If you are a technology professional planning to launch a job search, you may not need to look long for a new role, depending on your skill set and experience. Many businesses across industries are eager to hire skilled tech talent to help them keep their critical initiatives on track this year. What types of projects do they need to staff? According to research for the Robert Half e-book, Building Future-Forward Tech Teams, these are the top priorities for technology leaders in 2024:Security of IT systems and informationArtificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation initiativesCloud projectsTechnology modernizationSoftware engineering and developmentFor roles in tech, including jobs relating to the areas above, credentials are required. Employers want candidates with up-to-date knowledge, and IT certifications help to demonstrate that a candidate has mastery of a particular technology or practice.Robert Half surveyed U.S. employers to learn if they consider certifications “necessary” or “nice to have” for technology professionals who work in the following fields. The percentages below are the results for “necessary”:Security, privacy and compliance: 70%Network and systems administration: 68%Cloud architecture and operations: 67%Software and application development: 65%Technology process automation: 61%Data science and database administration: 59%DevOps: 57%Business intelligence, analysis and reporting: 57%Web and mobile development: 56%Project and program management: 55%Help desk and technical support: 41%
So, which credentials are employers on the lookout for? Here’s a lineup of some of the most coveted certifications, based on research for the Salary Guide From Robert Half and data from other sources. Each offers specialization in different aspects of IT.AWS certified cloud practitionerCertified agile leadership (CAL)Certified cloud security professional (CCSP)Certified data privacy solutions engineer (CDPSE)Certified data professional (CDP)Certified ethical hacker (CEH)Certified information security manager (CISM)Certified information systems auditor (CISA)Certified information systems security professional (CISSP)Cisco certified internetwork expert (CCIE)Cisco certified network professional (CCNP)CompTIA (A+, Cloud+, Security+)Microsoft certified Azure solutions architectMicrosoft certified solutions associate/expert (MCSA/MCSE)Information technology infrastructure library (ITIL)Oracle database and MySQL administration certificationsProject management professional (PMP)Professional scrum master (PSM)Salesforce certified development lifecycle and deployment designerNext up, we present an assortment of in-demand IT certifications — 29, in all — starting with credentials you may want to consider earning if you are launching a career in tech. Some of these certifications could put you in the running for some of the highest-paying roles in tech today.
Just starting out in the IT field? The following are some of the best introductory certifications to help you get your first IT job:CompTIA certificationCompTIA issues certifications for various technologies and platforms, but one stands above the rest in terms of value to IT pros:CompTIA A+: Get started in IT with this foundational certificate. It’s all about hardware, technical support and troubleshooting. It also covers best practices in security, networking, operational procedures, mobile devices and various operating systems.Microsoft technology professionalTech giant Microsoft offers an entry-level certification called the Microsoft technology professional (MTA). This certificate covers a range of subjects, such as:IT infrastructure, including fundamentals of the Windows Operating System, Windows Server Administration, networking and cybersecurityDatabase, covering database fundamentalsDeveloper, a fundamental certification in topics including software development, web development, .NET, gaming and HTML5Each of these topics is a separate MTA. You can acquire multiple MTAs if that’s what you need to get your career started. There’s no mandatory study or minimum professional experience required. Just take the exam when you feel prepared.
When you’ve completed an MTA or other entry-level certification, you may consider an intermediate certification from Microsoft. This will help take your career to the next level.Microsoft certified solutions expert (MCSE): MCSE certifications come in several specializations and show that you have the skills to manage servers, data systems, storage, private clouds, networking and more.Microsoft certified solutions developer (MCSD): Getting the MCSD certification shows that you have what it takes to design and create apps across a wide range of Windows products.MCSE and MCSD are two of the most highly regarded certifications in tech. Either of these could help your IT resume stand out.
As Cisco is a leading provider of infrastructure products, a certificate from this company confirms that you’re versed in the latest developments and best practices in networking. The most essential are:Cisco certified network associate (CCNA): A step up from Cisco’s entry-level certification, CCNAs can specialize in the following areas: cloud, collaboration, cyber operations, data center, industrial and Internet of Things, routing and switching, security, service provider, and wireless.Cisco certified network professional (CCNP): After the associate level, the CCNP is a more advanced IT certificate in one of the above-mentioned specialty areas. You can specialize in CCNP Enterprise, Data Center, Security, Service Provider or Collaboration.
Hacking and cyberattacks are hot topics today, and many jobs in security and risk management are going unstaffed. The following are some of the most valuable IT certifications in this booming field.A professional organization devoted to IT security and governance, ISACA manages a number of global certification programs, including:Certified information systems auditor (CISA): According to ISACA, the CISA is its cornerstone certification. As the name indicates, this exam is aimed at information systems (IS) professionals who monitor, control and assess a company’s IT or business systems. This certificate requires five years of professional experience in the field.Certified information security manager (CISM): The leading credential for information security managers, the CISM is designed for people who design, build and manage information security programs. To qualify, you must have at least five years of IS experience and three years as a security manager.Certified in risk and information systems control (CRISC): The CRISC accredits professionals and project managers responsible for information security and its overall impact on the enterprise. It covers risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and mitigation, and risk control monitoring and reporting.Certified in the governance of enterprise IT (CGEIT): The CGEIT demonstrates your understanding of enterprise IT governance principles and practices. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in IT, commanding some of the highest salaries.Cybersecurity nexus (CSX-P): In a time of constantly evolving cybersecurity threats, the CSX-P certification demonstrates that you are up to date on security standards and risks.Other valuable IT certifications for security include:Certified ethical hacker (CEH): EC-Council offers several certification programs, and one of the most popular is the CEH. Professionals with this certification specialize in penetration testing, which is why it is often a prerequisite for positions like cyber forensics analyst, cybersecurity engineer and applications developer.Certified information systems security professional (CISSP): This is another cybersecurity certification in high demand. Designed for experienced IT professionals, CISSP holders understand vulnerabilities in networked systems and create policies to safeguard systems and minimize risk.Global information assurance certifications (GIACs): All about information security, the GIACs come in several categories: cyber defense; penetration testing; incident response and forensics; cybersecurity management, audit and legal proficiencies; developer; and industrial control systems. The highest level is the GIAC security expert (GSE).
