In theory, industry certifications ought to be a key element in addressing the skills gap in the job market—yet in practice, they still fall short of their potential. How do employers use these credentials in their hiring process today? What would make certifications more valuable in the job market?

In this report, Burning Glass Technologies (now Lightcast) found the impact of these credentials is potent but narrow, with employer demand confined to a handful of certifications. In fact, the top 50 certifications account for two-thirds of all requests in job postings. But in career fields that value these credentials, they carry a significant salary premium (as much as 18% in our sample).