected to grow 25.54% between 2024 to 2031. To be sure, there are a lot of career opportunities here.

If you’re learning about SEO, one of the best certifications to consider is the HubSpot SEO Certification. This program will only take 4 hours of your time (talk about quick!). Plus, you’ll already get a detailed learning about the basics of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

This certificate is great if you plan on becoming a digital marketer. As it teaches all about website optimization, link building, and keyword research, you’ll be able to develop effective digital marketing strategies and achieve online success.

One more thing. The HubSpot SEO Certification is totally FREE. You can study it without spending a single penny.

9. Digital Marketing Certifications

Maybe you want to go deeper into digital marketing. Besides the HubSpot SEO Certification, you can also get Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate, Microsoft Advertising Certification, and/or Meta Marketing Analytics Professional Certificate.

Ashley Simpson from Niche Pursuits says:

You have a little flexibility in what you can do with a digital marketing certification. You could run Facebook or other social media ads or focus on Google Adwords. The possibilities are practically endless, and every day could look a little different for you.

For Google and Meta online courses, you’ll have to pay a subscription fee to Coursera. You’ll be able to finish everything up in 7 to 10 months.

As for Microsoft, you can get 3 FREE certificates. You can also complete the program in just a few hours. Yes, hours.

10. Graphic Design Certificates

Graphic design is popular for creating visually compelling content that communicates messages effectively. This is why many companies in different industries rely on graphic designers.

If you’re a great artist, you can improve your skills even more with graphic design certificates. Consider taking Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop, Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator, or Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign.

These will teach you how to use tools that can create the best kinds of graphics. I’m talking Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

All 3 certification programs only take 150 hours to complete. They all provide hands-on experience and a 50-minute exam, too. This way, hiring companies will know that you have all the skills needed to design the best graphics.

11. Human Resources Certifications

If you have great people skills, then you might want to enter into the human resources industry. You’ll manage employee-related functions, including:

Recruitment
Hiring
Training
Benefits Administration
Employee relations
Performance evaluation
Labor laws
Organizational policies
And more!

Now, with more jobs becoming remote, it’s no surprise that businesses allow a remote HR department. If this is your forte, then check out The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) or The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

For both, you can select from a wide range of certifications. Yes, all focus on the ever-growing skills and knowledge that HRs require.

Plus, the HRCI and SHRM are well-known names. If you have their certifications in your resume, you’ll be a top candidate to consider.

12. Computer Support Specialist Certificates

Ashley Simpson from Niche Pursuits says:

When career outlook is the most important thing to you, you can’t go wrong by choosing to work with computers. They are only getting more powerful and capable as time goes on. Several quick certifications pay well when it comes to working with computers (and among the best certifications to work from home). You could become a web developer, a cloud architect, or even work with big data.

If you choose to be a computer support specialist, you’ll have Google to help you learn all you need to know. The Google IT certificate gives you access to 100% online learning, practice-based training, and even 150 employers ready to hire.

If not, you can get the Cisco CNNA certificate. Here’s how Cisco describes its own course, “CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. Designed for agility and versatility, CCNA validates that you have the skills required to manage and optimize today’s most advanced networks.”

13. Copywriting Certificates

Do you love convincing people to buy this and get that? Maybe you have a great way with words. As a copywriter, you’ll be doing both.

To master word persuasion, you should join the How to Become a Certified Copywriter, The Complete Copywriting Course: Write to Sell Like a Pro, and SuccessWorks SEO Copywriting Certification Training programs. As their names suggest, you’ll learn all about how to be a great copywriter.

Of course, someone looking to hire a copywriter will prefer the candidates with these certificates under their name. This shows that they know the gist of how to write persuasive content that people can’t resist.

As a copywriter, you can even go freelance! This allows you to work with different clients to earn even more. You can build a portfolio to boast your skills and knowledge.

14. Personal Trainer Certification

In one survey, 76% of US adults said that they exercise at home more often now. Because of this, online personal trainers are becoming very popular.

If you love creating workouts and helping people reach their fitness goals, you can stand out with The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Here, you’ll learn only from the best fitness experts. You’ll also get a great learning platform and updated curriculum.

