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Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) – “Should You Become One?”

By Teena Rose

This is part of our continuing series that examines the different resume writing certifications  available to resume writers, career coaches, and career professionals who help professionals find new jobs.

NATIONALLY CERTIFIED RESUME WRITER (NCRW)

The Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) certification is obtained through The National Resume Writers Association (at times referred to as the National Association of Resume Writers/NARW). You will find the NRWA website here:  thenrwa.com .

The NRWA organization is one of a handful of organizations that educate, motivate, and support a growing army of global resume writers. Another career organization includes the Professional Association of Resume Writers/Career Coaching (PARW/CC).

Formed originally as an offshoot of the Professional Association of Resume Writers (the Northeast Resume Writers Association), the group evolved into the NRWA in 1997 and today boasts of more than 400 career professionals as members.

The NRWA offers an annual conference and a biweekly electronic newsletter for resume writers who want to grow their businesses through educational opportunities.

How to Become a Certified Resume Writer / NCRW Certified

Individuals wishing to obtain an NCRW certification are required to take an examination that covers resume writing, cover letter composition, proofreading, and electronic resume preparation. Unlike the CPRW certification, before taking the NCRW exam a prospective writer must first obtain 10 continuing education units (CEUs).

These can include outside courses, attending conferences, and performing self-study. Once received, the NCRW is valid for 3 years. Retaining the certification is based on continuous membership in the NRWA and obtaining 15 CEUs during each 3-year period.

The price structure for obtaining the NCRW certification breaks down like this:

  • $175 fee to become a member of the NRWA
  • $75 fee for submitting resume samples for review by colleagues
  • $250 fee to take the exam that includes proofreading and cover letter/resume writing [Should you fail the exam, a $150 fee is required to retake it after 30 days]

Despite the $500 fee, the investment for becoming an NCRW is much less of an investment to other resume writing certification options. For example, becoming an ACRW through the Resume Writing Academy is $1,895 .

This is in addition to whatever membership fees the organization charges and the costs of CEUs.

While the NCRW program doesn’t offer anything that isn’t included in the CPRW designation , the NRWA’s policy of requiring continuing education throughout the resume writer’s career  does tend to provide some impetus for keeping up-to-date on the latest trends. This continuing ed requirement is a mandatory requirement for maintaining the resume writing certification.

Continued education does provide new resume writers the ability to learn their craft while ensuring seasoned resume writers keep their skills sharp as resumes change and hiring practices evolve.

On the other hand, some would object to the cost the Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) involves and say that true resume writing professionals will always keep abreast of changes to their industry and their certification shouldn’t depend on how many conferences are attended or CEUs are completed.

become a certified resume writer

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Best Certified Resume Writers

8 Best Certified Resume Writers (2024)

We have researched over 1,000 certified resume writers to find the best certified professional resume writers (CPRW) in the United States and Canada.

Liz Hogan

2024 Winners: Add your badge to your marketing materials.

Did you know that a simple Google search for “Professional Resume Writers” will yield over 115 million results?

After hearing from readers time and time again how difficult it is to choose a resume writer out of the masses, we decided there should be a better way.

That’s why we filtered through more than 1,000 resume writers covering the United States and Canada in order to hand-pick the top certified resume writers in North America.

Below, we will also briefly discuss what it means to be a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and if you should choose a writer that is certified.

Best Certified Resume Writers

Mike Podesto

What Is A Certified Resume Writer?

In order for a resume writer to become certified, they must first select one of the major resume certification companies to get certified with.

As of now, these options are somewhat limited to two main companies:

  • Resume Writing Academy
  • National Resume Writers’ Association

Once you have decided which certifying company to go with, you will typically have to undergo some level of testing.

The testing usually requires the writer seeking certification to write a sample resume and cover letter, then send it to the certifying organization for review. If the resume meets the basic standards, the writer will become a Certified Resume Writer! The entire process takes ~4 weeks.

Should You Hire A Certified Resume Writer?

The answer is: Yes and no.

If the writer that you choose happens to be certified, that’s a great bonus. But more important than a writer’s certifications are the writer’s skills.

A friendly writer with excellent resume samples and amazing reviews would take the cake any day!

There is absolutely no guarantee that a certified professional resume writer will yield greater results than someone who is not certified.

It’s important to keep in mind that there are 1,000s of “certified resume writers”. Bad seeds slip through the cracks. Just because someone has a certification does not mean you should avoid reviewing samples, and reading reviews.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of our top resume writers who also just so happen to be certified!

