In an era of constantly changing IT industry, which is becoming more and more specialized, having the right certificates can be the key to accelerating your career and standing out on the job market. Due to the huge number of specializations in IT, a multitude of solutions and technologies, it is not easy to choose the right path of development. A proven way to expand your knowledge, gain practice in working with the latest technologies, which in turn leads to an increase in earnings and level of specialization are industry certificates.
Overview of IT industry certifications
IT certificates can be counted in hundreds, if not thousands. What are the most valued certificates? Is it worth investing your time in free IT certificates? What IT certificates are worth doing in 2024/2025 and what are the most desired IT certificates by employers. We answer these and many questions about certification in the IT industry in the article below.
Why is it worth getting IT certificates?
Getting IT certificates brings many benefits that can significantly affect your professional development and success in the technology industry. First and foremost, they allow you to self-educate, develop your skills, and update your knowledge, which is confirmed by a recognized certification. Getting IT certificates also allows you to specialize in a narrow area of IT solutions, which translates into greater competitiveness on the labor market and higher earnings.
It is worth remembering that getting IT certificates is not only an investment in your career development, but also a way to follow market trends and stay up to date in the dynamically changing world of technology.
What are the most valued IT certifications?
There are many certificates in the IT industry that are valued by employers and employees. In line with current trends, the most desirable are certificates related to IT security (CISSP, CEH, CISM), certificates confirming competences in cloud computing (AWS, Microsoft, Google) or network certificates (CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+). Some companies also value candidates with certificates related to managing large IT projects (PMP, PRINCE2).
IT Certifications for Developers – Which Are the Best?
Choosing the right certificate for a developer depends on the programming language they work with on a daily basis. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose from the most valued IT certifications for developers, including:
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
A certificate focused on creating and maintaining applications running on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. It is worth getting because AWS is one of the most popular cloud platforms, and having a certificate confirms knowledge of cloud services and building applications based on microservices.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
A certificate confirming the skills of creating, implementing and maintaining cloud-based applications on the Microsoft Azure platform. It is valued by employers looking for specialists able to work with cloud applications, which is currently one of the key trends in IT.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE
One of the most well-known Java developer certifications. It confirms Java programming skills and knowledge of best practices. Earning this certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of complex aspects of Java programming, which is still the leading programming language in many projects.
Google Professional Cloud Developer
A certificate confirming the ability to design, build, and deploy applications on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It is ideal for developers working with GCP and wanting to confirm their skills in cloud solutions.
Cloud Computing Certifications – Are They Crucial to Your Career?
Cloud computing is currently one of the fastest growing fields in the IT industry, along with cybersecurity. Cloud computing certifications can be crucial to career development, especially for those who want to specialize in cloud technologies or develop their IT infrastructure skills. Although acquiring them requires an investment of time and money, the benefits of improving your qualifications can significantly affect your professional development, salary increase, and access to more demanding and rewarding projects. What certifications are worth considering?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
This certificate confirms the ability to design scalable and secure systems on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. It is one of the most popular certificates for specialists working with AWS, which makes it very recognizable on the job market.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
A certificate confirming advanced skills in designing solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. Azure is one of the main cloud providers (including in government services), and this certificate attracts the attention of employers looking for Microsoft cloud experts.
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
This certificate verifies the ability to design and manage solutions in Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Thanks to the rapid growth of GCP popularity in our country (among others used by WOŚP), this certificate is valued in companies using the Google ecosystem.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The certificate confirms administrative skills in managing Kubernetes clusters, which are the basis of modern cloud solutions. Kubernetes is widely used to manage containers, and its knowledge is highly valued among companies implementing cloud solutions regardless of the chosen provider.
IT security certificates – which ones are worth doing?
In the case of cybersecurity, certificates are extremely important to confirm your skills in this area. Having them is crucial when recruiting employees. Protecting data and systems from cyber threats is currently a huge challenge, and the market lacks the right specialists. To strengthen your skills and develop a career in this sector, it is worth taking an interest in the following certificates:
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional is one of the most prestigious certifications in the field of IT security. It confirms advanced knowledge in the field of information security management. CISSP is recognized worldwide and often required for management positions in the security department. It helps to understand a wide range of security issues, such as access control, cryptography, business continuity planning, and risk management.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
CEH certification prepares professionals to test system security and detect potential vulnerabilities to prevent real attacks. This certification is ideal for people who want to work as penetration testers or security specialists. The training process teaches methods of thinking like a hacker and techniques used to assess the security of systems (IT security audits).