As cloud computing becomes the new normal in IT, more cloud-related credentials pop up. Many of them are specific to individual vendors, such as Microsoft, VMware and Amazon. There are also a few certifications that focus on more general practices across this fast-growing area. Top certifications include:CompTIA cloud+: CompTIA cloud+ covers all major elements of cloud computing, including configuration, deployment, security, management and troubleshooting.VMware Certified Professional — Cloud Management and Automation: The VCP-CMA certificate shows that you know how to configure and administer a VMWare vRealize environment. You’ll also understand how to use process automation to handle day-to-day operations.AWS certified solutions architect — professional: Amazon is the largest provider of cloud computing services, and this certification affirms your ability to design and deploy cloud environments using Amazon Web Services.Salesforce certified development lifecycle and deployment: Employers are desperate for high-end specialists in this cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) system. This certification is the first step toward becoming a Salesforce certified systems architect.
Project management is indispensable to IT operations. And because it involves planning, scheduling, budgeting and execution, certification can be a key steppingstone to managerial positions.Certified associate in project management (CAPM): Offered by the highly respected Project Management Institute (PMI), the CAPM is an ideal entry-level management credential.Project management professional (PMP): Also offered by PMI, the PMP credential is among the most prestigious in the profession. A number of subspecialty certifications are also available.Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): The entry-level CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is an excellent way to show your knowledge of scrum and agile management practices.
Many IT professionals begin their careers in technical support and help desk roles. And to give students a leg up, schools are increasingly offering courses that prepare students to acquire help desk certifications. You can certify in either the help desk functions as a whole or concentrate on a specific vendor’s platforms and products.HDI certifications: Formerly called the Help Desk Institute, HDI offers certifications that range from the entry-level HDI desktop support technician to the HDI support center director. The HDI technical support professional certification is particularly popular with hiring managers. HDI also offers credentials for support center analysts, team leaders and customer service representatives.ITIL: The UK organization AXELOS is charged with promoting best practices for IT service management. ITIL, formerly an acronym for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is the registered name for a widely accepted framework for managing IT service delivery. There are five ITIL certifications, ranging from foundation to master.Apple certified support professional (ACSP): You can demonstrate your expertise with macOS support essentials with this ACSP certification from Apple.
Database technologies remain foundational to IT operations, while growth in big data and analytics initiatives is driving new career opportunities.Certifications tend to be built around a single provider’s platform, including:Certified data professional (CDP): The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) offers one of the most comprehensive certifications for data professionals. The CDP is offered in five tiers, ranging from foundation-level to executive management, and you can focus on specific roles, such as business analytics, data governance, enterprise data architecture, data analytics and data warehousing.Oracle certified professional: Oracle, the world’s leading database provider, offers certification in a range of database professions, from database administration and database application development to analytics, data warehousing and big data.SAP certified technology associate: This certification demonstrates your ability to install, manage, monitor, migrate and troubleshoot SAP’s database technology.Microsoft SQL Server certifications: Like Oracle, Microsoft offers a range of certifications, including database administration, business intelligence, and data management and analytics.CCIE data center: This Cisco certification demonstrates expert-level skills required to plan, prepare, operate, monitor and troubleshoot complex data center networks.
Preparing for and attaining a certification is a great way to expand your skill set, impress prospective employers and stand out from the crowd in tech. That’s true whether you’re a recent graduate launching a career in technology or an IT specialist with many years of experience.It can also be well worth your while from a salary perspective to earn in-demand credentials in your tech field as well. Robert Half surveyed U.S. employers to learn what percent salary premium they would be willing to pay for a candidate with in-demand accreditation in a given field. Here’s the breakdown of results — from highest to lowest premium — based on the fields we asked about:Security, privacy and compliance: 19%Cloud architecture and operations: 18.9%Data science and database administration: 17.9%Project and program management: 17.7%DevOps: 17.6%Network and systems administration: 17.3%Business intelligence, analysis and reporting: 16.6%Software and application development: 16.5%Technology process automation: 16.5%Web and mobile development: 16.2%Help desk and technical support: 15.8%We hope you find this information about the most valued IT certifications useful as you start a career in tech, search for a new job or seek higher compensation in your current role. With the right lineup of credentials, skills and experience, you may find you are well-positioned to land one of the highest-paying jobs in tech this year.Ready to launch a technology job search? Learn how Robert Half can help.
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