Certified Professional Resume Writer Reviews

Mike Podesto

Mike Podesto

Mike Podesto is a Master Resume Writer and Executive Resume Leader whose work has been published on Forbes, Inc, Thrive Global, Zety, Motherly, and Recruiter just to name a few.

Mike is often sought out to provide thought leadership for various organizations and publications as it relates to resume writing and career coaching.

As the innovative founder of the  Original Reverse Recruiting Service  and author of  Ace Your Next Interview , Mike Podesto knows what it takes to land individuals of all career levels jobs.

With a special focus on executive resume writing, Mike is proud to be known as a resume guru. In addition to working with executives, Mike has successfully written and revised resumes for individuals in more than 50 industries and professions across the globe.

Lindsay Duston

Lindsay Duston

Lindsay Duston is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with 18+ years of progressive experience in resume writing, resume team leadership, proofreading/editing, and creative writing.

Although Lindsay has made her way into more of a leadership role, she is one of the absolute best certified resume writers we have ever come across.

With over 10,000 resumes written and reviewed throughout her career, a Bachelor’s degree in English, and various certifications in the resume writing industry, Lindsay has gained expertise in a variety of industries including legal, healthcare, marketing, finance, and technology just to name a few.

Lindsay Duston is a huge advocate of ATS compatible resumes. Her ability to spot issues with resumes that are not ATS compliant is unmatched. If perfection is what you are looking for, look no further.

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Andy Ricardo

Andy Ricardo

Andy Ricardo is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) that comes with over 25 years of experience in Human Resources; specialized in staffing and recruitment within both the private and public sectors. He designs resumes with the primary focus on illustrating the unique value of each person and the benefits he/she offers to an employer.

Andy Ricardo has authored internship programs for three organizations, which have contributed to the educational enterprise. Andy earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University and is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

Having served as the Recruitment Division Head overseeing the annual processing of over 8,000 resumes, and having successfully written hundreds of resumes personally, Andy knows what is needed to create a successful resume.

Bruce Hillman

Bruce Hillman

Bruce Hillman is a non-certified resume writer. However, despite not being certified, Bruce is one of the best federal resume writers we have ever seen.

Bruce is a writer/editor, communications professional, and attorney with experience obtained in 25+-year legal analyst and editorial management career with a national financial services publishing/new media corporation.

Subsequent successful 14-year career preparing/crafting Senior Executive Services (SES) resumes and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) narratives. Bruce Hillman regularly consults with federal government executives, managers, agents, military officers, and private sector C-Suite management clients to aid in their job search.

Clients include the staff of Department of Defense, all branches of the military, Department of Homeland Security, Defense Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, NASA, Department of Transportation, and many more.

Greg Faherty

Greg Faherty

Greg Faherty is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 20 years of professional resume writing experience and a better than 99% satisfaction rate for his customers.

Greg has written more than 14,000 resumes during his career and is also an expert at cover letters, Linkedin profiles, executive biographies, and other job search documents. He also conducts regular resume preparation workshops at schools, libraries, and career fairs.

Greg Faherty is quoted regularly in newspapers and has created several career search aid standards, procedures, and documents used industry-wide. He also has extensive experience in technical, scientific, clinical, business, educational, and creative writing.

Greg is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, and his work has been cited in several resume writing guides. He is also the author of “The New Guide to Writing a Perfect Resume”.

Kimberly Sarmiento

Kimberly Sarmiento

Kimberly Sarmiento is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who leverages her background in journalism to help job seekers tell their “professional story” via impactful and engaging resumes.

In 2010, Kimberly became a certified resume writer and has helped thousands of clients to articulate their strengths, achievements, and unique value proposition in resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

A Florida native, Kimberly earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Florida. She has written several books, including two publications on career management.

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Pam Duquette

Pam Duquette

Pam Duquette is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with 10+ years of professional writing experience. She creates resumes aimed at getting results and carefully crafts each client’s document to project the perfect professional image.

By highlighting what the individual brings to the table, Pam’s work has won her client’s job interviews and offers.

Pam earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Salem State University and is a long-term member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Rebecca Skov

Rebecca Skov

Rebecca Skov is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who has been employed in Human Resources and Career Counseling for over 25 years.

In 2003, she launched a recruitment and retention program on behalf of UC, San Diego called The Partner Opportunities Program. This program provides assistance and support in the employment search for spouses and partners of faculty candidates and appointees. During her tenure, more than 500 clients utilized the services of the Partner Opportunities Program.

