There are many IT certification programs out there, but which one is right for you? Whether you’re a beginner starting in the industry, or a seasoned professional looking to move your career forward, this is a list of the best IT certifications for your consideration.
Read on to learn more about the advantages of earning IT certifications, as well as the most in-demand certifications available to you right now.
Read more: Top 10 Paying IT Jobs in 2021
The Best IT Certifications for 2022
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect verifies knowledge in AWS cloud technology. This certification is helpful for Cloud solution architects, PMPs, Administrators, DevOps pros, and Developers. Before earning this certification, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is recommended, but not required.
This certification is in high demand, as many organizations utilize cloud technology, and AWS is already widely used by companies large and small. Because of this high demand, the average annual salary for an AWS Certified Solutions Architect is approximately $115,000.
This certification promises better career opportunities for those who earn it and can be especially helpful for IT professionals, as it verifies skills often utilized in a variety of organizations. Additionally, the certification does not have many requirements to earn it, making it easier to obtain.
Check out the AWS Certified Solutions Architect practice test!
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
This Information Systems Auditor certification verifies skills in assessing vulnerabilities and managing IT controls and business systems. In addition, the certification appraises this IT knowledge in an enterprise environment. To gain the certificate, you must pass an exam on the job practices of a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
This certification can be beneficial for increasing your worth in the job hiring process. It can also help those who earn it with meeting the professional standards of ISACA’s requirements and Continuing Professional Education program. The average annual salary for a Certified Information Systems Auditor is approximately $105,000.
We included this certification in our list because it gives those who earn it an advantage in the job market, and career advancement opportunities through continued professional education.
Check out the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) practice test!
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
The CCIE is the highest level of certification currently available to earn in Cisco’s program. It verifies expert-level knowledge in specialty areas, including enterprise infrastructure, enterprise wireless, data centers, security, service providers, and collaboration. This certification involves passing an exam, and it is recommended that participants gain 5 to 7 years of experience in the subject before trying to earn this certification.
There is a lot of demand for the CCIE among tech industry professionals. This high level of certification in Cisco is also impressive to employers in the IT job market. In addition, its diverse certification areas allow for increased opportunities in multiple fields.
This tech certification is considered one of the best IT certifications right now for its high demand and high average annual salary of approximately $128,000. In addition, it is best for seasoned professionals — rather than beginners — and thus reflects a strong level of expertise in its subjects.
Check out the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) practice test!
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ certification verifies the skills necessary to perform essential security functions. The certification covers encryption, physical security, wireless security, and more. A benefit to this certification is that those who earn it can easily progress in the field and acquire more advanced security certifications.
No prerequisites are necessary aside from one exam, but the developers recommend two years of IT administration experience and the CompTIA Network+ certification. Demand for this certification is expected to increase, as security is a growing field and security certifications are helpful to landing jobs. Right now, the average base annual salary is approximately $77,000 for individuals with this certification.
We have featured the CompTIA Security+ certification in this list because it can provide many career growth opportunities for those who earn it. In addition, since prerequisites are not required, it can be considered a good entry-level certification for beginners in the industry with only limited experience.
Check out the CompTIA Security+ practice test!
Read more at ServerWatch: Top 5 Cybersecurity Certifications to Advance Your Career
Google Certified Professional Data Engineer
This certification ensures the knowledge and abilities involved with data processing systems, machine learning models, and solution quality. To become a Google Certified Professional Data Engineer, you must pass the Google Certified Professional: Data Engineer exam.
There are no other prerequisites, but three or more years of industry experience and one or more years designing and managing Google Cloud solutions are recommended. Professionals who possess this tech certification are very in demand in the IT workplace, and the profession is associated with a considerably higher average annual salary of $150,000.
This certification is included in this list for its high demand in the IT industry. Additionally, Google Certified Professional Data Engineers are among the top-paying tech-certified careers in 2021.
Check out the Google Certified Professional Data Engineer practice test!
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
This Microsoft solutions associate certification is available to earn in several Microsoft products and services. It is designed for entry-level workers, and is therefore excellent for IT beginners who wish to strengthen their resumes.
The demand for a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is decent for those just starting in the tech industry. Microsoft products and applications are commonly used in various enterprise settings, so this skill set verification is beneficial for finding positions. The average annual salary for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associates is approximately $77,000.
We have included this entry-level IT certification from Microsoft, as it is suitable for beginners who are just getting started in the tech industry and want to attract more employment opportunities through their verified knowledge and skills. In addition, those who have earned this certification have a decent salary with room for continued professional advancement.
Check out the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) practice test!
VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization 2021
This IT certification verifies candidates’ skills with cloud computing and vSphere (VMware’s server virtualization software) infrastructure. It is in high demand, as this certification helps organizations refine experiences, streamline operations, and move to digital environments.
To earn the certification, you must attend at least one course offered by an authorized training provider, and have at least six months of experience working with the latest version of vSphere. VMware Certified Professionals have an average annual salary of $97,000.
This tech certification was selected because VMware Certified Professionals are highly favored by organizations seeking job candidates. With more and more organizations turning to virtualization technology to optimize their workforces, these related skills and knowledge will make your resume stand out.
Check out the VMware Certified Professional practice test!
Why Get an IT Certification?
IT certifications offer many advantages to those who possess them. By earning an information technology certificate, you can get a step ahead in your professional development. The benefits of earning an IT certification involve proving that you have the in-demand knowledge and capabilities to perform a job, thus broadening your professional opportunities.
Employers often consider certifications when hiring for tech positions, so having a badge or two on your resume can improve your job prospects and increase your salary expectations. In addition, they can help with career development.
To help you weigh your options, we have provided this list of the best IT certifications available to earn right now. The certifications in this list were selected to appeal to a range of individuals seeking entry-level positions, high-paying professional opportunities, or ways to advance their careers further.
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