By Gibbes Hance
Working in IT can be an awesome career path. The job opportunities are plentiful, and the pay is pretty great. But in such a competitive field, how do you stand out from the crowd? One powerful way is by earning respected IT certifications. These credentials prove you have serious skills and expertise that employers value highly.
What Are IT Certifications?
IT certifications are qualifications awarded by major tech companies and organizations. They verify your knowledge and abilities in specific areas like cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, and more. Earning an IT certification involves studying for and passing a challenging exam.
Some of the most well-known IT certs include CompTIA’s A+, Security+, and CASP, Cisco’s CCNA and CCNP, AWS’s cloud certifications, and Microsoft’s MCSA credentials. There are entry-level generalist certs for beginners, plus advanced expert-level options for seasoned pros.
Why IT Certifications Matter
Simply put, having IT certifications makes you way more hirable. They show prospective employers you have verified technical skills rather than just claims on a resume. Certifications demonstrate dedication, as earning them requires lots of hard work, studying and preparing.
Globally recognized IT certs help your credentials get noticed at top companies. They can also qualify you for higher salaries and more specialized roles. Many certifications need to be renewed periodically too, motivating you to keep your knowledge sharp.
Boosting Career Prospects
Getting certified pays major dividends for both launching an IT career and accelerating an existing one. Passing CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ exams are common first steps for breaking into an entry-level role like IT support specialist or computer technician.
The Security+ certification is considered the gold standard for cybersecurity fundamentals. The people at ProTrain tell us that pursuing more advanced options like the CASP (cybersecurity analyst) or SSCP training (systems security certified practitioner) can elevate you into senior security roles.
Similarly, Cisco’s CCNA certification validates networking skills for jobs like network admin or engineer. The CCNP then proves expertise for specialized network professional tracks. Cloud computing professionals often start by achieving an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner cert before tackling solutions architect and other higher-level AWS specializations.
Adding “Microsoft Certified” to your resume tells hiring managers you excel at deploying and managing Microsoft technologies and infrastructure. The possibilities for using IT certifications to upskill and advance your career path are limitless.
Finding the Right Fit
With so many IT cert options out there, which ones are ideal for your goals? Start by evaluating your existing experience level and interests. Then research job descriptions for roles you are targeting to see what certifications employers prefer or require.
CompTIA and Microsoft credentials are great for IT generalists. Cisco certs are critical for networking jobs. Cloud provider badges from AWS, Google, and Azure are must-haves for working in that booming realm. Any cyber defense positions should prioritize security certifications.
No matter which IT certification(s) you pursue, having an intentional plan is key. Don’t spread yourself too thin attempting to knock out too many at once. Focus first on one or two highly relevant, marketable credentials based on your immediate professional aspirations.
Conclusion
Just because you landed your dream IT job doesn’t mean your certification journey should end either. The tech world continues evolving at a rapid pace, so you must continually upgrade your verified skills, too.
Many sought-after IT certifications require getting re-certified every few years. Always have your eye on the next relevant credential that can accelerate your growth. A commitment to lifelong professional development through certifications keeps you ahead of the curve.
IT certifications are investments in your future that create incredible value on your resume. With strategic preparation and the right credentials, new career opportunities will be well within reach.