Ms. Skov later founded and served as the Director of the Southern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). The mission of the HERC is to bring like-minded institutions together to share best practices related to recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and staff.

Ms. Skov also worked as the Engineering and Technical recruiter at UCSD and held various positions as a Human Resources Generalist and Recruiter in the high technology community.

Rebecca Skov holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona and is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Directors International.

Previous Years Winners

Certified resume writer winners (2023).

Mike Podesto, Lindsay Duston, Andy Ricardo, Bruce Hillman, Greg Faherty, Kimberly Sarmiento, Pam Duquette, Rebecca Skov

Certified Resume Writer Winners (2022)

Key takeaways.

There are literally thousands of certified resume writers out there. It can be impossible to know which “one” is going to be perfect for you.

The reality is, there are probably 100 resume writers out there that would do an amazing job for you. Don’t worry about finding “the perfect” resume writer.

We have reviewed dozens of resumes from each of the individuals featured on this list and know first-hand that all of the resume writers above provide an amazing level of service.

Before choosing the best resume writer for you, remember our simple recommendations:

  • Speak with (phone or email) the resume company you are considering before purchasing.
  • Read online reviews. If they have a couple of bad reviews but mostly good ones, ask them to explain the bad ones
  • Don’t worry too much about certifications . Focus on resume samples that look great and 5-star reviews.

Wishing you the best of luck on your career journey!

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become a certified resume writer

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Global Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches

Certified Master Resume Writer Credential (CMRW) Professional Resume Writing Certification

The resume industry’s oldest and most prestigious master-level resume credential..

There are actors…and then there is Robert DeNiro. There are cars…and then there is the Rolls-Royce. There are rock ‘n roll bands…and then there are The Rolling Stones.

There are resume writers…and then there are Certified Master Resume Writers.

Becoming a CMRW means that you are among the very best of the best. That you are a star in the resume writing industry.

As one of a select group of elite resume writers, your portfolio of work stands out for its innovation, for the advanced formatting that grasps the attention of the reader, and in the superior command of the language that makes every bullet point an unfolding story-a revelation for the reader and a triumph for your clients.

Certified Master Resume Writers have proven themselves by submitting a portfolio of work that has been judged by a panel of CMRW peers. Professionals who themselves are TORI Award Winners and worldwide leaders of the industry.

Clients looking for proven talents are looking for you. Executives, Consultants, Entrepreneurs and industry gurus aren’t looking for a standard resume. They are looking for a professional to create value propositions and to establish the vision. A professional who has business savvy, possesses a superior way with words, and can build a compelling case for hiring in a dog-eat-dog world.

Is that professional you? See what you can do to stamp your mark on the world. Become one of CDI’s elite writers here.

How the CMRW Process Works

To apply and qualify for the CMRW, you must meet the following credentialing requirement:

You must have already earned a recognized resume certification (e.g., CARW, MRW, NCRW, CPRW, CMRS, CRS, MCRS, ACRW).

You must submit the following materials for consideration:

1. Choose one of the following:

  • Essay of no less than 1000 words on your philosophy and approach to resume writing, and why you feel you are a qualified candidate to be awarded the CMRW credential. <or>
  • Article of no less than 1000 words on a topic about or relating to resume writing that demonstrates your knowledge and expertise.

2. Seven (7) professional resumes, one (1) ATS-friendly resume and two (2) cover letter samples along with a brief description for each one of (a) the project situation / challenge, (b) explanation of choices for document style and information inclusion and (c) job seeker results (if known). Preferred topics include*:

  • Executive Resume
  • Career Change Resume
  • New Graduate Resume
  • Technical Resume (e.g., engineer, scientist, technician, IT pro)
  • Professional Resume (e.g., manager, director, physician, account exec.)
  • Re-Entry into the Workforce Resume
  • Resume of Your Choice
  • ATS-friendly Resume of Your Choice
  • Cover Letters (2) of Your Choice

* Substitutions may be acceptable upon approval. Please contact us at info@ null careerdirectors.com  to evaluate your situation.

Upon registration, you will receive a copy of CDI’s Resume Writing Guide, a $39.95 value.

Download CMRW Resume Evaluation form for a better understanding of the scoring process >>

Application Process

Pay the credential registration fee of $297.00 (register below).

Instructions will then be sent to you on preparing your submission via email.

Application Review Process

Upon receipt, your application materials will be submitted blind to members of the certification committee for review, analysis, and approval.

