Easiest Certification: Top Simple Certifications That Actually Get You Hired

When people ask for the easiest certification, they’re not looking for fluff—they want something that takes little time, costs little money, and still opens real doors. Not every cert is created equal. Some take years. Others? You can finish them in a weekend and add them to your LinkedIn before lunch. The easiest certification, a short-term, low-barrier credential that leads to job opportunities without requiring a degree. Also known as industry-recognized micro-credentials, it’s becoming the go-to path for people switching careers, boosting resumes, or just earning more without going back to school. These aren’t just online quizzes. They’re backed by companies like Google, Microsoft, and Coursera—and employers actually recognize them.

What makes a certification "easy" isn’t just how long it takes. It’s whether the skills are clear, the material is practical, and the exam is straightforward. For example, Google Career Certificates, free or low-cost programs in fields like data analytics, IT support, and digital marketing. Also known as Google SkillShop credentials, they’re designed for beginners with no prior experience. You don’t need a computer science degree to pass the IT Support cert. Just watch videos, do hands-on labs, and take a multiple-choice test. Same with HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification, a free, self-paced course that teaches real-world digital marketing tactics used by agencies and startups. No essays. No final project. Just a 50-question test you can retake if you fail.

These certs work because they solve real problems. Employers don’t care if you have a degree if you can prove you know how to run Google Ads, fix a broken printer, or analyze sales data. That’s why the high paying certifications, credentials that lead to salaries well above the national average with minimal upfront investment often come from tech and business tools—not universities. The CompTIA A+ cert? Takes 6-8 weeks. Pays $50K+ starting. The Google Data Analytics cert? 6 months max. Leads to jobs at Amazon, IBM, even hospitals. And none of them ask for a GPA.

What you won’t find here are certifications that sound impressive but lead nowhere. No "Master of Professional Studies" from a diploma mill. Just the ones that actually get you hired. You’ll see which ones are in demand right now, which ones take less than 20 hours, and which ones employers actively search for on resumes. Whether you’re stuck in a dead-end job, trying to break into tech, or just want to earn more without quitting your day job—these are the shortcuts that work. Below, you’ll find real examples of people who got hired after earning one of these, along with step-by-step paths to get started today.