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10 Best IT Certifications In Demand Today (2024)

Sethu Meenakshisundaram

19th December, 2023

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IT certifications not only validate your knowledge and skills but also keep you relevant in the fast-paced tech industry. Therefore, numerous IT certifications are in high demand, offering promising career prospects and growth opportunities. 

This blog explores the most sought-after and some of the best IT certifications of the year.

IT certifications are formal validations of an individual's expertise and capabilities in the world of IT technologies and services. These certifications are essential for career progression, particularly for entry-level help desk professionals aspiring to stand out in a competitive job market. 

As per a CompTIA study, a substantial 91% of employers consider IT certifications to be pivotal in their hiring decisions and a dependable indicator of an individual's potential for success within the organization.

Certification holds the key to setting individuals apart in their professional journeys. It not only expands the realm of opportunities but also catalyzes substantial career advancement. Certified professionals often find themselves better positioned for promotions and are less susceptible to potential layoffs than their non-certified peers. 

In this post, we will discuss some of the best IT certifications that may help IT executives get promotions, hikes, or selection for a job. But before that, let's look at IT certifications and their importance. 

What Are IT Certifications?

Information Technology (IT) certifications are formal credentials awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge, proficiency, and competence in specific areas of IT. These certifications are typically conferred by reputable organizations, educational institutions, or industry-specific bodies after individuals successfully meet predefined criteria, including passing standardized exams, completing coursework, or fulfilling practical requirements. 

There are a few best IT certifications covering a wide spectrum of IT domains and are tailored to specific roles and responsibilities within the IT industry. Professionals attain these certifications by passing rigorous exams or meeting industry-established standards. These certificates testify to one's proficiency in specific technologies, methodologies, and operational domains.

Many organizations prefer hiring certified individuals as it signifies that candidates possess the requisite skills and competencies to excel in their roles.

Given the ever-evolving nature of the information technology (IT) industry, staying updated with the latest technological advancements is crucial. This ensures job security and gives an edge during promotions and hiring processes.

The Significance of IT Certifications

In the ever-evolving IT field, a few of the best IT certifications have emerged as crucial validation points for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise and competence in specific domains. These certifications hold a pivotal role in the tech industry for several compelling reasons:

• Validation of Expertise: IT certifications are tangible evidence of an individual's knowledge and proficiency in a particular technology, methodology, or operational area. They validate the ability to meet industry standards and best practices.

• Career Advancement: Certified IT executives with hands-on experience are often better positioned for career progression. Employers value certifications as indicators of an individual's dedication to their field and commitment to staying current with industry trends.

• Competitive Edge: In a fiercely competitive job market, possessing relevant certifications sets job seekers apart. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and enhances the chances of securing desired roles.

• Enhanced Earning Potential: Certified professionals earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. IT certifications reflect a level of expertise that warrants competitive compensation.

• Industry Recognition: Many certifications are globally recognized and respected. They align with international standards, making it easier for certified professionals to work across borders and with multinational organizations.

• Continual Learning: Pursuing IT certifications promotes continual learning and skill development. Certification programs often require ongoing education to maintain credentials, ensuring professionals stay current with technological advancements.

• Job Security: In the dynamic IT field, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies is essential to job security. Certifications help professionals remain relevant and prepared for industry changes.

As we delve into the best IT certifications, we must recognize their immense significance in shaping careers and fueling professional development. In the following sections, we'll explore a selection of the most most in demand IT certifications in the current year and the impact they can have on your career trajectory.

 10 Best IT Certifications In 2024

Below are the 10 best IT certifications that can open doors to exciting opportunities and empower you with the skills required in today's tech-driven world.

1. Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)

Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) certification is designed for professionals responsible for data privacy and security. It validates expertise in developing and implementing data privacy solutions that comply with regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and CCPA. This cybersecurity certification helps professionals validate the technical skills and knowledge required. It helps them to assess, build, and implement comprehensive privacy solutions to mitigate risks and enhance organizational efficiency.

The certification is offered through the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a non-profit professional association focused on IT governance. To be eligible for exams, you need to have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in Privacy Governance, Privacy Architecture, and Data Lifecycle. CDPSE can help you stand out from the crowd and can open doors to lucrative opportunities.

2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is one of the best IT cetrifications globally recognized for professionals in auditing, control, and assurance. It focuses on information system control, audit processes, and risk management, preparing individuals to manage and assess IT systems. This certification helps to validate your knowledge and showcase expertise to apply a risk-based approach to planning, execution, and reporting on audit engagements. It is helpful for those IT executives who want to build a successful career in auditing, control, and security.

