A guide to IT certifications

In the field of IT, where technical skills are a vital part of every job, certification is a valuable asset. In fact, some employers even require it. When it comes to certifications, this field has a long list of options. No matter what your level of expertise is or the specific area of IT that you’re interested in, you’re likely to find an IT certification that can benefit you.

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Top reasons to earn an IT certification

While IT skills are highly sought after today, that doesn’t mean this field isn’t competitive. To get a job in IT, you’ll need to prove that you can do that job and can do it better than anyone else. A certification can help you with that. Liberty Munson works in psychometrics at Microsoft. In a Forbes article titled “Certifications Can Be A Powerful Tool For Measuring Job Skills,” she explains that certifications are highly valued by employers because they provide independent verification of your skills; you can’t get certified without passing an exam. She says, “Certification programs are a rigorous, psychometrically sound process for demonstrating whether someone has the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform a particular job.”

Research shows that IT workers who are certified are likely to earn more and get promoted more often. In its “2023 Value of IT Certification” report, certification provider Pearson VUE summarizes its research of more than 21,000 professionals who obtained certifications through this company. It reports that 37% of those surveyed got a salary increase after becoming certified, with 35% earning an increase of 20% or more. 27% received a promotion. Emily Matzelle, writing in “Why Get IT Certifications?” on the website of certification provider CompTIA, insists, “Ultimately, gaining industry-recognized IT certifications is a professional development opportunity that will differentiate you in a challenging job market, heighten career advancement opportunities and set you on a lucrative career path.”

Types of IT certifications

IT is a broad field, encompassing many different types of jobs for IT professionals. As a result, you’ll find dozens of different certification options. You can get certified for specific tools, like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure, or for more general skills, like networking or security. There are certifications specific to vendors, such as Amazon or Cisco, and others that are vendor-neutral. There are also certifications to suit a variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced.  

Common areas of IT certification:

• Foundational concepts
• Product-specific certifications
• Administration and technical support
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Networking
• Project management

Certifications for IT also come from many different providers, including professional organizations and the makers of IT products. Popular certification providers include Amazon Web Services, CompTIA, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and ISACA. Every certification has unique requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to pay a fee and pass a test at an approved testing center. Most certifications expire after a certain amount of time, at which point you’ll need to retake the exam to renew them.

Popular IT certifications

• CompTIA A+: This is an entry-level IT certification that covers networking, security, operating systems, and mobile devices. Nine to twelve months of experience are recommended. There are two exams, and each costs $253.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate: This certification shows your knowledge in using AWS technologies. At least a year of experience designing cloud solutions that use AWS is recommended. The exam has 65 questions and takes 130 minutes to complete. It costs $150.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This is a networking certification that covers topics like security, access, and connectivity. The exam takes 120 minutes and costs $300.
• CompTIA Security+: This security certification covers security principles and practices and is an entry-level qualification. The exam costs $404.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals: To earn this certification, you’ll need to gain expertise in Microsoft Azure and also learn about cloud concepts. The exam takes 45 minutes and costs $99.
• Google Cloud Certification: This certification comes in three levels: foundational, associate, and professional, each requiring a different level of knowledge of Google Cloud. Exam costs range from $99 to $200, depending on the level.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): This is offered by the Project Management Institute and can be beneficial for IT managers. It tests a variety of project management skills. Three to five years of experience are recommended. The exam has 180 questions and costs $425 for members or $675 for non-members.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This is a more advanced certification designed for IT professionals who are focused on security. Five years of work experience are required. The exam costs $749.

An overview of the steps to IT certification

The first step to certification is to decide which certification you want to pursue. Because there are so many different IT certification options, some people find this daunting. You can narrow your options down by thinking about your professional goals and your reasons for certification. It can also be helpful to get an understanding of the type of certifications that employers are looking for, for instance, by scanning job postings. After that, you can also do some research on the various options, considering things like how well-recognized each one is and how much time and money it will require to earn. 

After you’ve picked a certification, you’ll need to figure out what you need to learn and then start learning it. You’ll also want to register for the exam. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Professional IT training schools like Noble Desktop offer a variety of IT classes, including specific certification classes that can help you with all of the steps in the certification process. These classes generally guide you through a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the material that will be in the certification exam. They may also include a practice test. Finally, you’ll get to take the certification exam, and in many cases will also get a free retake if you need it.