By: Tina Leslie, Career and Technical Education Coordinator

Industry certifications can help students land their dream job.

To illustrate how, I want you to imagine a recruiter reviewing your resume. They see that under the skills section of your resume, you’ve listed, “proficient in Microsoft Word.” But what does that really mean? Can you open and save a document or are you an expert? Without context, the recruiter has to guess.

Now, imagine if that same recruiter was reviewing a “certifications” section on your resume, which lists Microsoft Office Specialist: Word (Office 2019). That certification is a game-changer. It’s an industry-recognized credential that shows you cancreate and manage documents, format text, build tables, and insert objects. In fact, according to an IDC Infobrief, 70% of organizations believe that industry-recognized credentials are essential or very important and are a key factor when hiring because they provide third-party validation of skills.

When high school students have industry certifications, their resume will stand out when applying to jobs and strengthen their college and job applications. Here is additional information that highlights the power of industry certifications:

Why industry certifications matter

1. Boost employability

Industry certifications showcase students’ specialized skills, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. According to a study by CompTIA, 72% of IT employers prefer candidates with industry certifications. Industry certifications show potential employers' students' dedication and commitment to the field, and that they understand industry standards and job requirements.

2. Improve academic performance

Certifications don’t just help students become career-ready; they also enhance their academic success. The Florida CAPE Academy Performance report found that students with industry certifications achieve:

• Higher GPAs: 3.12 vs. 2.78 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Higher Graduation Rates: 97.5% vs. 78.4%
• Higher Post-secondary Enrollment: 84% vs. 82%

Colleges and universities value certain certifications, often offering students the opportunity to save money by granting college credit or advanced program placement. The Gold Standard Career Pathways Articulation Agreement in Florida ensures that industry certifications provide college credit for individuals pursuing an Associate in Science (AS) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at any Florida State College.

3. Earn more money

Certifications can open the door to better paying jobs, often with higher starting salaries. They also pave the way for consistent growth, as certified professionals tend to receive more frequent annual raises. For example, in the IT field, certified individuals earn more than their non-certified peers and those with multiple certifications can see a big impact in salaries, according to Global Knowledge.

The best part: It’s free!

At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the cost of materials, practice tests, and the certification exam is fully covered. All we ask is for our students to dedicate their time to studying and preparing for the test.

Take the first step

If you’re interested in obtaining an industry certification, explore our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study, which are a progression of industry-focused classes that create accessible pathways to gaining the skills and certifications for college and career success.

We currently offer 11 in-demand career tracks aligned with industry certifications. Choose a program that sparks your interest, explore potential career paths, and work with your FLVS teacher to understand the certifications available for the courses you take.

Your future starts here - don’t wait to stand out in school, college, and the workforce!