IT certification training can play a key role in validating tech skills while also highlighting experience to show current or potential employers. You can be certified in a wide range of areas to improve your resume and help you stand out from the competition.
Certifications programs are also a useful way to upskill current employees and equip IT departments with the most relevant skillsets possible. If your organization is looking to migrate to a new system or ennact a new IT strategic initiaitve, certifications will proactively prepare your team with the most knowledge to succeed.
Popular certifications can also increase income between 5% to 10% for IT professionals, according to a 2021 IT Salary report. Getting an IT certificate isn’t only beneficial for newcomers, but it can also help people with years of experience in the industry maintain a competive salary advantage.
Here are some of the most popular IT certification training programs available.
Google Certification
Helping further boost careers in IT, Google makes it possible to choose from a variety of certifications. Google Cloud certification is a great option due to its widespread use in the workplace. For entry-level positions, Google IT certification is another excellent choice, as it takes between six to eight months to complete. The average salary for a Google Certification is dependent on the specialty, as you can choose from five professional level certifications.
AWS Certifications
Obtaining an AWS certification is an excellent option for many IT professionals. Amazon also gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of AWS certifications. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect is a popular certificate for cloud computing. AWS is often used at businesses, large or small, which makes it a great option for anyone looking for an IT certificate. This certification primarily focuses on the ability to create and deploy scalable systems using AWS while keeping costs to a minimum without impacting reliability, quality, or security. The average annual salary for AWS certification is around $113,000.
Certified Data Professional
A certified data professional certificate gives you the flexibility to follow numerous learning paths. A few of the most popular domains include business analytics, data management, data governance, IT management, data warehousing, and many other options. The CDP certificate is also available at various levels, such as associate, mastery, or executive management. An average salary for a certified data professional is $45,000.
Cisco Certified Network Associate
The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is available in a variety of specializations, such as cyber operations, security, data center, wireless, or industrial. This course also covers IP services, automation, network access, IP connectivity, and IT security. Having a strong understanding of IP addressing, network fundamentals, and Cisco products is essential in helping you pass the exam. The average salary is around $78,000 for a Cisco Certified Network Associate.
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Another popular option is the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certificate for anyone that advises executives on creating reliable cloud solutions in the workplace. This extensive exam covers a wide range of topics, such as creating and deploying applications, configuring infrastructure, implementing security, and workloads. Other topics include designing business continuity plans, data platform solutions, and strategy for infrastructure. The average salary is $119,000 for a Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
Project Management Professional
A Project Management Professional Certificate is another excellent option that focuses on advanced project management skills. The certification process centers on the main stages of project management, such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and the closing process. The average annual salary for a project management professional is $106,000.
Before you take the exam, it requires a four-year degree and at least three years of experience in managing projects. In addition, you will need at least 35 hours of education with project management and 4,500 hours of directing projects. If you have a secondary degree and five years of experience, you will also be able to take the exam. Finally, you will need 7,500 hours directing projects and 35 hours of education with project management.
Cisco Certified Network Professional
The Cisco Certified Network Professional certificate is an intermediate option in the process of obtaining various Cisco certifications. You can choose certification in a variety of areas, such as data center, collaboration, service provider, CyberOps, security, or DevNet. You will need to pass this exam if you plan on moving on to an expert certification for Cisco. Generally, it is recommended to have between three to five years of experience in the industry. The average annual salary is around $95,000 for this certificate.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
The highest level of certification in Cisco’s program is the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Certificate. This specialized certificate focuses on various areas, such as enterprise wireless, security, collaboration, data center, and service provider. Typically, it’s recommended to have between five to seven years of experience in the field before you consider taking this exam. Once complete, you will earn the highest level available for Cisco, which looks great on a resume. The average salary is around $126,000 with this certificate.
Oracle Certified MySQL Database Administrator
Oracle University offers a certification process for database administrators interested in improving their skills with business process integration or managing business data. The certification is a great way to boost your resume with current and future employers to highlight your skills in business integration and scaling database applications. The average annual salary for obtaining this certificate is around $88,873.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate
Microsoft gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of options with a Certified Solutions Associate. These topics include Office 365, Windows 10, web applications, BI reporting, database development, and other products and services associated with Microsoft. This certificate is a great option for entry-level tech workers, as it can help you boost your resume. Microsoft is also transitioning to role-based certificates. The typical salary for a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is around $75,000.
Certified Ethical Hacker
The Certified Ethical Hacker certificate is available through the EC-Council. This certificate showcases your skill to identify vulnerabilities in various computer systems while also preventing hackers from accessing data. An ethical hacker uses the same techniques and skillset as a cybercriminal to help prevent future attacks and establish better security protocols. Many ethical hackers look at ways to protect against potential threats by finding vulnerabilities within a company’s network or system. The typical salary for a Certified Ethical Hacker is around $81,000.
