Key Trends in Next Year's Certification Market: AI, ESG, and More
Top 5 Promising Certifications Revealed, Including Korean History Proficiency Test and SQLD
Among job seekers preparing for employment, there is growing interest in certifications that can enhance both employability and practical job skills. As industrial demand and regulatory changes converge in areas such as AI proficiency, data analysis, and electrical and safety fields, it is expected that the certification exam market will rapidly shift direction by 2026.
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According to Eduwill's "2026 Certification Exam Trends" and "Top 5 Promising Certifications," released on the 15th, the key themes in next year's certification market are ▲AI proficiency ▲convergence of advanced and manufacturing technologies ▲on-site assessment ▲advancement of electrical and energy job categories ▲ESG management and oversight.
Eduwill particularly forecasts that, as the government is expected to establish an "AI Certification System Operation Plan" and promote public sector-led certification exams in the second half of next year, AI-related certifications will be rapidly reorganized into a nationally accredited system.
There is also a clear trend in the industrial sector toward the introduction of new convergence certifications. Starting in January next year, new certification categories in emerging industries, such as Bio Process Technician and Smart Factory Industry Engineer, will be introduced. Even the Electric Engineer certification, previously considered a traditional qualification, is regaining attention due to increased demand for power infrastructure, such as the expansion of data centers, and the resulting need for specialized personnel.
Based on industrial trends and big data analysis of exam candidates, Eduwill selected the following as the top five promising certifications for 2026: ▲Korean History Proficiency Test ▲Electric Engineer and Electric Technician ▲SQLD and ADsP ▲Industrial and Construction Safety Engineer ▲Certified Management Accountant.
The Korean History Proficiency Test is expected to benefit from the replacement of the Korean history subject with the proficiency test in the Grade 9 civil service exam starting in 2027. As its application expands not only in public institutions but also in private sector recruitment, strong demand is expected to continue.
SQLD (SQL Developer) and ADsP (Associate Data Analytics Specialist) are seeing a rapid increase in test-takers as more companies prioritize data utilization skills. Last year, 59,202 people took the SQLD exam, a 21.3% increase from the previous year. It is analyzed that data analysis skills are now required across all job functions, including IT, marketing, sales, and planning.
The demand for Industrial and Construction Safety Engineers is rising due to the implementation of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the strengthening of requirements for appointing safety managers. The Certified Management Accountant, a nationally recognized certification, is also attracting more attention as corporate transparency and ESG management become more important. The Certified Management Accountant is a qualification for verifying practical skills, has no restrictions on eligibility, and offers numerous exam opportunities.
An Eduwill representative stated, "The 2026 certification market will go beyond simple resume building and become a platform for proving practical skills in response to the waves of AI and green transformation in industry," and advised, "Test-takers should carefully analyze regulatory changes and industrial demand to strategically select certifications."
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