What the committee looks for in terms of big-picture criteria in blind review of portfolio samples:

  • Equal Strengths in Multiple Disciplines : The writer exhibits strengths in writing for all diverse disciplines in the portfolio.
  • Contextual Narrative : Experience and achievements are placed in context to tell a story, not just provide a result.
  • Branding Elements : Documents “humanize” the client by providing elements unique to the individual’s personal brand.
  • Strategy : Documents show that strategic thought has been taken in positioning information for optimum impact.
  • Advanced Visual Appeal : The document stands out due to its elegant or contemporary formatting (Industry specific).

This review and evaluation period is 4-6 weeks upon which you will be notified of the final status of your application. Portfolios not meeting the standards of the CMRW credential will be counseled on an individual basis to determine appropriate steps for remediation.

Should more than one additional submission (recognized as a second portfolio) be required to fulfill the needs of the CMRW credentialing process, an added processing fee of $95 will be applied.

Upon committee approval you will be conferred and awarded the CMRW designation, which will include use of the logo for print and web, sample press release and certificate.

Certification Timeframe

The CMRW process allow you to take as long as you need within one calendar year of registration. However, it should take a very short amount of time to gather together most of the required elements as it is primarily an administrative record-keeping process. Please be advised that you must maintain an active CDI membership to complete this certification.

Sample CMRW-Level Resume and Portfolio Documents

Accountant Sample Resume

New Graduate Sample Resume

IT Manager Sample Resume

Esthetician Sample Resume

Operations Manager Sample Resume

Electrical Engineer Sample Resume

CEO Sample Resume

VP Electrical Engineering Sample Resume

Why Job Seekers Pick CDI Certified Writers

View the Top 10 Reasons You Need a CDI Certified Resume Writer of reasons why job seekers choose to work with CDI certified resume writers.  Read It Now >>

Feedback from CMRW Certified Writers

Register now prove your mastery today with the cmrw, paid association member pricing.

Current association members receive discounts on certifications and programs.

You receive $100 (25%) off of this certification.

IMPORTANT: You must be logged in to receive member pricing in the cart.

Not a member?

Membership in CDI is not required to become a CMRW.

However, paying members receive:

  • 25% off ($100 discount) on certification registration.
  • Reduced renewal fee.
  • All the benefits of association membership.

Interested in becoming a member today? You will have the chance to add membership and apply the member discount at checkout.

All registrants will also receive a copy of CDI’s 113-page Resume Certification Guide.

The guild will walk you through the ins and outs of today’s marketing resume along with instructions for formatting.

It also includes multiple resume samples!

Update Requirements

We have streamlined our renewal requirements for our advanced credentials (CMRW, CERM, CGRA, CRS+X, CCST).

To renew your credential you must:

  • Pay the portfolio review fee of $75 every three years (members) or $130 (non-members) following initial certification.
  • Submit a portfolio for review of three (3) resumes and a 1-page document (essay or blog post style) accounting for what has changed in this area of resume writing during the past three years and how you have maintained your skills.

Update requirements are a prerequisite of retaining this credential. CDI reserves the right to revoke this credential if these requirements are not met and maintained.

Renew now !

The Certification Committee

The CMRW credentialing program was restructured under the guidance of the CDI’s highly-talented, global Certification Committee. Hand-picked to represent the best-of-the-best of the industry and its various resume certification procedures, the committee’s members include:

  • Certification Chair: Gayle Howard, CERM, CMRW, MRWLAA, MCD, MCPLAA, MRW, CPRW, CCM, BIC, HRCC, CWPP, CARW – Top Margin Resumes Online, Melbourne, Australia
  • Patricia Duckers, CMRW, CPRW, CEIP, CWPP, CFRW, CFRWC, MFCC, MFCC/T, MMRW – CareerPro Global, Inc., Edison, New Jersey
  • Barb Poole, CERM, CMRW, CARW, CCMC, CPRW, PHR, BS – Hire Imaging, Maple Grove, Minnesota
  • Gillian “Jill” Kelly, CERM, CMRW, MRWLAA, CARW, ATSC – Career Edge, Queensland, Australia
  • Erin Kennedy, CERM, CMRW, CPRW – Professional Resume Services, Lapeer, Michigan
  • Darlene Dassy, CERM, CMRW, CARW – Dynamic Resume Solutions, Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania
  • Michelle Lopez, CMRW, CRS+AF, CRS+ME, CARW – One2One Resumes, Western Australia
  • Dawn S. Bugni, CMRW, MRW, CPRW – The Write Solution, Atkinson, North Carolina
  • Carolyn Whitfield, CMRW, CERM, CARW, CEIC, CP-OJSRM – Total Resumes, Tasmania, Australia
  • Scott Nichols, MBA, CERM, CGRA, CPRW, CEIC, CEIP – Advanced Method Resumes & Career Services, Granite Bay, California