Professionals who want to get a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certificate need to pass the exam. The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be solved in 4 hours.

The exam is available in multiple languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, etc., and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) has test centers worldwide.

3. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a widely respected certification for project managers. It emphasizes project management best practices, covering areas like scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder management, enabling professionals to excel in project management roles. It is the world's leading project management certification that helps professionals validate their project management and leadership skills, which an organization requires.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification shows that you have the required skills to drive business results and can manage different projects across the organization.

Professionals with at least three years of project management experience and 35 hours of Project Management Professional (PMP) related education can be eligible to take the PMP exam.

3. Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification is tailored for cloud architects working with Google Cloud. It validates skills in designing, developing, and managing Google Cloud's solutions, including infrastructure and applications. This certification helps you to showcase your knowledge and understanding of cloud infrastructure and Google Cloud technologies. A qualified professional gets ideas about how to plan and design scalable and secure cloud infrastructure.

The exam for getting this certification assesses abilities like designing and planning a cloud solution architecture, managing implementation of cloud architecture, and designing secure and scalable business solutions in the cloud.

The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect exam is available in English and Japanese language, and its duration is 2 hours. Once you pass the exam, the certificate is valid for two years, and to maintain it, you'll need to retake and qualify again.

4. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is the pinnacle of Cisco's certification program. It helps you to validate your expert-level infrastructure network design skills, and it is one of the most prestigious networking certifications in the information technology(IT) industry. It demonstrates mastery in designing, implementing, and managing complex Cisco networks and solutions, making it essential for networking professionals.

This certification program continuously updates and revises testing tools and methodologies to ensure program quality, relevance and value. Professionals need to qualify for a written exam as well as a performance-based lab exam to get this certification.

5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM is for individuals involved in information security management. It focuses on governance, risk management, security incident management, and compliance. CISM-certified professionals are adept at managing an organization's information security. Being (CISM) shows you possess expertise in information security governance, program development and management, incident management, and risk management.

CISM certification can help you transform from an IT executive to an IT managerial role. The exam for Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification consists of 150 multiple-choice questions whose total score is 800. To qualify for the exam and get the certificate, you must score at least 450.

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a premier certification for cybersecurity professionals. It covers various domains, including security and risk management, asset security, and security operations, preparing individuals for roles in cybersecurity and information security. This certification helps you to accelerate your career in cybersecurity by validating that you have the expertise and knowledge to design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program within your organization.

You also become a member of The International Information System Security Certification Consortium and get access to exclusive resources, educational tools, and opportunities to network with professionals.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam is 3 hours long, consists of 100-150 questions, and costs $749. To maintain your certification, you'll need to pay an annual maintenance fee of $125.

7. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certifications provide a framework for IT service management. They encompass IT service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual service improvement, promoting efficient IT service delivery and support. This cloud certification demonstrates that you have knowledge and skills in service management best practices, utilizing processes and methods that are used in modern information technology (IT).

Organizations seek ITIL-certified professionals to help them grow and transform the business to achieve desired results. ITIL-certified professionals also help organizations improve their quality of service delivery and decrease the time, money, and other resources spent on the entire service development lifecycle.

ITIL Foundation certification enhances the credibility of IT executives and opens opportunities for many job roles. It also helps professionals to become solution-oriented and leaders in their field.

8. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification is an entry-level certification for those looking to understand Microsoft Azure cloud services. It covers basic cloud concepts, Azure services, and pricing models, making it a starting point for cloud professionals. It validates your basic knowledge of cloud services and how they are provided with Microsoft Azure.

Being certified with this certification also demonstrates your ability to understand cloud concepts, Azure services, workloads, security, privacy, and more. Thus, it helps you to stand out from the crowd at the time of job opportunities or promotions for relevant posts.

Having familiarity with the concepts of networking, storage, cloud computing, application support, and application development helps you qualify for the certification exam.

9. Amazon Web Services Certified Cloud Practitioner

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an introductory certification for Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates foundational cloud knowledge, covering AWS services, architectural best practices, and cloud economics.

Getting an helps IT teams validate their knowledge and understanding of the AWS cloud platform. Professionals learn about basic technology, security, compliance, and financial aspects associated with AWS technologies.

You need to pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam to earn the certification. The knowledge of AWS services and use cases, billing and pricing models, security concepts, and how cloud services impact business helps you while taking the exam. A basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS cloud platform is also needed to pass the exam.