CompTIA Security+
Security+ is a foundational certification that validates knowledge of threats, cryptography, security management, and network security. It is an excellent starting point for those starting a career in IT security. It is also recognized by employers as proof of basic security competencies.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
The CISM certification focuses on information security management and prepares professionals for the role of a security manager. It should be invested in by those who want to advance to management positions and manage security programs in organizations.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
The GSEC certification confirms that the holder has the skills necessary to conduct security-related activities in practice. It is an initial/basic certification for professionals who want to confirm their skills in the basic principles of network and systems security.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA confirms skills in auditing, monitoring and assessing IT systems. Currently, it is a valued and required certificate among specialists dealing with audits and control of IT systems. It is also useful for people working in the areas of compliance and risk assessment.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP confirms knowledge in the field of cloud environment security and cloud data protection. In a time when more and more companies use cloud solutions, this certification becomes extremely useful for specialists dealing with cloud security and hybrid environments.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The OSCP certification is an advanced penetration testing certification that requires hands-on skills in exploring systems and conducting real attacks. It is valued by employers for its practical nature and high level of difficulty. It is often required for offensive IT security positions.
Network certificates – what should you choose?
The network is currently the least visible element, without which no IT environment would function. Designing, implementing and managing a modern network infrastructure adapted to the current challenges of remote work is the basis of every IT solution. People dealing with networks have several recognized certifications to choose from. These include:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The most basic Cisco network certification that validates skills in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting small and medium-sized networks. It is widely recognized worldwide and provides a solid foundation for further development in the field of computer networks.
CompTIA Network+
The second of the entry-level certifications that confirms skills in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks. Similar to CCNA, it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for further development.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
CCNP is a progression of CCNA for more experienced networking professionals that covers advanced topics related to routing, switching, security, and WAN technologies. It validates deeper knowledge of networking and opens doors to more advanced roles in IT.
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)
Juniper JNCIA certification confirms knowledge of basic networking concepts and the ability to work with Juniper devices, which are often the basis for building a modern network in large organizations. This is a valuable qualification for specialists working with Juniper technologies, especially in large enterprises and data centers.
IT Certification FAQs
IT certification is a popular topic that raises many questions among professionals preparing to deepen their knowledge or confirm it with a popular and standardized certificate. Below are the answers to the most popular questions related to IT certifications.
Steps to Obtaining an IT Certification – How to Prepare?
To obtain an IT certification, you must define your training goal and choose the appropriate certificate. In the next step, it is worth checking or gaining basic knowledge, starting and completing a training/certification cycle, and properly preparing for the exam. After the certification exam, it is worth constantly monitoring and updating your knowledge, as well as gaining further certifications.
Do IT Certifications Really Affect Your Earnings?
Yes, having certifications can have a positive impact on your salary. Professionals with certifications, especially advanced ones like CISSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or CCIE, often earn significantly more than their peers without certifications.
Which IT certifications are useful for beginners?
Depending on specialization, useful IT certifications for beginners include:
- CompTIA Network+ and CCNA for networking specialists
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and Google Associate Cloud Engineer for network engineers
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and CompTIA Security+ for those looking to pursue cybersecurity
Are IT certifications a substitute for formal education?
IT certifications can supplement formal education, but they are usually not a complete replacement. Employers often value certifications as proof of practical skills, but a college degree can be just as important, especially in higher-level positions.
Can you earn IT certifications online?
Yes, many certification exams can be taken remotely, and preparation for them is available online in the form of courses, videos, and e-books.
Do IT certifications have an expiration date?
Yes, many certifications have a limited expiration date, usually 2 to 3 years. After that, you need to renew your certification by taking a re-exam or earning CPE (Continuing Professional Education) points.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for a Certification Exam?
The amount of time you need to prepare depends on your experience and the difficulty of the certification. Basic certifications like CompTIA Network+ may only take a few weeks of intensive study, while advanced certifications like CCIE may require a year or more of intensive study.
How much do IT certifications cost?
The cost of certifications depends on their level and popularity. Basic certifications, such as CompTIA A+, can cost just over 1,000 PLN, while more advanced ones, such as CISSP or CCIE, can cost up to several thousand PLN, including preparation and exams.