If you want to go another path, you can choose one of these:

If you want it to be easier to find clients, these certificates will prove that you have the skills and knowledge to master their fitness goals. Of course, these certificates aren’t just used for online clients. If you want, you can even work for your local gym.

15. Medical Coder Certification

Did you know: Each hospital procedure requires a specific code for billing insurance companies accurately for the services provided? This is what a medical coder is for.

If you’re interested in this field, then you need a medical coder certification. Some programs you can choose from are as follows:

Since we’re dealing with medical stuff, it might take a bit longer to complete. On average, these certification programs take around 1 year. Also, these programs can get quite expensive, as with any medical study.

Also take note that, if you want to excel, you should understand medical terminology, health records, and database management. You can find other certifications that will help you with that.

16. Coding Certifications

Say you just want to code – nothing medical-related though. Well, there are also coding certifications that you can get your hands on.

This is a highly important skill to learn. I say this because The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that software developers, testers, and quality assurance analysts are projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031. All these jobs require excellent coding skills.

Well, one great place you can check for coding certifications is freeCodeCamp. As their name suggests, you can get several coding certifications for FREE. This includes:

Responsive web design tools
JavaScript algorithms and data structures
Relational databases
Back-end development and APIs
And so much more!

Just check them out. You’ll have all your coding needs there.

17. Sales Administrator Certification

Suppose you’re someone who wants to enter the sales administrator route. One platform that will boost your credentials is Salesforce. This is why you should get a Salesforce certification.

For administrators, you can study the S2 Labs Salesforce admin training. This is a course that will teach you the foundation of the platform. You’ll learn how to use the Salesforce Administrator and Platform App Builder.

What’s more, you’ll get real-time projects, personalized mentorships, and an in-house certification exam center. Plus, it just takes 60 hours of sessions to complete.

Here’s what one review says about this program:

I learned all the core concepts of Salesforce in live sessions with hands-on practice assignments. Mentors here are well-versed in imparting knowledge on Salesforce.

18. AWS Certification

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a platform that offers services for computing, storage, databases, machine learning, analytics, and more. It empowers businesses to innovate and grow efficiently.

With that in mind, you can see why learning how to use AWS can land you many high-paying online jobs. To be a top candidate in these roles, you should definitely get an AWS certification.

Thankfully, Amazon offers a whole suite of certification programs that you can pick from. You can go for the one that best fits the industry you’re interested in.

Here is a list of quick certifications you can check out:

19. Information Systems Security Professional Certificates

As an information systems security professional, you’ll safeguard digital assets by assessing risks, implementing security measures, monitoring systems for threats, conducting investigations, and ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations.

To do that, you need to learn quite a few things. No problem. Thanks to Information Systems Security Professional Certificates, you can quickly gain all the knowledge and skills you need.

One great program comes from ISC2’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). The best thing about this is that you can choose 3 different formats:

Online self-paced
Online instructor-led
Classroom-based

If you’re someone who can study well alone, then go for the first option. If you want the flexibility of online training but need a live instructor, choose the second option. Finally, if you don’t do well with online studies, you can attend a classroom session.

20. Ethical Hacker Certificates

No, no. I don’t mean to become a hacker. Instead, you’re the one who defends against hackers. Here are some tasks that you’ll need to perform as an ethical hacker:

Identify system vulnerabilities
Assess security weaknesses
Report findings to improve cybersecurity defenses
Protect against malicious attacks
Enhance overall system integrity

If you want to get hired as an ethical hacker, a certificate in this field will most likely land you a job. You can go with an SECO ethical hacking practitioner certification course or GIAC penetration tester certification.

Both courses and certificates are rather expensive. But it will be worth the investment, as ethical hackers earn a whopping $107,857 on average.

Final Words

If you’re looking for an online job that pays well, then you should consider certifications. This is the best way to stand out among the hundreds of applicants.

Well, depending on the industry you’re interested in, you can select the right one from the 20 best quick certifications that pay well for work from home jobs.

About Author

Jenny Palmer

Founder of Eggcellentwork.com. With over 20 years of experience in HR and various roles in corporate world, Jenny shares tips and advice to help professionals advance in their careers. Her blog is a go-to resource for anyone looking to improve their skills, land their dream job, or make a career change.

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20 Quick Certifications That Pay Well for Work From Home Jobs

Why Are Certifications Important for Remote Jobs?