10 Must-Have IT Certifications
Explore the potential that IT certifications offer, and embark on a rewarding career journey with confidence and determination.
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Join For FreeIn today's digital era, having the right expertise and qualifications is essential to stay competitive in the job market. As technology continues to shape various industries, IT certifications have become a crucial asset for professionals looking to advance their careers in the digital age. Such certifications not only certify your expertise in specific IT domains but also prove your commitment to constant learning and professional growth.
Given the abundance of IT certifications available, it can be quite daunting to identify the ones that are truly worth pursuing. To help you navigate through the sea of options, we have compiled a list of the top 10 must-have IT certifications for 2023. By obtaining these certifications, you not only validate your expertise and proficiency in specific IT domains but also showcase your dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
In this blog, we will explore the top 10 IT certifications for 2023 that are in high demand and offer significant career benefits.
What Do Business and IT Certifications Encompass?
Business and IT certifications are specialized training programs that validate your knowledge and proficiency in specific domains. The purpose of these certifications is to elevate your skills, broaden your knowledge, and showcase your expertise to prospective employers. These certifications are typically earned through completing a structured training program and passing a certification exam.
Business certifications focus on various aspects of business operations, management, and strategy. They cover areas such as project management, business analysis, quality management, risk management, and leadership. Such certifications equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in their specific domains and enable them to make well-informed decisions within the business context.
IT certifications, on the other hand, are specifically tailored to the field of information technology. They validate a professional's proficiency in specific IT domains, technologies, platforms, and practices. To earn a business or IT certification, individuals typically need to meet specific prerequisites, complete a training program or course, and pass a certification exam.
Are IT Certifications Worth the Investment?
Obtaining a certification in the IT field can offer several potential benefits, including enhanced job performance and heightened competitiveness in the job market. Having an IT certification listed on your resume provides hiring managers with a clear indication of your abilities and technical expertise, allowing for a more efficient assessment of your qualifications. Moreover, certifications have been correlated with higher incomes, as IT professionals who received a salary increase after acquiring a new certification reported an average salary boost of $13,000.By investing in IT certifications, professionals can not only expand their knowledge and skills but also increase their earning potential and open doors to new career opportunities.
Let’s take a glance at a few reasons why you should consider pursuing business and IT certifications:
- Career Boost: Acquiring certifications offers a distinct advantage in the job market, significantly improving your prospects of securing high-paying job roles and advancing your career within your organization.
- Skill Validation: Certifications validate your skills and knowledge in a particular area, giving the employer confidence in your abilities to handle complex business or IT challenges.
- Professional Credibility: Having certifications from renowned organizations or institutions enhances your professional credibility and builds trust with clients and employers.
- Industry Recognition: Certifications are recognized and respected within the industry, making them valuable credentials that can differentiate you from other professionals.
- Learning Opportunities: Certification courses offer structured learning programs that provide practical skills and up-to-date knowledge in rapidly evolving business and IT domains.
Statistics-Overview
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for computer and information technology occupations is highly positive. The employment rate in the computer and information technology field is expected to grow at a rate of 15% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is anticipated to generate around 682,800 new job opportunities within the industry over the next decade.
- As per Statista, in 2021, professionals in the IT industry who possessed a Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer certification earned an average salary of $171,794, as per data provided by Statista. The other certification, like MS Certified Azure Admin Associate, CISA, CISM, and more, were the next top-paying certification, with a standard salary of 134.46 and 121.42 U.S. dollars.
How To Acquire an IT Certification
Obtaining an IT certification typically involves a few key steps to ensure success. Here is a simplified guide on how to get an IT certification:
- Select a Certification: Determine the precise certification that aligns with your aims and interests. Research different certifications and their associated requirements to ensure they match your skillset and professional aspirations.
- Prepare for the Exam: Familiarize yourself with the exam objectives and content by reviewing the certification provider's official resources. Plan study materials and collect things like books, online courses, practice exams, and hands-on labs. Dedicate adequate time & strength to cover all the necessary topics.
- Schedule and Take the Examination: Once done, schedule the examination through the official certification provider's website. Choose a convenient date and location, whether it's an in-person testing center or an online proctored exam. Arrive well-prepared on exam day, following any guidelines or requirements provided by the certification provider.
Most Trending Business and IT Certifications
In reviewing data from authentic sources for training and certifications, Microtek Learning believes the certifications listed below are the most valuable for 2023.
1. CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized as a valuable entry-level credential in the field of IT. It offers a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of IT, including networking, operating systems, security, and mobile devices. By successfully completing the certification exams, individuals gain the necessary knowledge and skills to troubleshoot common issues in these areas.
The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams that cover a broad range of foundational IT topics. It serves as a solid point for persons who are newest to the IT sector and willing to establish a robust base of understanding. With this certification, individuals can demonstrate their competence in handling basic IT tasks and problem-solving.
- Possible Employment: Technical support specialist, desktop support admin, system support specialist, Service desk analyst,
- Crucial Requirements: Two certification examinations are needed. While there are no mandatory prerequisites for the exams, CompTIA suggests that candidates have gained nine to 12 months of practical experience.
- Certification Path: Upon successfully obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification, individuals have the opportunity to pursue various other certifications offered by CompTIA, such as Security+ or Network+.
2. CompTIA Security+
The field of security is experiencing rapid growth, with a global workforce of 4.7 million professionals, as reported by the 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study. However, despite the large number of professionals, there remains a significant global shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers, according to the same study.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a great point for those interested in enrolling in a career in cybersecurity. Such certification equips individuals with the essential expertise to complete essential security functions. The certification curriculum covers various topics, including encryption, physical security, and wireless security. By successfully completing the certification exam, individuals demonstrate their proficiency in these areas.
- Possible Employment: Network administrator, Security consultant, Security Administrator, Security Specialist, security engineer, security analyst.
- Crucial Requirements: Requires one certification exam. While there are no strict prerequisites for the certification, CompTIA recommends that candidates have the CompTIA Network+ certification and a minimum of two years of experience in IT administration.
- Certification Path: Once getting this certification, aspirants can opt to take other security certifications like the ISACA CISA or ISC2 SSCP.
3. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
As organizations increasingly adopt Microsoft Azure as their preferred cloud platform, the demand for skilled professionals who can design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient Azure solutions has skyrocketed.
This certification validates your expertise in architecting Azure solutions and demonstrates your ability to design and deploy scalable applications, implement security and compliance measures, and optimize Azure infrastructure for maximum performance and cost-effectiveness. By earning this certification, you showcase your proficiency in leveraging Azure services and tools to deliver value-driven solutions that align with business goals.
- Possible Employment: Cloud Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, Cloud Consultant, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer. Solution Architect.
- Crucial Requirements: You have to earn one of the prerequisite certifications: Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Developer Associate.
- Certification Path: To become a Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, you must pass two exams: Exam AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Exam AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design.
4. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) Certification
The certification is a widely recognized record that certifies the expertise of experts in the ethical hacking field. The CEH certification equips professionals with the necessary tools and techniques to think like a hacker and proactively defend against potential security breaches.
The CEH certification is provided by the EC-Council and is highly regarded in the cybersecurity industry. It covers various aspects of ethical hacking, including network security, system hacking, social engineering, web application security, cryptography, and more.
- Possible Employment: Cybersecurity consultant, ethical hacker, security analyst, Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester, incident response handler.
- Crucial Requirements: To get this certification, aspirants must meet certain requirements set by EC-Council.
- Certification Path: To pursue the CEH certification, you have the option to attend official training through EC-Council's accredited training centers. The official training course provides comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in ethical hacking techniques.
5. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
The ITIL certification is a popular certification, especially for those working at a company that subscribes to the ITIL approach. The certification is perfect for Information Technology managers as it has a high concentration on executing effectual management strategies to enhance team competence and organizational operations.
- Possible Employment: IT Service Manager, IT Service Desk Manager, IT Process Consultant, IT Service Transition Manager, IT Service Quality Manager
- Crucial Requirements: The necessities for this particular certification may vary relies on the certification level. However, to pursue ITIL certification, it is generally recommended to have a basic understanding of IT service management concepts and experience working in an IT environment. There are no specific prerequisites for ITIL certification.
- Certification Path: The ITIL certification path typically consists of several levels, starting with the ITIL Foundation level and progressing to higher levels of certification. To pursue ITIL certification, individuals can attend training courses and pass the corresponding exams for each certification level.
6. Azure DevOps Solutions Certification
To validate their expertise in Azure DevOps, IT professionals can pursue the Azure DevOps Solutions Certification. This certification demonstrates proficiency in implementing DevOps practices using Azure DevOps tools and technologies, enabling professionals to effectively collaborate, build, test, and deploy applications.
