In Nigeria, academic qualifications alone often aren’t enough. For many careers, you must also complete professional courses approved by regulatory bodies to be licensed or recognized. These professional certifications not only increase your employment opportunities but also give you an edge in local and global markets.
This guide outlines the complete list of accredited professional courses in Nigeria, their regulatory bodies, and the careers they apply to. Whether you’re in Law, Accounting, Engineering, or IT—this list is for you.
What Are Professional Courses?
Professional courses are post-secondary programs or certifications offered by accredited professional bodies. They are designed to:
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Equip individuals with practical skills
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Ensure they meet industry standards
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Enable them to practice legally or competently in regulated fields
Complete List of Approved and Accredited Professional Courses in Nigeria
Below is a breakdown by discipline and the accrediting body responsible for each professional course:
Accounting & Finance
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Chartered Accountant (ACA) | ICAN – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria |
| Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) | ACCA (UK) – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
| Chartered Management Accountant (CMA) | ICMA – Institute of Certified Management Accountants |
| Certified Forensic Accountant (CFA) | CIFCN – Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria |
| Certified National Accountant (CNA) | ANAN – Association of National Accountants of Nigeria |
| Certified Tax Practitioner | CITN – Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria |
Law & Legal Practice
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court | Nigerian Law School & Council of Legal Education |
| Notary Public | Supreme Court of Nigeria |
To practice law, you must be called to bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.
Engineering & Technology
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Registered Engineer (COREN License) | COREN – Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria |
| Certified Telecoms Engineer | NTESA – Nigerian Telecoms Engineers Society Association |
| ICT Professional Certifications (e.g., CCNA, CompTIA, AWS, etc.) | Private Tech Bodies (Cisco, Microsoft, etc.) |
Health & Medical Sciences
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Medical Doctor (MBBS + Practice License) | MDCN – Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria |
| Pharmacist (B.Pharm + Practice License) | PCN – Pharmacists Council of Nigeria |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | NMCN – Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | MLSCN – Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria |
| Physiotherapist | MRTB – Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board |
| Radiographer | RRBN – Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria |
| Public Health Practitioner | NPHCDA & relevant boards |
Education & Teaching
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) | TRCN – Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria |
| Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) | NCCE – National Commission for Colleges of Education |
Teachers must register with TRCN to legally teach in public or private schools.
Business, Management & Administration
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Chartered Human Resource Manager | CIPM – Chartered Institute of Personnel Management |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI – Project Management Institute (USA) |
| Certified Institute of Management (CIM) | NIM – Nigerian Institute of Management |
| Supply Chain & Logistics Professional | CISCM – Chartered Institute of Supply Chain Management |
Banking & Finance
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Chartered Banker | CIBN – Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria |
| Risk Management Certification | IRM or CIBN (for Nigeria) |
| Microfinance Certification | CIBN & Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) |
Information Technology & Digital Skills
| Certification | Issuing Body |
|---|---|
| CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ | CompTIA (USA) |
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Cisco Systems |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | EC-Council |
| Google Professional Certifications | |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Microsoft Azure Certifications | Microsoft |
| Data Analytics & Python Certifications | IBM, Coursera, Google, etc. |
Real Estate & Land Management
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Estate Surveyor & Valuer | ESVARBON – Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria |
| Town Planning Certification | TOPREC – Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria |
| Quantity Surveyor | QSRBN – Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria |
Construction & Architecture
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Registered Architect | ARCON – Architects Registration Council of Nigeria |
| Civil Engineer License | COREN – Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria |
| Builder Certification | CORBON – Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria |
Environmental & Safety Management
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| HSE Levels 1, 2 & 3 | ISPON – Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria |
| Environmental Health Officer | EHORECON – Environmental Health Officers Registration Council |
| Certified Waste Manager | NESREA – National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency |
Media, Journalism & Communication
| Course | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Certification | NIPR |
| Mass Communication (Professional Practice) | NUJ – Nigerian Union of Journalists (Membership-based) |
Why Professional Courses Matter
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Boost employability in both public and private sectors
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Required for licensing and regulation in fields like medicine, law, accounting, etc.
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Gives a competitive advantage for international job opportunities
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Opens up entrepreneurial and consultancy opportunities
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Enables professional networking and advancement
How to Get Started with a Professional Course in Nigeria
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Choose a career path you’re passionate about
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Identify the regulatory body that oversees the profession
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Meet the educational and ethical requirements
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Pay the required registration and exam fees
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Begin training or register for certification exams
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Complete your certification and register as a professional
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓Are professional courses only for graduates?
Most require at least a diploma or degree, but some (like HSE or IT courses) are open to SSCE or OND holders.
❓Are all professional bodies recognized by the Nigerian government?
No. Always confirm that the regulatory body is recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education or Industry regulators.
❓Can I combine professional certification with university education?
Yes. Many students enroll in part-time or online professional courses while in school.
❓Which professional course is best for job seekers in 2025?
Top in-demand certifications include ICAN, PMP, HSE, CCNA, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing.
❓How long do professional courses take?
Depending on the body, courses may take 3 months to 2 years, including exams and practicals.
Final Thoughts
Professional courses are no longer optional—they’re essential in today’s job market. Whether you're a fresh graduate, NYSC member, or mid-career professional, investing in accredited and approved certifications can significantly boost your credibility and career potential.