Revocation Policy

All requirements of CMRW certification, renewal, and/or CDI membership standards must be maintained in order to earn or retain a CDI credential. CDI reserves the right to revoke a CMRW credential for any of the following: Renewal requirements are not maintained and completed within required timelines at the appropriate rate for member/non-member status. Member fails to complete the required 12 consecutive months of membership to qualify for the discounted rate provided at registration and makes no attempt to pay the difference in order to retain said credential. Individual is found guilty in a court of law for a grievance within the industry (unprofessional, unethical, unlawful conduct and/or business practices).

For more information on the CMRW credential contact CDI at info@ null careerdirectors.com .

Why Job Seeker Hire CMRW Certified Writers

View the Top 10 Reasons You Need a CDI Certified Resume Writer of reasons why job seekers choose to work with CDI certified resume writers. Read it now >>

Resume Writing Academy

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BECOME A CERTIFIED RESUME WRITER

Become a certified resume writer.

Master the art of resume writing through training and feedback on your work!

Professional resume writers like you come to the Resume Writing Academy because they want to be confident that every resume they write will win clients interviews ... they want to be the expert who stands out from the sea of resume advice.

Do you want the confidence to charge what you are worth for the work you do?

Do you want to be the expert your career services office needs to teach resume strategies that improve job placement?

If so, read on to learn more about the Resume Writing Academy training program!

WHY IS RWA THE RESUME TRAINING FOR YOU?

RWA graduates tell us the difference between our program and other programs they’ve tried is that training alone didn’t give them the confidence and results they desired.

What really transformed their writing and built their confidence was consistent feedback on their work.

RWA's certification programs provide English language, formatting, and writing assignments -- each carefully crafted to test your command of strategy, design, and writing.

Our team of experienced writers gives you personalized feedback on every assignment, is available for your questions one-on-one, holds regular office hours to help you with class and client assignments, and continues this support after your graduation. 

PLUS -- no membership is required, and certification is built into the program. 

You'll work hard to create each assignment, rewrite a few assignments, and earn your certification at the end -- no test to take or separate fee to pay.

Self-paced and live (virtual) students receive the same access to classes and materials, in-depth feedback on assignments, and one-on-one access to instructors.

Interested in having your team take the program? Ask us about our group rates! Email marie[at]resumewritingacademy.com

Testimonial: When I first started writing resumes, I wasn't confident in my abilities. Then I found ACRW. After the first couple of classes, I saw a drastic improvement in my writing! I felt like an expert and no longer second-guessed myself. Kaljah Adams

WHAT DOES THE ACRW PROGRAM INCLUDE?

(Note: Self-paced and "group" options are the same! Self-paced students have access to the latest class recordings and instructor coaching, plus the same in-depth feedback on their work. Self-paced students can join a live class at any time.)

Part 1 : 5 webclasses, including grammar, formatting, and writing homework assignments covering:

A foundation for writing resumes that will put you among the top writers in the nation

Personal branding strategies for creating documents that differentiate your candidate

Language and grammar best practices in resume writing to avoid common mistakes

Formatting tips and tools to design modern, visually appealing resumes that pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Writing strategies for each section of the resume to position your candidate to compete for their target positions

Cover letter and e-note writing best practices for professional communication with hiring managers and recruiters

Tools to gather better content, streamline your writing process, and build your writing practice

Part 2: 3 independent learning programs (industry-specific resume and cover letter writing projects)

  • Feedback on full writing projects to enhance your industry knowledge (you choose from the library  of sample clients and write a resume and cover letter/e-note for each one)
  • An opportunity to hone your skills in a specialty area and/or gain experience with a new industry/level of client

Requirements for Completion:  Complete a grammar assignment, formatting assignment, and a total of 5 resume projects (2 during Part 1 and 3 during Part 2). Rework assignments as requested based on the feedback. 

Upon completion of all assignments and any rewrites, you earn the prestigious ACRW credential and 32 CEUs. No membership or renewal required.

Graduates receive a free   MASTER E-SESSION ! Round out your training with a 2-hour session related to your focus/specialty. Available sessions, including an in-depth session on LinkedIn, are listed here.

become a certified resume writer

WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF BEING AN ACRW GRADUATE?

Lifetime certification! No renewals or CEU requirements.