Throughout the certification journey, individuals will acquire a deep understanding of Azure DevOps features and functionalities, including source control, build and release management, test management, and application monitoring. They will learn how to leverage these tools to streamline development processes, improve software quality, and deliver value to customers more efficiently.
- Possible Employment: DevOps Architect, Release Manager, Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Engineer, Agile Coach
- Crucial Requirements: There are no prerequisites to the exams, but to pursue the Azure DevOps Solutions Certification, candidates are recommended to have prior knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft Azure, agile methodologies, DevOps principles, and cloud computing concepts.
- Certification Path: Aspirants can go and take Azure DevOps Engineer Expert or Azure DevOps Engineer Associate certification.
7. Microsoft Fundamentals
These certifications test core technology expertise, turning them into the perfect beginner-level credentials for Aspirants who wish to work with MS products. The Fundamentals certifications replaced the MTA certifications, which were retired on the month of June 30, 2021.
Besides, you can opt for specialized exams focused on specific domains such as security, Azure (cloud solution), Artificial Intelligence, data, and software like MS 365, Power Platform, and Dynamics. You can also pursue a certification in a demand area. The MS Azure Fundamentals is a great starting point. This certification equips you with the essential knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Cloud concepts, providing a solid foundation for further specialization in the Azure ecosystem.
- Possible Employment: MS server support technician, IT specialist, MS systems administrator, Technician specialist
- Crucial Requirements: There are zero prerequisites.1 examination is needed for each certification.
- Certification Path: Once you have obtained a Microsoft Fundamental certification, you have the opportunity to pursue further certifications in various specializations. For example, you can choose to become an Azure Database Administrator Associate or a Microsoft Certified Security Operations Analyst Associate.
8. CAPM (Certified Associate in PM)
The certification is tailored to aspirants seeking beginner-level project management job positions. While it is not an IT certification, it holds value within the IT industry as project management skills are highly regarded. Pursuing the CAPM certification can be beneficial if you possess a technical background and aspire to transition into a role that focuses more on project management
- Possible Employment: IT project manager, IT project coordinator
- Crucial Requirements: No formal requirements
- Certification Path: For individuals who are committed to advancing their project management career, the next step in the certification path is obtaining the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
9. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Practitioner
Cloud computing is an incredibly sought-after field in the IT industry, alongside security. Among the various cloud platforms available, Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands out as the most widely adopted platform globally. Acquiring expertise in the AWS platform can provide a significant advantage in this rapidly expanding industry.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification serves as an excellent starting point for individuals entering the field of IT, providing them with essential foundational knowledge of AWS. However, as cloud-related roles often require a higher level of expertise, many job positions seek candidates with associate-level AWS certifications. These certifications, which include AWS Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, and Developer, are designed to further enhance your skills and knowledge in AWS.
- Possible Employment: Cloud engineering intern, cloud developer, cloud engineer, cloud architect
- Crucial Requirements: While there are no specific prerequisites for the exam, it is highly recommended by Amazon that candidates have a foundational understanding of AWS services and their applications. It is also beneficial to have approximately six months of practical experience working with AWS.
- Certification Path: After obtaining the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, you have the opportunity to pursue more advanced certifications in the AWS ecosystem.
10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA certification is an associate-level certification that focuses on the fundamentals of IT networking. It offers an all-inclusive knowledge of IP connectivity, network access, and IP services. While the CCNA certification is specific to Cisco products and tools, it remains popular among network professionals due to Cisco's dominant position in the networking market.
- Possible Employment: Network specialist, network administrator, systems administrator, network engineer
- Crucial Requirements: One certification exam is required. There are zero prerequisites to the examination, but Cisco suggests having 1 year of experience and training with computer networks.
- Certification Path: After this certification, aspirants can go on to take advanced-level network certifications, like the CCNP or Junos (JNCIA-Junos).
Conclusion
Making strategic investments in IT certifications can have a profound effect on your career trajectory and overall success. It is crucial to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and evaluate your career goals to identify the certifications that best align with your interests and aspirations. By selecting certifications that are in high demand and relevant to your desired field, you position yourself as a valuable asset in the digital age.
To achieve your certification goals, it is important to dedicate yourself to continuous learning and professional development. This includes enrolling in reputable training programs provided by organizations like Microtek Learning. Their guidance and support will help you navigate the intricacies of the certification process and ensure you are well-prepared for success.
Embrace the digital age, seize the potential that IT certifications offer, and embark on a rewarding career journey with confidence and determination.
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