Top IT Certifications to Pursue in 2023

In the fast-paced tech landscape, IT certifications have become crucial for staying ahead. As the Global Knowledge 2023 IT Skills and Salary Report states, 85% of IT professionals hold at least one certification, underscoring their importance.

Two fields taking the spotlight are cybersecurity and cloud computing. With cybercrime costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the need for qualified cybersecurity professionals is clearer than ever. Concurrently, cloud computing, set to grow by 23.1% in 2023, offers a myriad of opportunities for career advancement.

Continuous learning in these areas is not merely about staying relevant; it's about leadership in tech. This article will guide you through the top IT certifications in 2023, beneficial for everyone from rookies to seasoned professionals. Let's chart your course toward a future of opportunity.

Top Cybersecurity Certifications in 2023

In a world where the digital sphere continually intersects with our daily lives, cybersecurity has morphed from an afterthought to a forefront concern. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there's a ransomware attack every 11 seconds, affecting 70% of businesses. Let's now explore the leading certifications which could enable you to be the new wave of digital defenders.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification acts as a springboard for IT professionals venturing into the cybersecurity domain. It validates the core knowledge required for any cybersecurity role and provides a stepping stone toward intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. Professionals seeking roles as Security Administrators, Consultants, or Network Administrators can benefit from this certification. Demand for Security+ certified professionals remains high, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 31% growth in Information Security jobs through 2023.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is a globally recognized credential ensuring in-depth knowledge of security concepts and practices. It's designed for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives, looking to validate their knowledge across eight domains. Cybersecurity Ventures report that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2023, making CISSP-certified professionals more sought-after than ever.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM is a leading certification for management-focused IT professionals inclined towards governance, risk management, and incident response. It's suitable for IT consultants, audit managers, IT executives, and security directors. According to ISACA, the organization that offers CISM, professionals with this certification earn about 47% more than their non-certified counterparts, proving the demand for CISM-certified professionals in the marketplace.

Top Cloud Certifications in 2023

As the IDC predicts that public cloud spending will reach over $500 billion in 2023, the need for professionals with cloud skills is increasing exponentially. Let's explore the top cloud certifications that can help you seize these opportunities.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional

This certification validates advanced technical skills and experience in designing distributed applications on AWS. It's ideal for Solutions Architects and IT professionals designing and implementing AWS services. According to the Global Knowledge 2023 IT Skills and Salary Report, AWS Certified Solutions Architects earn among the top-paying IT certifications, reflecting the high market demand.

Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect

This certification enables IT professionals to design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, and dynamic solutions on Google Cloud. It's for Cloud Architects and IT professionals managing cloud solutions. With Google Cloud capturing 10% of the cloud market share in 2023, this certification is growing in value.

AWS Certified Developer

The AWS Certified Developer certification is for developers designing and maintaining AWS applications. As per Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insights, jobs requiring AWS skills will grow 37% over the next five years, solidifying this certification's demand.

Google Cloud – Cloud Digital Leader

This certification is for professionals guiding a team in implementing Google Cloud's capabilities. IT leaders and tech decision-makers are the prime candidates. As Google Cloud adoption grows, Digital Leader certification holders can expect a surge in job opportunities.

AWS Certified Security – Specialty

This certification is for professionals performing security roles with AWS. Ideal for Security Engineers and Specialists, with a projected 33% growth in information security analyst roles by 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), this certification is becoming a must-have.

General IT Certifications

While specialization is crucial in IT, a broad-based understanding of technology can also prove invaluable. Certifications like CompTIA A+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) equip professionals with foundational knowledge relevant to various IT roles.

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification is often regarded as the starting point in an IT career. It covers a range of technology from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security. This certification is ideal for entry-level IT professionals or those interested in breaking into the IT field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for computer support specialists, a role well-suited for CompTIA A+ certified individuals, are expected to grow 8% by 2029.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certification validates the holder's ability to install, configure, and operate medium-sized routed and switched networks. It's beneficial for Network Support Engineers, Network Administrators, and System Engineers. Cisco, the provider of this certification, estimates that there will be a shortage of 1 million network professionals by the end of  2023, suggesting a strong market demand for CCNA-certified professionals.

Management and Process Certifications

In the intertwined worlds of business and IT, management and process-oriented certifications are becoming increasingly vital. These certifications validate a professional's understanding of how to align IT initiatives with business goals effectively.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), validates a professional's ability to manage and lead projects. Ideal for Project Managers and team leads, the PMP is globally recognized and highly valued. According to PMI, employers will need 87.7 million individuals working in project management roles by 2027, ensuring a robust demand for PMP-certified professionals.

IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

The ITIL certification focuses on IT service management (ITSM) best practices, intending to align IT services with business needs. This certification is perfect for IT managers, consultants, auditors, and anyone involved in ITSM. As per a report by MarketsandMarkets, the ITSM market is expected to grow to $12.2 billion by 2025, underscoring the demand for ITIL-certified professionals.

Certified ScrumMaster

The Certified ScrumMaster certification validates understanding and application of the Scrum framework, often used in agile project management. ScrumMasters, Project Managers, and team leads find this certification beneficial. According to the 2023 Scrum Master Trends Report, 81% of Scrum Masters hold a certification, highlighting its relevance and demand in agile environments.

Shape your future

Navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape calls for a commitment to continuous learning, underscored by the right IT certifications. At our firm, over 25% of our seasoned tech experts hold three or more professional certifications, showcasing our dedication to excellence and continued growth.

Considering a career move? Let us help. Join our team of experts to unlock your potential and propel your career goals.