If you work in information technology, IT certifications programs can help set you apart from the competition and earn more money. With the tech landscape constantly evolving, having the right credentials demonstrates your commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices.
The best IT certifications not only validate your skills but can significantly boost your earning potential. Whether you're just starting out and looking for IT certifications for beginners or you're an experienced professional seeking advanced credentials, there's a certification path that can enhance your career prospects.
Which are the best IT certifications in the current market? Read on to find out about top options across security, cloud computing, project management, and more specialized tech fields.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
As the title implies, this is an IT specialist certification that focuses on risk management in information systems. You will need experience and education in risk management, assessment, mitigation, response, monitoring, and reporting.
To receive a CRISC certification, IT professionals need to have demonstrated experience in a minimum of two of the four total topics that the certification covers and must be at least three years in duration. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits need to be taken annually to maintain the certification.
The average salary for CRISC certification holders is $127,507.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Among tech certifications, the CISM is centered on managerial-level IT security. It was specifically developed to demonstrate expertise in building, designing, and managing plans for enterprise security.
To receive CISM certification, IT professionals are required to have a minimum of five years in IT security, which is within a decade of the examination date or five years after passing the exam. CPEs are required for this certification, as well.
The average salary for CISM certification holders is $122,448.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading cloud platform in the industry. Amazon’s AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is meant for IT professionals who already have experience in the platform.
Among the best IT certifications, it is targeted on how to design and to deploy scalable systems on AWS. Certification includes material on balancing cost-effectiveness with keeping the system secure, reliable, and high quality.
To receive this certification, professionals need to:
● Demonstrate a minimum of one year’s experience in designing systems on AWS.
● Know a minimum of one high-level programming language.
● Have a good grasp on best practices in the development of applications based in AWS.
The average salary for this certification is $119,085.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Among IT certification programs, the CISSP certification is accredited and is also officially approved by the U.S. Department of Defense. It has also been accepted as a standard in the U.S. National Security Agency’s ISEEP program.
CISSP certification is also acknowledged worldwide. In terms of IT certifications that pay well, the CISSP is a program intended to aid security personnel in establishing and maintaining best practices in IT security.
CISSP certification requires a minimum of five years of work experience in information security and a minimum of three years of experience in security management. The experience must have taken place within a decade of the exam or five years after passing the exam.
IT professionals are also required to have a minimum of five years of paid experience in at least two of the exam’s topics. The paid experience must be full-time.
CPE credits are also needed to maintain the certification.
The average salary of people with CISSP certification is $118,179.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
The Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification validates skills in implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization's Microsoft Azure environment. This certification is well-respected among IT certification programs for professionals working with cloud technologies.
To qualify for this certification, IT professionals need to:
● Have hands-on experience administering Azure.
● Understand core Azure services, security, and governance.
● Be able to implement, manage, and monitor identity, storage, compute, and virtual networks in Azure.
CPE credits are not required to maintain this certification, but recertification is needed every two years to keep it active and relevant.
The average salary for Azure Administrator Associate certification holders is $121,420.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Among the best IT certifications for security professionals, the CEH credential is designed for those who want to understand how to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems using the same knowledge and tools as malicious hackers, but in a lawful, legitimate manner.
To earn this certification, candidates need to:
● Have at least two years of information security related experience.
● Pass a rigorous exam covering attack detection, attack vectors, and penetration testing methods.
● Demonstrate knowledge of various hacking techniques and countermeasures.
To maintain the certification, professionals must earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units) over a three-year cycle.
The average salary for professionals holding the CEH certification is $116,000.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification is among the most recognized project management credentials worldwide and is highly valued within IT certification programs. It validates a professional's ability to lead and direct projects and teams.
Requirements for PMP certification include:
● 35 hours of project management education.
● 36 months leading projects with a bachelor's degree, or 60 months with an associate degree.
● Passing a comprehensive exam covering project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
To maintain the certification, professionals must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years.
The average salary for PMP-certified professionals is $135,798.
CompTIA Security+
One of the best IT certifications for beginners interested in cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ is a globally trusted validation of foundation-level security skills. It's vendor-neutral and covers essential principles for network security and risk management.
To obtain this certification, candidates need to:
● Demonstrate basic knowledge of security concepts.
● Pass an exam covering threats, vulnerabilities, technologies, and procedures.
● Understand security principles applicable across different environments.
While there are no official prerequisites, CompTIA recommends having the Network+ certification and at least two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus.
The average salary for Security+ certified professionals is $89,234.
Google Professional Cloud Architect
Among the best IT certifications, the Google Professional Cloud Architect certification validates your ability to design, develop, and manage dynamic solutions in the Google Cloud environment. It demonstrates expertise in leveraging Google Cloud technologies to solve business challenges.
To earn this certification, professionals must:
● Have extensive experience with Google Cloud Platform services.
● Understand cloud architecture design principles.
● Demonstrate ability to manage enterprise cloud infrastructure.
● Pass a rigorous exam covering solution design, implementation, and operations.
This certification requires renewal every two years to ensure currency with Google Cloud's evolving platform.
The average salary for Google Cloud Professional Architects is $175,761.
Elevate Your Career with the Right IT Credentials
By staying current with in-demand IT certification programs, you'll position yourself as a valuable asset in the ever-evolving technology marketplace. The investment in your skills today will pay dividends throughout your IT career.
To learn more about the best IT certifications for beginners that will take your career to the next level, contact a staffing professional at Nesco Resource today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best certification to get for IT?
The CompTIA A+ stands out as the best IT certification for beginners entering the field. For those advancing their careers, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) offers exceptional recognition and career opportunities, with approval from the U.S. Department of Defense and global acknowledgment.
What is the highest paying IT course?
The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification offers the highest compensation potential at $175,761 on average. For security professionals, the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification is particularly lucrative, with certified professionals earning an average of $127,507, followed by the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) at $122,448.