Practical certifications directly linked to industrial changes are expected to gain more attention in next year's job market than those pursued merely for resume credentials, according to a new forecast.
The certification landscape is rapidly shifting as artificial intelligence adoption expands, power and energy infrastructure advances, data utilization becomes routine, and safety and ESG regulations tighten, analysts say.
According to the "2026 Certification Exam Trends" report released by Eduwill, a major test preparation company, on Sunday, the top certifications expected to enhance job competitiveness next year are: the Korean History Proficiency Test, Electrical Engineer and Electrical Technician licenses, SQLD (SQL Developer) and ADsP (Advanced Data Analytics Semi-Professional), Industrial and Construction Safety Engineer certifications, and the Certified Accounting Manager qualification.
Eduwill selected these as "must-pass certifications for 2026" after analyzing industry trends and examination big data.
The company identified key themes that will shape next year's certification market: the growing necessity of AI utilization skills, convergence of advanced and manufacturing technologies, shift toward field-based evaluation methods, advancement of electrical and energy job categories, and the spread of ESG management practices.
Certifications are no longer just a line on a resume but have become verification tools directly connected to hiring and job placement decisions, Eduwill explained.
The most significant change involves the Korean History Proficiency Test. Starting in 2027, the Korean history subject in the Grade 9 civil service examination will be entirely replaced by this test, and 2026 is expected to see a surge of test-takers seeking to obtain the qualification in advance. The certification has already established itself as a widely applicable credential, used not only in civil service exams but also in hiring processes at public corporations and some large enterprises.
Electrical Engineer and Electrical Technician licenses are gaining renewed attention alongside AI-era infrastructure expansion. Despite being traditional certifications, their value is rising as demand for power facility stability and management personnel surges with the growth of data centers, semiconductor factories, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
SQLD and ADsP are regarded as certifications with cross-functional applicability. As data-driven decision-making becomes routine not only in IT positions but also in marketing, sales, and planning roles, these credentials are increasingly used to demonstrate "data literacy." SQLD test-takers reached 59,202 last year, a 21.3 percent increase from the previous year.
Industrial and Construction Safety Engineer certifications are direct beneficiaries of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act taking root. As requirements for appointing safety managers have strengthened, the field now views these as "essential qualifications" rather than "nice-to-have credentials." The threshold for obtaining multiple certifications is also expected to lower due to policy changes including expanded mutual recognition of certain subjects.
The Certified Accounting Manager qualification is also drawing attention amid the push for greater corporate transparency. As a nationally recognized certification that verifies overall corporate operations including finance, taxation, and cost accounting, it is highly useful for both job seekers and working professionals due to its lack of eligibility restrictions and frequent exam opportunities. The background is steady growth in demand for finance and accounting personnel as ESG disclosure requirements expand and internal controls strengthen.
"The 2026 certification market will not be about simple credential competition but will become an arena for proving practical capabilities to ride the massive industrial waves of AI transformation and green transition," an Eduwill official said. "Test-takers need to carefully assess policy changes and industry demand to strategically select and prepare for certifications."