Free access to lifetime updates to the materials and live community updates (3-4 times a year).

Subcontract writing positions with resume companies — gain additional experience while making money! These projects generally pay between $100 to $400 per resume.

A 10% discount on registration for the Career Thought Leaders annual conference.

A free E-Summit upon graduation (choose any of our pre-recorded E-Summits).

Discounts on our business development classes and programs.

An opportunity to join the RWA Guild; reserved exclusively for the top graduates of RWA, the Guild often pays extremely well. Can you be one of those top graduates?

Opportunities for publishing, speaking, job fairs, and other projects – some with compensation and some for building your professional visibility and credibility.

We do not guarantee employment but will continually provide graduates with leads from resume companies, outplacement firms, and others who need great writers TODAY!

We are always here to answer your questions and work with you one-on-one to reach your resume-writing goals! 

Set up a time to talk with Resume Writing Academy CEO Marie Zimenoff to get your questions answered.

MEET CEO & LEAD TRAINER MARIE ZIMENOFF

Entrepreneur. Speaker. Leader.

When Marie Zimenoff started her career, these roles were not in her plan.

So how does an analytical, semi-introverted, risk-averse academic career counselor leave a stable job, start a business in a recession, and become CEO of a think tank?

Mission. Guts. And a passion for helping YOU.

Marie’s been in your shoes. 

Like you, Marie understands the huge impact an effective career coach, career counselor, or resume professional can have on clients’ lives.

Like you, she knows the stress of wondering if she’s delivering the best information, experience, and results to aid her clients’ success. Like you, she has sometimes felt the stigma that career services often carry within the coaching and counseling worlds at large.

You are Marie’s mission.

Marie understands that dedicated professionals in the careers field need and crave first-class support, training, and innovation. She is committed to giving you the confidence and skills to crush stigmas and stand proudly upon the credibility you’ve earned and deserve.

She’s dedicated her career to making that happen for you.

Marie’s passion for the careers industry runs deep.

A memorable experience with her middle school guidance counselor first introduced Marie to the true power of career professionals.

Marie began her professional career in the university setting as an advisor and recruiter for a mechanical engineering graduate program at Colorado State University. 

While completing her Master of Education in Human Resource Studies and Career & Counseling Development, Marie interned with a woman who owned her own career counseling business. 

Deeply inspired, Marie decided to leave her university position and open her own company. 

A career services practice was born. 

The year was 2008—the peak of the Great Recession. Undaunted, Marie hustled like crazy. She acquired a diverse range of experiences in the careers industry—career coaching, resume writing, and presenting training sessions at workforce centers. 

She discovered when she blended her strengths of process and strategy with a marketing approach, she could help leaders who struggled to communicate their value and were stalled in their career growth. 

The business grew. Marie grew. Opportunities to serve her colleagues grew.

Pushed by a passion for making a difference to her colleagues, Marie ignored her natural risk aversion and introversion to assume leadership roles that would make a difference.

Marie was elected to the presidency of The National Resume Writers’ Association.

She created Career Confidante Radio in 2014, one of the first podcasts in the industry.

In early 2015, she assumed ownership of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy, and, in 2017, she acquired the suite of Reach Personal Branding training and certification programs.

As CEO, speaker, and trainer, Marie shares proven and leading-edge career management, branding, job search, resume development, social media, and leadership expertise with professionals worldwide. 

YOU inspire Marie.

You are a world-changer. You transform lives. You deserve the best career training and support available.

Marie is determined you will have it.

Driven by mission. Committed to you. 

Marie's professional designations and distinctions include:

  • Master of Education (M.Ed), Human Resource Studies, Counseling & Career Development
  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Master Resume Writer (MRW)
  • Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC)
  • Master Personal Branding Strategist & Reach Certified Personal Branding Strategist (CPBS)
  • Certified Executive & Leadership Development Coach (CELDC)

Highlights of her publications, presentations, and industry leadership roles:

  • International keynote and conference presenter: National Career Development Association (NCDA), Asia Pacific Career Development Association, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA), regional human resource associations, the Colorado Employment Assistance Program Military & Veterans Employment Expo
  • Trainer: workforce center, military transition center, nonprofit, and career services staff; leadership trainer and consultant for nonprofit organizations and international corporations
  • Industry Leader: Past President of national and state career industry associations; graduate of the National Career Development Association leadership academy
  • Author and contributor: NCDA Career Developments, Yahoo! Education, Career Planning & Adult Development Journal, Northern Colorado Business Report, Business News Daily, Bring Your A Game to Work (Center for Work Ethic Development)
  • Host: The Career Confidante (VoiceAmerica Radio)
  • Author: numerous resume, job search, career marketing, and interviewing articles

Contact information:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 855-333-5793

Twitter: twitter.com/workwithpurpose

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Here are the top 6 reasons professionals from universities, community colleges, military transition centers, and in private practice choose Resume Writing Academy:

1. We've been training resume writers for more than 15 years. You'll benefit from proven virtual training techniques and get access to hundreds of pages of resume and letter samples aligned with current trends.

