The benefits of IT Certifications – for employees and employers
If you are an IT professional looking to boost your career or move to even more lucrative job – then you should consider obtaining an IT certification. One of the biggest advantages of having one is that you can improve your job prospects. IT certification programs also offer the chance to network with other professionals within the field. This can benefit you in growing your connections with people who are experts in the desired area. It shows your determination to continuously improve your skill set and it is for sure something attractive to employers in this such competitive sector.
We encourage our clients to provide strategies for employee career growth and IT certification is one of them. When companies cover certifications for their development team, they invest in continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling their own software developers so they can easily adapt to emerging technologies and methodologies. Organizations will have greater chance in retaining their top software talents and in reducing turnover rates.
A study from Pearson shows us data on how much certification actually pays off. We can see that the demand for IT skills has significantly increased in the post-pandemic world. The IT industry evolves rapidly, causing existing skills to become outdated while new ones emerge. The data reveals that 75% of survey participants pursued IT certification to reskill or upskill themselves. Once certified, IT professionals feel more empowered and capable of delivering higher value in their work.
The study indicates that 92% of respondents experienced a boost in confidence regarding their skills. 84% felt more determined to succeed in their career, and 37% even received salary increases.
Employers also benefit significantly from their employees’ IT certifications. According to the report, 81% of certified employees produced higher quality work, 77% demonstrated increased innovation, and 72% reported enhanced efficiency in their tasks. Overall, the research underscores the positive impact of IT certification on both individual professionals and the organizations they work for.
For many respondents, earning a salary increase was a key goal in the pursuit of certification. 37% of respondents received a salary increase after earning their credentials — a significantly higher number than the 28% who reported salary increases in Pearson’s data set from 2020.
Check out some of the trendy IT tech certifications at the moment
1. AWS Solutions Architect Professional
Given that Amazon Web Services (AWS) holds the top position as the largest provider of public cloud services globally, it would make sense to enhance your AWS expertise and obtain the necessary certification in 2023. This will enable you to stay competitive and well-prepared in the dynamic cloud computing industry. Its popularity will continue to increase as more businesses move their IT operations to the cloud.
If you have experience with Linux system administration, a basic understanding of databases and working knowledge of distributed systems and multi-tier architectures, you will be able to gain your certificate.
The exam is a combination of two question formats: 75 questions, either multiple choice or multiple response. It takes 180 mins to complete the test and the current cost is $300.
2. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Certified Professional Cloud Architect
Professional Cloud Architects empower organizations to leverage Google Cloud technologies. The certification is widely recognized and respected. With understanding of cloud architecture and Google Cloud, those professionals design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, highly available, and dynamic solutions to drive business objectives.
While AWS owns 32% of the cloud marketplace, GCP owns 7%. Google is increasingly appealing to newer startups with modern modular applications compatible across any cloud environment. Google suggests at least 1 year of Google cloud experience for anyone intending to take the GCP certification exam as well as 3 years of experience in the industry.
The exam takes about 2 hours to be completed and the format is 50-60 multiple choice and multiple select questions. The cost is $200 and certification is valid for two years.
3. Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
If you would like to get certified as Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, you should possess subject matter expertise in designing cloud and hybrid solutions specifically tailored for Microsoft Azure. This expertise should encompass various aspects, including compute, network, storage, monitoring, and security components. In addition to that, it is also required to have experience in Azure Administration, Development, and DevOps processes.
This certificate will make you more marketable and helps you get lucrative offers. With a 19% market share and continuous innovation, Microsoft tends to bloom, therefore the demand for Expert Azure Solution Architects will be only growing.
The cost of the certification ranges from $99 for Fundamental level certifications to $165 for Associate, Expert, and Specialty certificates.
4. The PMP Certification: Project Management Professional
PMP is a globally acknowledged accreditation in the field of IT project management. This certification serves as evidence of competence in effectively managing projects including teams, goals and budgeting. The certificate is an indication that you have the required skills to drive business results and are capable of managing different projects across the organization.
The PMP certification covers the essential principles of project management, including the five key stages of a project’s life cycle: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling, and closing.
In order to meet the requirements for attending the PMP certification, you would need to have 3-5 years of project management experience, including 4500 hours in a project management role and a minimum of 35 hours of training in a similar project.
If your goal is to move into a managerial, strategic or leadership role, you must consider becoming a certified Project Management Professional.
The fee for the PMP is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members.
5. Certified Data Professional (CDP)
The CDP gives the chance to go across several learning paths around multiple domains, including data analytics, data architecture, data warehouse and data governance. Professionals can choose the specialization suited to their own experience and career goals.
You can also obtain different CDP certifications based on your experience, starting with an entry-level and ending with executive management which is on expert level.
Having a CDP certificate shows a mastery of the core concepts of modern data management, and a working knowledge of the latest data technologies and trends.
The foundation level examination costs $249 and the professional level exam has a fee of $350.
6. Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
The CDPSE certification is designed for professionals who are skilled in data privacy solutions and regulations. Once obtained, it guarantees you have the skills to navigate the increasing complexity of data privacy and security.
You would be eligible for the exam if you have at least 5 years of experience in privacy governance and architecture. This certificate can definitely make you stand out from the crowd and act as a gateway to very lucrative working opportunities.
The cost for the exam is $575.
7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is for experienced cybersecurity professionals, such as CIOs, CISOs, and security managers with at least 5 years of paid, relevant work experience in two or more of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains. As a security professional, you are expected to protect the information assets of an organization by creating policies and monitoring and assessing security risks.
The cost of the CISSP exam is $749, it takes six hours to complete and it is composed of 250 questions. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to pay an annual fee of $125. This certificate will definitely advance your career.
8. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Cybersecurity is a crucial responsibility for companies that need to protect sensitive data from persistent threat actors. This certification is related to the information security governance — a topic with increasing attention and concern for the businesses worldwide. Having CISM is a strong indicator that you possess knowledge and skills in information security governance, program development and management, incident management, and risk management. Employees with these professional skills are highly valuable for any organization.
The price for the exam is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. You would need to pay additional $50 to request the certificate once the exam is passed.
9. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Although the term “ethical hacker” may appear contradictory, these cybersecurity professionals play a vital and indispensable role in safeguarding digital systems and networks. Having the CEH certificate is a proof of your ability to find vulnerabilities in computer systems and to prevent hacking. You will have the knowledge of malicious hacker who uses the same skills and techniques and you will help organizations to establish better security measures so you can prevent potential future threats and attacks.
You will make sure that there are no weaknesses in the organization’s network and systems.
Employing cybersecurity professionals who possess the expertise to utilize the tools and techniques employed by adversarial hackers can be incredibly advantageous.
Cost for the certification is $1,199
It’s time for Certification and the next step is yours.
IT certifications offer a win-win situation for both employees and employers, contributing to individual growth and organizational success. Now it’s time to decide which certification suits your experience and skills the best.
In case you are looking for another IT Specialist or Developer, or you are an IT Professional looking for new opportunities, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@itselecta.com or + 48 508 033 065.