Technology
How to Verify an IT Certification
IT certifications are among the most frequently misrepresented credentials in tech hiring. Every major vendor — AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco — provides a way to verify certifications. Most take under two minutes.
Quick answer
Ask the candidate for their certification verification URL or badge link — all major vendors issue shareable verification links. If they cannot provide one, verify directly through the vendor's credential verification portal. Credly is a common third-party badge platform used by many vendors.
Why IT certification fraud is common
IT certifications are high-value credentials with no central registry. There is no "BrokerCheck for AWS" — each vendor operates independently. This fragmentation makes verification feel like a burden, so many hiring teams skip it entirely.
The gap between supply and demand for certified engineers drives fraud. AWS certifications command salary premiums of 10–25% over uncertified engineers in the same role. Google Professional Cloud Architect is consistently one of the highest-paying certifications in the industry. The financial incentive to claim credentials you do not hold is significant.
Certificate mills and exam brain dumps complicate the picture further: some candidates hold technically valid certifications they passed using leaked exam answers, without the underlying competency. Verification confirms the credential exists; it does not guarantee competence. Use it alongside technical assessment.
Verification by vendor
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
FreeAWS certifications are verified through aws.amazon.com/verification. Enter the candidate's validation number from their certificate or digital badge. The portal confirms the certification name, level, and expiration date.
AWS also issues digital badges through Credly (credly.com). Candidates can share a public badge URL directly — clicking "Verify" on the badge page confirms authenticity without requiring a validation number.
Google Cloud
FreeGoogle Cloud certifications are issued via Credly and can be verified at google.accredible.com or through the candidate's Credly profile. Each credential has a shareable URL that resolves to a public verification page.
Google Professional-level certifications (Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Data Engineer, ML Engineer) are the most in-demand and most frequently fabricated. Verify at the Professional level separately from Associate-level credentials — they are distinct certifications with different requirements.
Microsoft (Azure, M365, Dynamics)
FreeMicrosoft certifications can be shared via the Microsoft Learn transcript. Candidates log into their Microsoft Learn profile and generate a shareable link at learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/view-certificates. The shared link is publicly accessible without login.
Microsoft has deprecated many older certifications (MCSE, MCSD). Current credentials follow a role-based path: Fundamentals (AZ-900), Associate (AZ-104), and Expert (AZ-305). Verify that the claimed certification level matches what the candidate provides.
CompTIA (A+, Security+, Network+, CySA+, CASP+)
FreeVerify CompTIA certifications at verify.comptia.org. Search by candidate name and certificate number (printed on the certificate) or by name and date of birth. The portal confirms the certification and whether it is within the Continuing Education (CE) validity period.
CompTIA CE certifications (Security+, CySA+, CASP+, and others) require renewal every three years via continuing education units. An expired Security+ is not equivalent to a current one — the portal shows the expiration date explicitly.
Cisco (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE)
FreeCisco certifications are verified through the Cisco Certification Verification Tool at cisco.com/go/verifycerts. Enter the candidate's CSCO (Cisco System Customer Order) number, which appears on their certificate. The portal returns active certifications and expiration dates.
The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) is one of the most prestigious and difficult certifications in networking. Valid CCIE holders are listed in the public CCIE registry. Recertification is required every three years.
ISC² (CISSP, CCSP, SSCP)
FreeISC² certifications are verified at isc2.org/verify. Search by member name to confirm active certification status and membership. The CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) requires endorsement by an ISC² member and ongoing CPE credits — confirmation of active status is essential.
Using Credly for badge verification
Credly (credly.com) is the primary digital badge platform for AWS, Google Cloud, CompTIA, IBM, and many others. Candidates receive a shareable badge URL when they earn a credential.
To verify a Credly badge:
- Ask the candidate to send you their badge URL (e.g., credly.com/badges/...)
- Navigate to the URL — no login required
- Confirm the earner name, issuing organization, issue date, and whether it has expired
- Click "Verify" on the badge page for the full credential details
Badges can be shared incorrectly
A candidate might send a screenshot of a badge rather than the shareable URL. Screenshots can be fabricated. Always verify by accessing the live Credly URL directly, not from a screenshot or PDF.
Expiration and recertification
Most IT certifications expire. Expiration dates matter in fast-moving fields where technology evolves significantly between certification cycles:
| Certification | Validity | Renewal method |
|---|---|---|
| AWS certifications | 3 years | Recertify exam or pass higher-level cert |
| Google Cloud | 2 years | Recertify exam |
| Microsoft Azure | 1 year (role-based) | Free renewal assessment annually |
| CompTIA Security+ | 3 years | CPE credits or exam |
| Cisco CCNA/CCNP | 3 years | Continuing education or exam |
| CISSP | 3 years | 120 CPE credits over 3 years |
Verification checklist
- 1. Ask for the candidate's shareable badge URL or certificate number — not a screenshot
- 2. Visit the vendor's verification portal directly (AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, ISC², etc.) or the Credly badge URL
- 3. Confirm the earner name matches the candidate and the certification is current (not expired)
- 4. Verify the certification level (e.g., AWS Associate vs. Professional are different credentials)
- 5. Note the expiration date — especially for Microsoft (1-year), Google (2-year), and AWS (3-year)
- 6. Supplement certification verification with technical assessment — certifications confirm study, not necessarily on-the-job competency
Verify the degree behind the certification
Many senior IT roles require computer science or engineering degrees alongside certifications. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's university degree comes from an accredited institution — and catch any diploma mill credentials before they reach your security clearance or compliance process.
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