2. From grammar to formatting and strategy, you'll learn everything you need to stand out as an expert in the field. Your comprehensive materials will include a wide range of strategies and styles.

3. You'll receive personalized feedback on 5 writing assignments from top writers in the field. It is one thing to learn concepts and see examples, it is much richer and more meaningful to receive expert, in-depth reviews of your work.

4. You get a great value as there are no renewal fees or membership required! Once you complete this comprehensive program, there's no continuing education requirement.

5. You can complete the training on your schedule or within a group webclass. No matter which option you choose, you'll have access to individual support and interaction with the ACRW community.

6. You'll join a community of graduates and students on 5 continents. The program teaches best practices in writing that work across the globe.

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FIND A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED RESUME WRITER

NATIONALLY CERTIFIED RESUME WRITER

Upon receiving their credentials, NCRWs have proven themselves to be the best in our field. As consummate professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the business, NCRWS are required to earn CEUs annually to maintain their certification. This ensures they stay on the cutting edge of this ever-changing industry.

To find a Nationally Certified Resume Writer, browse the following list (which is in no particular order) or search for a writer who specializes in your unique career situation by using the links below. Many resume writers work virtually - meeting with clients via email, phone, and online meeting applications like Zoom. The NRWA cannot endorse any individual writer. We encourage you to visit writers' websites or contact them by e-mail through this site to learn more about their specific services and credentials.

T he National Résumé Writers' Association North Grove Corporate Park, 8120 Lehigh Ave Morton Grove, IL 60053

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IMAGES

  1. CDI Introduces New Resume Writer Certification Guide

    become a certified resume writer

  2. 8 Best Certified Resume Writers (2023)

    become a certified resume writer

  3. 12 Top Certifications for Professional Resume Writers

    become a certified resume writer

  4. Certified Resume Samples

    become a certified resume writer

  5. What does it take to become a certified resume writer?

    become a certified resume writer

  6. 48++ Best certified resume writer services That You Should Know

    become a certified resume writer

COMMENTS

  1. Certification

    The NRWA offers two certifications for resume writers. To become a Nationally Certified Resume Writer, a candidate must first prove their experience in and commitment to the resume-writing industry by completing the two-part sample review process. Candidates must first submit a sample writing package (resume and cover letter) for review by an ...

  2. 12 Top Certifications for Professional Resume Writers

    Learn about the 12 resume writing certifications from different associations that can help you become a certified resume writer. Find out the requirements, benefits, and costs of each certification and how to apply for them.

  3. What is CPRW?

    Become a Certified Resume Writing Professional. Not only does the general public now have a means of selecting the industry's best résumé professionals, but others in the career field have taken notice. Publishers of career books request that résumé samples be submitted exclusively by those with the CPRW credential, including individual ...

  4. How To Get a Resume Writing Certification in 6 Steps (With Types)

    A resume writing certification can also be beneficial in helping you secure more clients since applicants for available roles may be interested in hiring resume writers who have undergone additional training. ... To earn this certification, it's important to become an NRWA member and complete at least 10 continuing education units with the ...

  5. How To Become a Resume Writer

    1.Obtain a bachelor's degree. The first step in working as a resume writer is earning a Bachelor's Degree in English, Communications, Journalism or a similar area of study. You need strong writing and editing skills, and business knowledge can also help you learn common terms used in the corporate world.

  6. Home

    Find a Nationally Certified Resume Writer. Find a Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert. Certification. NCRW Certification. Step 1: CE Units (CEU) Step 2: Sample Review. ... Becoming a Resume Writer. Affiliate Program. Grant Application. NRWA Success Stories. Members Portal. Logos. Calendar of Events. Current Events. Site Map.

  7. Do You Need To Be a Certified Resume Writer (CRW/CPRW)?

    Plenty of people writes for a living without certification or a degree. Resume writing certifications can be a sizable investment, depending upon the resume writing organization you join. For example, training company Resume Writing Academy (RWA) costs $1800+ to acquire the ACRW certification. However, it doesn't hurt to become certified.

