Top 10 Best Resume Coach Certifications
Applying to dozens of jobs, sending out resumes to different companies, and waiting impatiently to hear back from the recruiter takes a lot of time and effort. Despite the hard work, you don’t hear back from your desired company and feel disheartened. One of the reasons could be your resume.
Having a compelling resume increases the chances of landing your dream job.
A resume coach works solely to make your resume stand out from the pile of resumes.
Getting a resume coach certification allows the aspiring coaches to become certified and get better at their craft.
In Brief : Top 10 Best Resume Coach Certifications
- Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) – Prestigious PARWCC credential for experienced resume writers; $150 PARWCC membership fee, $250 examination fee.
- Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) – NRWA-accredited certification requiring two years’ experience, $175 NRWA membership, $75 writing sample review, $250 exam fee.
- Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) – RWA program covering resume essentials, branding, and standing out; $1895 certification cost.
- Academy Certified Career Storyteller (ACCS) – Advanced storytelling certification by RWA; $669 for RWA members, $869 for non-members.
- Academy Certified Federal Resume Writer (ACRW-Federal) – RWA credential for federal resume writing; $2195 registration cost.
- Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) – Master’s level CDI certification for academically advanced resume writers; $297 registration fee, $97 CDI membership.
- Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) – CDI professional certification for resume writers; $200 total cost, including $50 CDI membership.
- Certified Graphic Resume Architect – CDI credential for graphic resume architects; $297 for CDI members, $564 for non-members.
- Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM) – Exclusive CDI credential for executive resume writers; $297 for CDI members, $564 for non-members.
- Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) – CDI niche-specific certification in fields like IT, Accounting, etc.; $197 certification cost, $97 membership fee.
What Is Resume Coaching, And What Does A Resume Coach Do?
Resume coaching is the practice of tweaking and tailoring the resume according to the particular job. A resume coach not only improves your resume but also helps you walk through the entire application process. In addition, they also improve your LinkedIn profile and make your cover letters compelling.
To become a certified resume coach, the aspirants need to take an accredited resume coach certification to become a professional resume coach.
What Are The Benefits Of Resume Coaching Certification Programs?
Getting a resume coaching certification provides tons of benefits, such as:
1. Increases Expertise
The professional resume coaching certification programs are designed to improve your skillset and help advance you in your career. By listening to the resume coach experts and engaging with fellow students, you can explore new dimensions of resume coaching and get better at your work.
2. Boosts Credibility
Getting a certification is always a good idea. If you have a certification, people are going to rely on you more. After all, they need you to help them land a job.
3. Increases Your Earning Potential
You are more likely to earn large amounts of money if you have a resume coach certification to boast about. The clients will pay you more if they see that you are qualified for the job.
4. Increases Your Qualification
If you have a resume coaching certification and a credential, you get more noticed by big corporate companies. This allows you to get better work opportunities and a high salary.
Top 10 Coaching Certificates for Becoming A Resume Coach
If you aim to become a certified resume coach, then take a look at the following top-notch resume coaching certifications.
1. Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
Starting the list with the most prestigious resume coaching designation, the Certified Professional
Resume Writer (CPRW) credential offered by the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC).
This is not a resume writing learning program but an examination for those with previous resume writing experience. To enroll in this examination, you need to be an active member of PARWCC. After registering for the examination, you will receive an email to download the PARWCC Study Guide.
You can give the examination within a year from the registration. The link for the examination will be sent by email and has to be returned by email.
Acing this examination reaps many benefits for the resume coach, such as CPRW marketing tools, a certification, a credential you can use for your job, and a shout-out on PARWCC’s official page. The PARWCC membership fee is $150, and the examination fee is $250.
2. Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)
The Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) credential is offered by National Resume Writers Association (NRWA). This certification is taken by resume coaches who have had at least two years of experience, but fresh coaches can also partake.
The resume coach has to become an NCRW member before taking the examination. They also have to provide proof of 10 Continuing Education Units (CEU) at least for the past three years. The CEUs can be earned by attending workshops, seminars, or writing a book.
Next, you need to download NPRW Study Guide and pass a quiz and a writing sample. This allows the grader to know whether you have learned The NPRW standards and gauge your writing skills. After receiving an okay signal, you can undertake the examination.
The examination will be based on a case scenario in which you have to write a cover letter and a resume of a fictitious person.
The benefit of attaining a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) credential is that you can use the NPRW logo, credential, and certification. The NRWA membership fee costs $175, the writing sample review costs $75, and the exam registration cost is $250.
3. Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW)
The Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) is a resume coaching certification offered by the Resume Writing Academy (RWA). By taking this program, you will learn the essentials of resume writing, personal branding strategies, and the surefire way to make the resume and cover letter stand out.
You will also get personalized feedback on every assignment, a one-to-one Q&A session, and lifetime support from industry experts. This course entails five web classes, and upon completion, you will be eligible to take the examination.
After successful completion of the examination and assignments, you get an ACRW credential, 32 CEUs, and a free 2-hour E-Summit. In addition, you can also get accepted to RWA’s the Guild, which offers high-paying resume writing jobs. There is no examination cost, only certification cost, which is $1895.
4. Academy Certified Career Storyteller (ACCS)
The Academy Certified Career Storyteller (ACCS) is offered by Resume Writing Academy (RWA). This is an advanced certification for individuals looking to become expert career storytellers. The course entails four sessions.
By taking this course, you will learn neuroscience and brand strategies and gain access to various tools. The RWA experts will provide individualized feedback on your work and instill confidence in you. You need to complete four assignments and a sample case project to get the certification.
After completing this course, you will be included in the ACCS directory, which will offer you high-paying jobs. The cost of this certification is $669 for RWA members and $869 for non-RWA members.
5. Academy Certified Federal Resume Writer (ACRW-Federal)
The Academy Certified Federal Resume Writer (ACRW-Federal) credential is offered by the Resume Writing Academy (RWA). Writing resumes for federal jobs is different than writing for the private sector. It requires special attention and expertise to become a federal resume writer.
By taking this certification, you will learn to set up a USA Jobs profile, understand the career specifications and tools to write a federal resume, and help your clients get a job in the federal sector. This certification entails eight hours of instructor-led training, worksheets, handouts, quizzes, and tools to analyze job postings.
After completing this program, you will get a 10% discount on registration for Career Thought Leaders annual conference, a free E-Summit, and a $100 discount on the Entrepreneurial Excellence program. The registration for ACRW-Federal certification costs $2195. However, an option of group discounts is also available.
6. Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)
The Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) is a master’s level certification offered by Career Directors Institute. This credential is obtained by academically advanced resume writers that already have an industry-standard certification such as ACRW. For registration, you need to submit a 1000 words essay on resume philosophy and why you think you are a perfect candidate to be awarded CMRW. In addition, you need to submit seven professional resumes, two cover letters, and an ATS-friendly resume for approval.
Upon registration of the CMRW credential, you will receive a CDI resume writing guide worth $39.95. After submitting your documents, a certification committee will check your documents. Their grading rubric is based on clarity, formatting, strategy, and branding elements.
The evaluation takes between four to six weeks. If you have passed the evaluation criteria, you will receive the official CMRW credential, a sample press release, and a certificate. The cost for registration is $297, and the cost for CDI membership is $97.
7. Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW)
The Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) by Career Directors Institute is a professional certification for professional resume writers ready to get their first credential. This certification consists of two phases. During the first phase, you will have to submit your resume to the certification committee for review.
Upon registration, you will receive a CDI study guide and resume check-sheet to tweak your resume. After the committee approves your resume, you will enter the second phase. In the second phase, you will have to create two resumes based on the sample scenario and a cover letter along with justification. Next, they have to answer the essay questions on client information-gathering strategies.
After the two phases have been completed, the aspirants can sit for the final examination. After passing the CARW’s final examination, you will receive a CARW credential, a Resume Certification Guide, and access to CDI’s member library for tools, resources, and strategies. The cost for CDI membership is $50, and the cost for examination is $150 totaling $200 only.
8. Certified Graphic Resume Architect
The Certified Graphic Resume Architect (CGRA) is the latest credential offered by CDI for aspiring graphic resume architects. Graphic resumes are a new niche and offer innumerable opportunities. To get this credential, you need to submit five graphic resumes designed by you to the certification committee for review.
All of the resumes should be made for separate positions and include separate graphic elements. In addition, you need to submit an essay about which elements you have used, what was the inspiration behind the design, and how this design helps the resume stand out. If you pass the review phase, you will be provided a CGRA credential and a certificate. The CGRA certification costs $297 for CDI members and $564 for non-CDI members.
9. Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM)
The Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM) is designed exclusively for executive resume writers. The best aspect of this certification is that only 40 individuals in the world hold this auspicious credential. You will be required to have proof of executive resume writing and industry knowledge. For approval, you need to submit four executive resumes and pass the Executive Competency Review (a 10-question-based exam). This review does not require any additional learning as it is a general test to know how much you know about the executive industry. If you pass the review, you will receive a CERM credential and a certificate which you can use for business purposes. The CERM certification costs $297 for CDI members and $564 for non-CDI members.
10. Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X)
The Certified Resume Specialist (CRS) by CDI is a niche-specific certification that allows resume writers to obtain a credential in a particular field. CRS is offered in many fields such as IT, Accounting, Education, Engineering, etc.
For registration, you need to submit four resumes for different positions in the same industry. In addition, you also have to submit an essay covering your knowledge regarding the specialization. You need to submit the documents in MS Word or PDF format.
The certification committee takes two to three weeks for evaluation. After successful evaluation, you will receive the CRS credential and a certificate. The CRS certification costs $197, and the membership fee is $97.
What Are The Career For Someone With A Resume Coaching Certificate?
Resume coaching is a diverse field and a highly lucrative career for individuals with a resume coaching certification.
Certified resume coaches can choose to become executive resume coaches, master resume coaches, career storytellers, graphic resume architects, or certified resume specialists for a particular field.
1. Executive Resume Coach
An executive resume coach deals with resumes and job prospects of individuals in an executive position. This position is held by only 40 resume coaches worldwide.
2. Master Resume Writer
A master resume writer is a professional resume coach who has reached the top tier in resume writing. Resume coaches with MRW certification can cover all aspects of resumes, such as grammar, English language, sentencing, formatting, and layout.
3. Career Storyteller
Resume coaches who have a flair for storytelling can become certified career storytellers. They focus on story-based branding and help their clients develop personal branding.
4. Graphic Resume Architect
Resume coaches can also become graphic resume architects after getting their respective certifications in the niche. Coaches who love visuals can work to visually improve their client’s resumes and use graphic aids to make them appealing.
- Resume Specialist
A resume specialist focuses on resumes in a particular field. For example, IT, Engineering, Healthcare, Education, Finance, etc.
Resume coaches are always in demand by the companies, government agencies, and healthcare industries looking to polish their employees’ skills.
How To Become A Certified Resume Coach?
A resume coach needs to undertake a resume coaching certification offered by professional resume coaching institutes. After they complete the certification, they get credentials and certificates to become certified.
Questions To Consider When Looking For A Resume Coaching Certification
Before taking a particular resume coaching certification, it is essential to ask the following questions.
How much does the certification cost?
Some institutes require a membership fee along with a certification fee. It is vital to know the fee structure and see if it falls within your budget.
How will this certification benefit me?
You should receive satisfactory answers before purchasing a particular certification. It is crucial to know how a particular certification will help you in advancing your career.
What perks would I get after taking this certification?
Many institutes offer many perks along with certification, such as free e-books, summits, study guides, and resources.
Is It Necessary To Obtain A Resume Certification For Practicing As A Resume Coach?
It is not necessary to obtain a resume coaching certification for practice. You can work as a professional resume writer without a certification. However, having a credential boosts your credibility and makes you a viable candidate for companies. You will also make double the income by having a certification.
Conclusion
Resumes are an essential part of getting a job. The better your resume is designed, the higher would be the chances for you to land your dream job. Resume coaching is a lucrative and in-demand career. Resume coaches help improve the candidate’s resume, tweak it, and add necessary elements to make it stand out from the ordinary resumes. Having an accredited resume coaching certification makes you more credible and more visible to the potential employers.You can either become a resume writer, resume specialist, resume graphic architect, or a career storyteller. By taking the resume coaching certifications mentioned above, you can become a certified resume coach and get a high paying job easily.
Frequently asked questions
1. What Is Resume Coaching?
Resume coaching is the practice of making a resume attractive and noteworthy. A resume coach works on resumes to make them more compelling.
2. What Are The Benefits Of Resume Coaching Certification Programs?
The biggest benefit of obtaining a resume coaching certification is credibility. Certified resume coaches have higher salaries and are noticed by industries more.
3. How To Become A Certified Resume Coach?
A resume coach needs to obtain a resume coach certification to become a certified resume coach. There are many institutes offering professional resume coaching certifications.
4. Is It Necessary To Obtain A Resume Certification For Practicing As A Resume Coach?
It is not necessary to obtain a resume coaching certification. However, it helps add credibility and professionalism to the resume coach’s profile and increases their salary.
ABOUT SAI C.N.G. BLACKBYRN
I’m Sai C.N.G. Blackbyrn, better known as “The Coach’s Mentor.” I help Coaches like you establish their business online. My system is simple: close more clients at higher fees. You can take advantage of technology, and use it as a catalyst to grow your coaching business in a matter of weeks; not months, not years. It’s easier than you think.
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