You don’t always need a degree to earn more. Many employers are looking for candidates with practical skills, and short-term certifications are one of the fastest ways to prove your value and boost your income. Below are 10–12 in-demand certifications that can be completed quickly—some in just weeks—and can open the door to better-paying jobs across industries.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Designed for beginners, this certification can be completed in 3–6 months and opens doors to entry-level IT roles such as IT support specialist or help desk technician. Offered through Coursera, it’s part of Google’s career certificate program and is highly respected by employers.
CompTIA A+ Certification
Ideal for those starting a career in tech, CompTIA A+ covers foundational IT skills like troubleshooting, hardware, networking, and cybersecurity basics. Many employers require or prefer it for tech support and IT operational roles. You can prepare for it in 2–4 months.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
As cloud computing continues to grow, so does the demand for cloud-literate professionals. This entry-level certification from Amazon Web Services introduces you to the basics of cloud platforms and is a great stepping stone toward more advanced AWS certifications.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
In the healthcare industry, a CNA certification can often be earned in under 12 weeks and qualifies you for patient care roles that are both in-demand and offer steady wages. Many CNAs go on to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs).
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
This certification, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), prepares you for front-office roles in medical settings. It takes just a few months to complete and can lead to positions with competitive hourly pay and good benefits.
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
If you’re data-driven, this certificate can be completed in under six months and equips you with job-ready skills in data cleaning, visualization, and analytics. It’s designed for entry-level roles in data analysis and business intelligence.
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
This certification qualifies you to work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Programs can often be completed in under 6 months, and certified pharmacy techs typically earn significantly more than uncertified workers in similar roles.
HVAC Technician Certification
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians are in high demand, and certification can be earned in less than a year through technical colleges or union apprenticeship programs. Pay is solid, and many technicians eventually run their own businesses.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
For those with some tech experience, CEH certification can lead to high-paying jobs in cybersecurity. It covers topics like penetration testing and network security and is respected in both corporate and government sectors. Prep time ranges from 3 to 6 months.
Certified Bookkeeper (CB)
Offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, this certification can be completed in 3–6 months and is ideal for those pursuing roles in small business accounting, payroll, or freelance finance work.
Meta Digital Marketing Associate Certification
Meta’s (formerly Facebook) free certification program focuses on digital advertising and social media marketing skills. It’s highly useful for freelance marketers, e-commerce professionals, or anyone entering the digital marketing space.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
While PMP requires experience, CAPM is a beginner-friendly certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It typically takes a few months to prepare and can qualify you for coordinator or junior project manager roles with real growth potential.
