Should I list private certificates on a résumé?

Yes, if they're job-relevant. Adding the issuer and registration number helps credibility.

Is "state-accredited" the same as a national qualification?

No. It's a private certificate the state recognizes. National qualifications are run by the state itself.

Private qualification (Korea)

📚 Education By CampusDown Wiki Editorial Team Last updated October 26, 2026

A private qualification in Korea is a credential created and run by a company, association, or individual rather than the state. It must be registered under the Framework Act on Qualifications, and a small number are accredited by a government ministry.

Contents

1. History
2. Registered versus accredited
3. How to check
4. FAQ
5. References

History

The 1997 Framework Act on Qualifications opened credentialing to private bodies so that new certificates could keep pace with industry. Some providers sold worthless certificates bundled with expensive courses, so registration with the relevant ministry became mandatory in 2008. Registered certificates have since multiplied to more than 50,000.

Registered versus accredited

Any certificate outside prohibited fields such as health, safety, and defense can be registered once it meets basic requirements. Registration is not a quality guarantee. Accredited certificates have passed a ministry review of their track record and testing standards. There are only a few hundred, and some are treated like national qualifications under the law. Examples include the Certified Credit Analyst and the TEPS English test.

How to check

The Private Qualification Information Service, run by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, lists each certificate's registration number, issuer, and accreditation status. Be wary if an ad claims "state accreditation" that the database doesn't show, if course fees dwarf the exam fee, or if a provider promises guaranteed jobs.

FAQ

Should I list private certificates on a résumé?: Yes, if they're job-relevant. Adding the issuer and registration number helps credibility.
Is "state-accredited" the same as a national qualification?: No. It's a private certificate the state recognizes. National qualifications are run by the state itself.

Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26

References

자격기본법 (법률), 국가법령정보센터. https://www.law.go.kr
한국직업능력연구원. 민간자격정보서비스. https://www.pqi.or.kr
한국소비자원. (2023). 민간자격 관련 소비자 피해 주의보.

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This article was last updated on October 26, 2026. It is based on widely recognized original works and textbooks; when citing it in a paper, please check the original sources listed in the references.