These certifications cater to many IT domains, from data privacy and cloud architecture to project management and cybersecurity. These certifications can enhance career prospects and provide specialized expertise in the IT industry.

After acquiring these certifications, you may seek tools to simplify your workflow, and Zluri, a SaaS management platform, is one such solution.

Zluri: Empowering IT Teams with Effective SaaS Management

Zluri is an advanced SaaS management platform (SMP) designed to automate and simplify numerous SaaS operations management tasks. This includes gaining in-depth insights into SaaS applications, monitoring app usage, handling license management, and much more. By automating these time-intensive processes, Zluri empowers your IT team to reclaim valuable time and resources, enabling them to concentrate on core priorities.

To provide a comprehensive view of Zluri's capabilities, we've compiled a list of its benefits:

1. Complete Visibility Into SaaS Apps

Zluri employs five efficient discovery methods to gather comprehensive insights into your organization's SaaS applications. 

IT teams can access a wealth of data, including the number of applications, user access, critical apps, compliance information, and more. This extensive data enables IT teams to effectively manage applications by identifying duplicates, assessing security risks, tracking application expiration dates, and more.

2. Categorization of SaaS Apps

Zluri categorizes all applications within your SaaS stack into various groups, streamlining app management. These categories include Managed Applications (approved by IT), Unmanaged Applications (unapproved by IT), Needs Review (pending review), and Restricted Applications (limited usage). 

This categorization serves several purposes: it allows IT teams to restrict employee access to unapproved apps, enhancing security and data protection, and it also helps identify critical applications with high-risk profiles.

3. Effective License Management

Zluri provides valuable insights into software license utilization rates, indicating the percentage of unused licenses in relation to the total.

This data empowers IT teams to make informed decisions about which licenses to continue, eliminate, reallocate, or reassign. Additionally, they can identify the need for additional licenses, optimizing their usage and reducing unnecessary SaaS expenses. 

4. Upcoming Renewal Notifications

Zluri provides a renewal calendar that ensures IT teams stay well-informed about upcoming renewals. IT teams receive default alerts for contract renewals, including notifications 30, 15, and one day before, as well as payment renewals with alerts seven days and one day before. 

Custom alerts are also available, allowing teams to prioritize high-value contracts and maintain a proactive approach to license management.

5. Curated Reports

Zluri allows IT teams to conduct in-depth audits and generate precise reports on application usage.

Zluri allows IT teams to conduct in-depth audits and generate precise reports on application usage. These reports enable IT teams to closely monitor each application, track activities, and detect any unauthorized access. 

With this valuable information, IT teams can take proactive measures, such as restricting user access or suspending accounts, to prevent security breaches

6. Preparation for Compliance Audits

Zluri plays a crucial role in preparing organizations for compliance audits by providing IT teams with detailed compliance-related data for each application. 

It allows organizations to schedule access reviews at regular intervals, ensuring consistent and comprehensive evaluations. 

Whether you require monthly, quarterly, or annual reviews, Zluri can be configured to meet your organization's specific needs. This comprehensive repository of compliance data is invaluable during audits, ensuring that organizations are well-prepared to meet compliance requirements.

Having seen the benefits of Zluri in streamlining your SaaS management, why not explore it for yourself? !

FAQs

1. How do you choose the right IT certification?

Selecting the right IT certification depends on various factors, including your career goals, current skill set, and the specific area of IT you wish to pursue. Research the most in-demand IT certifications and assess how they align with your career aspirations. Seek advice from experienced IT professionals or consider top certifications in IT to make an informed choice.

2. Are IT certifications worth it?

Yes, IT certifications are generally worth the investment. They can significantly enhance your career prospects by validating your expertise and improving your job opportunities. The best IT certifications are often in demand, and holding a relevant IT certificate can lead to better job prospects and higher earning potential.

3. What's the easiest IT certification to get?

The ease of obtaining an IT certification depends on your existing knowledge and experience. Some entry-level tech certifications are relatively easier to acquire, such as CompTIA A+ or Network+, but their value may be limited compared to more advanced certifications. Consider your career goals and the most demanded IT certifications to choose the one that best fits your profile and objectives.

About the author

Sethu Meenakshisundaram

Sethu is the Co-founder of Zluri. He believes SaaS and APIs will help everyone become a builder. He frequently writes on SaaS management and workplace automation. Before Zluri, he was part of the founding team at KNOLSKAPE, one of the leading corporate learning gamification startups that he helped scale across 30 countries. Other than technology, Sethu is passionate about quizzing, board games, and photography. His retirement plan is to operate a board game bistro in one of the touristy spots of Southeast Asia.