Best IT certifications for all career stages | ZDNet

IT certifications offer a quick and relatively inexpensive way to enter or enhance an IT career. These credentials may focus on entry-level fundamentals or system and network concentrations for management and specialized careers.

Information technology certifications can provide professionals with the training, skills, and credentials necessary to enter the IT field or move within it. 

Today, skilled IT professionals are in high demand and benefit from remote working opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 13% growth for all computer occupations between 2020 and 2030. The computer and information technology sector pays median annual wages of $91,250. 

Throughout this page, we explore the value of IT certifications and examine some of the leading credentials for entry-level and experienced IT professionals, plus the certifications with the highest earning potential.

What is information technology?

Information technology includes the hardware, software, and devices that store, process, and manage information. Studies in this field cover the uses, implementation, and optimization of these technologies.

Within many organizations, IT departments take on responsibilities including: 

Operations: Operations professionals focus on providing technical support to users, managing and maintaining network performance, and device management. 

Infrastructure installation and maintenance: Infrastructure professionals implement and configure systems and devices. They provide troubleshooting and maintenance when required. 

Governance: Governance professionals oversee the IT policies and procedures within an organization. They establish IT strategies and goals and provide leadership.

What is an IT certification?

IT certifications exhibit a professional’s mastery over a specific discipline, technology, or field. The credentials may feature both condensed training and an exam or only one of these components. 

IT certifications may provide entry-level, intermediate, or advanced training and credentials.

Professionals can pursue certifications to enter the IT field, change positions, or advance their careers. 

The credentials can showcase a professional’s expertise with a specific vendor’s technology, which may be extremely valuable for employers who use those systems.

They also demonstrate determination and drive for personal and professional improvement. 

IT certification cost

The cost of an IT certification varies. Some platforms feature a monthly fee, such as Coursera, which charges between $29-$99. First-time participants can get a free trial period.

Most certifications have an exam fee between $99-$999. These credentials often allow candidates to study on their own for free, though paid study materials or instructor-led classes are usually available. 

What’s the difference between certifications and degrees in information technology?

Though they can have similar outcomes, IT certifications and degrees feature significant differences. 

In contrast to highly focused and accelerated certifications, degrees combine general education and core training over 2- to 4-year periods. Many degrees offer specialization options and courses like information systems fundamentals, enterprise network design, and cybersecurity. 

While both associate degrees and certain certifications can lead to entry-level careers, many advanced and high-paying IT roles require a bachelor’s degree in IT or higher. 

What’s the difference between information technology certificates and certifications?

An information technology certificate is an education program that trains learners in a specific IT field. Compared to degree-granting IT programs, an information technology certificate takes less time and does not include general education courses. Most certificate programs take 4-12 months. 

Certifications are granted by third-party providers who meet industry-wide specifications, while a certificate is generally earned through a college or other learning platform. Both undergraduate and graduate certificates are available. 

By comparison, a certification generally does not require classes. Instead, candidates meet experience or education prerequisites and pass an examination. 

Some certificate programs offer a credential upon completion, including the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate in the list below.

Must-have certifications in 2021

With so many certifications to choose from, IT professionals can find the selection process challenging. To help simplify matters, we picked out the most widely recognized and sought-after credentials available. The following lists highlight some of the best entry-level, specialized, and high-earning certifications on the market.

Entry-level IT certifications

Entry-level certifications can open the door to the IT industry for aspiring professionals without any previous education or experience. With a mixture of foundational and specialized training, these credentials may help candidates change careers and can lead to more advanced training and credentials in the future. 

Cloud technology certifications

Cloud technologies give users access to various computing services whenever and wherever they need them. Certified professionals in this field can access some of the most in-demand computer occupations. The following are some of the best certifications in this field.

IT security certifications

IT security certifications credentials prepare professionals to protect organizational information, develop advanced security programs, and establish risk management strategies. Certified professionals can pursue roles in management or as cybersecurity specialists. 

Network certifications

Network certifications focus on improving business communications and networks. 

Credentialed professionals know how to design, implement, manage, and optimize networks for organizations, leading to careers in network administration, analysis, and management.

Highest Paying IT Certifications

Many IT certifications lead to promising careers, but some offer greater financial rewards than others. Through a survey with 3,700 U.S.-based respondents, Global Knowledge found professionals holding the following IT certifications reported the best ROI and highest average salaries. 

Readers should note that salaries may be dependent on experience, employers, performance, and location. 

Which IT certification is right for you?

When choosing between the many IT certifications, candidates should consider multiple factors to ensure they pick the best-suited option for them. First, they should evaluate their current level and strengths. Next, they should think about their career goals and identify what credentials and training they need in order to reach that level. 

Equipped with that information, candidates can search the available certifications, sorting by relevance, industry recognition and acceptance of the credential, cost, and delivery format. 

While IT certifications do not typically pursue or receive accreditation, they may still be recognized by noteworthy organizations, such as professional industry associations or specific vendors. Candidates can research what type of industry recognition certifications have received to ensure they get the best credential available.