  8. The Fundamentals of Résumé Writing Training Program

    Fundamentals of Résumé Writing + CPRW Exam Bundle. Program fee $745. Is your plan to become a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW)? Our experience shows that people who complete the Fundamentals of Résumé Writing program have a 40% higher pass rate than those going directly to the test.

  9. National Résumé Writers' Association

    Part 1: Proofreading Exam - The first part is a 1-hour timed proofreading exam. You are provided with a resume that is full of errors and asked to identify 25 specific mistakes within the hour. This portion of the exam is graded within 1-2 days. Part 2: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Exam - For the second part, you will be given a ...

  10. More About Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) Certification

    The CPRW test and certification are administered through the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). This is the oldest credentialing organization for resume writers, founded in 1990. Prior to their formation, associations for resume writers or career professionals were non-existent.

  11. Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches

    PARWCC Membership. Since 1990, The Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches™ has helped career professionals to collaborate, enhance their skills, and demonstrate their commitment to job seekers. Together, we are dedicated to providing excellence through professional services that not just meet, but aim to exceed client ...

  12. Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)

    The price structure for obtaining the NCRW certification breaks down like this: $175 fee to become a member of the NRWA. $75 fee for submitting resume samples for review by colleagues. $250 fee to take the exam that includes proofreading and cover letter/resume writing [Should you fail the exam, a $150 fee is required to retake it after 30 days]

  13. Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW)

    In the world of resume writing, CDI's resume writing credentials are seen as the gold standard, making it the perfect place for an aspiring or established resume writer to become certified. When you become a certified professional resume writer with CDI by earning the CARW credential, you: Stand out from the crowd with an "advanced ...

  14. 8 Best Certified Resume Writers (2024)

    Best Certified Resume Writers. Mike Podesto Entrepreneur/Career Author More Details. Lindsay Duston English Degree More Details. Andy Ricardo Former Recruiter More Details. 4. Bruce Hillman Federal Resume Expert More Details. 5. Greg Faherty 20+ Years Experience More Details. See more services.

  15. NCRW Certification

    Becoming a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) associates you with the NRWA's standards of resume excellence, which reflect sales-focused, relevant, succinct career search documents that are quality-oriented and visually appealing.. While not a prerequisite, in our experience those with the greatest chance of NCRW exam success have had at least 2 years of experience writing resumes and ...

  16. Certified Master Resume Writer Credential (CMRW)

    There are resume writers…and then there are Certified Master Resume Writers. Becoming a CMRW means that you are among the very best of the best. That you are a star in the resume writing industry. As one of a select group of elite resume writers, your portfolio of work stands out for its innovation, for the advanced formatting that grasps the ...

  17. Get Certified

    Meet the challenge with this accreditation. The certification test continues to evolve and is nationally-recognized as the standard of excellence within the résumé service industry. When you take the exam, you'll join a network of thousands of individuals who have earned the CPRW (Certified Professional Résumé Writer) credential.

  18. How to Be a Resume Writer: The Meta Job

    Resume writers must work closely with their clients in order to get all of the information they need to get started on a draft. This may be done through interviews or forms (or both), and is intended to provide the writer with a full picture of a client's experience, education, interests, qualifications, skills, and goals.

  19. BECOME A CERTIFIED RESUME WRITER

    Ask us about our group rates! Email marie [at]resumewritingacademy.com. Save $500 on the ACRW & ACPW: Bundle the Academy Certified Resume Writer training with the Academy Certified Profile Writer training for $3290 or 6 payments of $565. Bundle the ACRW & ACPW.

  20. About Us

    For dedicated resume professionals. This certification continues to evolve and is recognized as the standard of excellence within the resume service industry. Join the thousands of individuals who have earned the CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer) credential. Professional Employment Interview Certification (CEIP™) Ignite the spark in ...

  21. Find a Nationally Certified Resume Writer

    To earn the coveted Nationally Certified Resume Writer credential, resume writers must complete a rigorous process that demonstrates an exceptional level of commitment, knowledge, and expertise in resume strategy, business writing, grammar and punctuation, proofreading, and electronic resume preparation. Upon receiving their credentials, NCRWs have proven themselves to be the best in our field.

  22. What is CPCC?

    The Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) program focuses on clients' career planning and needs. The CPCC program content was developed and is directed by highly sought-after Career Coach, Diane Hudson. At PARWCC, we believe in creating a lasting impact by focusing on career management, job searching, and career promotions.