Boost Your Career with These Top IT Certifications

Certifications are your competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape. While formal education lays the foundation, certifications validate your skills and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. They not only enhance your credibility but also pave the way to higher-paying roles and advanced career opportunities. 

IT certifications are formal acknowledgements of expertise in specific technology areas, typically awarded after successfully passing an exam or completing a rigorous course of study. Many public and private organisations require professionals to hold certifications to ensure their teams are equipped with the latest knowledge. By investing in relevant certifications, you can differentiate yourself from the competition, command higher salaries, and advance your career rapidly. In fact, according to CompTIA, a remarkable 91 per cent of employers view IT certifications as a critical part of the hiring process.

This article will delve into some of the most in-demand IT certifications across key fields, from cybersecurity to cloud computing. You’ll learn how these certifications can refine your skill set and elevate your career trajectory, empowering you to reach new professional heights.  

CompTIA A+ 

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized entry-level IT certification that serves as a foundational stepping stone for individuals seeking careers in technical support. Issued by the IT association CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), the performance-based certification requires candidates to pass two computer-based exams in the Core Series—the 220-1101 and 220-1102. The exams cover operating systems, mobile devices, security, networking, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. 

IT professionals with the CompTIA A+ certification often work in roles such as IT support specialists, technicians, desktop support analysts, and help desk support. These jobs involve assisting users with their computer and network issues. Many well-known companies, including Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and HP, value the CompTIA A+ certification when hiring IT staff. 

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a foundational certification for IT professionals who work with Cisco networking technologies, such as network administrators, support engineers, and help desk technicians. It demonstrates your basic understanding and skills in computer networking. Achieving the CCNA certification shows you are familiar with essential networking principles, such as network security, IP services, and automation. To get the certification, you must pass the CCNA core exam “Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions.” This exam tests your understanding of various networking topics, including network fundamentals, network access, security basics, automation, programmability, IP services, and IP connectivity. 

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) 

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification, offered by ISACA, is a globally recognised certification for information systems audit control. Established in 1978, it certifies your ability to evaluate compliance procedures, assess vulnerabilities, and understand each phase of the auditing process. To be eligible, you need at least five years of experience in IS auditing, control, or security, along with completing an entry-level exam within the ISACA certification framework. The certification encompasses five key areas: Information Systems Auditing Process; Governance and Management of IT; Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation; Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience; and Protection of Information Assets. 

Mid-career professionals looking to validate their skills in information systems auditing should consider obtaining the CISA certification.  It is valuable for IT auditors, security analysts, consultants, risk managers and compliance officers seeking to advance their careers. 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Practitioner 

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the most widely used cloud platform. If you’re new to the field of IT, getting the entry-level AWS Cloud Practitioner certification can be a great starting point. It will help you understand the basics of cloud computing architecture and how AWS works.  

You must take a 90-minute online or in-person exam to get the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. The exam has 65 multiple-choice or multiple-answer questions. It will test your basic knowledge of the AWS cloud, its services, and the terms used in cloud computing. The certification is helpful for employees in areas like sales, product management, or project management who want to learn more about cloud computing and communicate better with technical teams and customers. While there are no formal requirements for taking the exam, Amazon suggests having a basic understanding of AWS services. Having about six months of experience working with AWS is also recommended.

CompTIA Security+ 

The CompTIA Security+ entry-level certification teaches you how to do basic security functions. You’ll learn about encryption, physical security, and wireless security. To get certified, you must pass one exam that covers six areas: attacks, threats and vulnerabilities; architecture and design; implementation; operations and incidents; governance, risk, and compliance; and cryptography and PKI. 

The certification is perfect for IT professionals who want to work as security administrators, systems administrators, and network administrators. To get certified, you need at least two years of work experience in IT administration, with a focus on security. You’ll learn to implement and configure security systems for networks, applications, and mobile devices upon completion. 

Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer 

The Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer certification is for people who want to be experts at using Google Cloud to create software delivery pipelines, deploy and monitor services, and manage and learn from incidents. The certification illustrates your capability to implement DevOps to make software development and operations more efficient, especially in cloud environments. 

You must demonstrate proficiency in incident management, service monitoring techniques, and performance optimization for optimal outcomes to get this certification. Additionally, you should be skilled in automating software delivery, securing cloud environments, and utilizing Google Cloud tools like Kubernetes Engine, Cloud Build, and Stackdriver. Although there are no specific requirements, Google suggests having at least three years of industry experience and one year of experience designing and managing Google Cloud-based production systems. 

This certification is an asset if you want to enhance your skills in managing and operating cloud services. Additionally, you can explore job opportunities at companies that utilise Google Cloud. 

ITIL 4 Foundation 

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a worldwide framework of best practices for IT service management. It aims at minimising risk, enhancing customer relationships, and supporting IT environments. For IT professionals, obtaining an ITIL Certification can showcase a comprehensive understanding of the IT Service Management (ITSM) Lifecycle. ITSM is the process of planning, delivering, and managing IT services to meet customer needs. The ITIL 4 exam evaluates your knowledge of the guiding principles of ITIL 4, the four dimensions of service management, and essential concepts like Lean, Agile, and DevOps. 

The ITIL 4 Foundation certification benefits IT executives, architects, operations managers, audit managers, planners, consultants, database administrators, ITSM trainers, service delivery professionals, quality analysts, application management and development teams, and IT managers. It covers the fundamentals of IT service management and outlines best practices for creating, delivering, and improving technology-driven products and services.

Distilled 

We hope this guide has helped you pinpoint the ideal certifications to jump-start your IT career. By selecting the right certification, you can enhance your skills and unlock exciting possibilities in the tech industry. Remember, competition is fierce, so differentiating yourself with relevant certifications is crucial.