In the fast-paced world of tech, leveling up your skills is non-negotiable. 91% of hiring managers consider certifications to be a crucial factor in their hiring processes, according to a study by CompTIA. For IT professionals, certifications are the secret weapon to showcase their dedication, knowledge, and expertise in a particular field of technology, making them stand out in a crowded job market.
Ready to snag that high-paying tech job? Let's dive into the most sought-after certification programs. Here's your playbook for getting started.
Looking for high-paying remote jobs? Join Index.dev and connect with leading US enterprises, startups, and projects for long-term opportunities →
1. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
In the realm of cloud technology dominance, Google emerges as a reliable guardian of data. The escalating reliance on cloud solutions has magnified the role of cloud architects, making them indispensable for organizations of all sizes. The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect validates the engineer's proficiency in crafting, managing, and implementing secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions with Google Cloud technologies.
This certification helps engineers build and optimize cloud architectures that are not just efficient, cost-effective, and resilient but also align seamlessly with organizational goals.
Key Features:
- Validates expertise in Google Cloud's infrastructure and services.
- Enables the design and optimization of efficient, cost-effective, and resilient cloud architectures.
- Requires a minimum of three years of industry experience, including at least one year in Google Cloud solution design and management.
Prerequisites:
- Exam fee: $200
- Recommended industry experience: 3+ years
Perks:
- One of the highest-paying certifications with an average salary of $160,961.
- Level: Advanced
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
AWS certifications stand tall, consistently ensuring high salaries for skilled professionals and garnering substantial investment from IT leaders. Amazon's AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional holds particular significance, validating advanced technical skills and expertise in crafting robust systems on the AWS platform.
Key Features:
- Validates advanced technical skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
- Tailored for seasoned solutions architects, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of AWS architecture and design.
- Expertise in devising and implementing complex AWS architectures, optimizing infrastructure, enhancing security, and reducing costs.
Prerequisites:
- Exam fee: $300
- Hands-on experience: 2+ years
- Familiarity with scripting languages, Windows, Linux, and various AWS services.
Perks:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate commands an average salary of $149,446.
- Level: Intermediate
Looking for high-paying remote jobs? Join Index.dev and connect with leading US enterprises, startups, and projects for long-term opportunities →
3. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional stands out as a testament to an individual's proficiency in operating and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform. This certification has gained substantial traction, with a remarkable 52% increase in job listings requiring it, according to Lightcast.
Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum of two years of experience in provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language and the ability to build highly automated infrastructures.
- Additional skills include administering operating systems, familiarity with modern development processes, and knowledge of continuous delivery systems and security controls on AWS.
Cost:
- Exam fee: $300
Perks:
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer commands an average salary of $128,428.
- Level: Advanced
Also read: 7 most in-demand AI jobs & careers right now
4. CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
Cybersecurity remains a top priority for organizations safeguarding sensitive data against relentless cyber threats. ISACA's Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a highly credible and high-paying credential in the cybersecurity domain.
Certification Significance:
- Demonstrates the ability to effectively lead security teams and initiatives.
- Validates skills in managing, designing, and assessing an enterprise’s information security.
- Expertise acknowledged in information security governance, risk management, program development, and incident management.
Requirements:
- Cost: $575 USD for ISACA members, $760 USD for non-members.
- Prerequisite: 5+ years of professional work experience in the specified domains.
Perks:
- Ranked as the second highest-paying certification, offering an average annual salary of $162,347.
- Level: Advanced
5. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing service, is among the company's most profitable products. It's also a technology that's widely used by companies, and the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect certification allows developers to show that they have the right expertise in developing cloud and hybrid applications.
Certification Insights:
- Engineers require a solid understanding of IT operations, including virtualization, disaster recovery, and security.
- Prerequisite: Completion of Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification.
Requirements:
- Cost: $165 in the USA (varies based on location).
Perks:
- Azure Fundamentals certification holders enjoy an average annual salary of $146,601.
- Level: Intermediate
6. BTA Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP)
According to IT leaders, 66% express a need to enhance their teams' blockchain skills. Only a mere 9% feel confident in the existing skill set of their teams, according to the IT Skills and Salary survey. The Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) certification validates software engineer's expertise in blockchain security. It is tailored for diverse professionals, including blockchain architects, developers, system administrators, and network security architects.
Certification Insights:
- Addresses the pressing need for enhanced blockchain skills.
- Covers fundamental blockchain security, smart contract security, and blockchain risk assessment.
Requirements:
- Exam Cost: $275 USD (online).
Perks:
- CBSP certification holders command an average annual salary of $132,962.
- Level: Intermediate
Also read: 6 Machine Learning certifications for an increased salary
7. ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) qualification is for IT professionals specializing in IT risk management and information systems control. It has a proactive approach based on Agile methodology that equips IT professionals to enhance business resilience, deliver stakeholder value, and optimize risk management across the enterprise.
Key Knowledge Areas:
- Corporate IT Governance
- IT Risk Assessment
- Risk Response & Reporting
- Information Technology & Security
Requirements:
- The exam cost $575 for ISACA members, $760 for nonmembers, plus an additional $50 for certification application (within five years of passing the exam).
Perks:
- CRISC certification holders enjoy an impressive average annual salary of $140k.
- Certification Level: Advanced
Also read: 7 AI coding tools to help you become a 10x developer
8. Oracle Certified Master
The Oracle Certified Master (OCM) stands out as one of the most advanced certifications in the realm of database administration. It targets database administrators, technical consultants, and support engineers who are looking for the next step in their career.
Prerequisites:
- Obtaining the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional (OCP), completing two specialty courses.
- Possessing fundamental knowledge of the Linux command line.
- Candidates should boast a minimum of 3 years of experience as an Oracle Database Administrator.
Cost:
- Varies based on the candidate’s location.
Perks:
- Holding the Oracle Certified Master credential opens doors to an average salary of $117k.
- Level: Intermediate
Looking for high-paying remote jobs? Join Index.dev and connect with leading US enterprises, startups, and projects for long-term opportunities →
9. PMP®: Project Management Professional
The Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification stands as one of the most esteemed certifications in the field, affirming the ability to adeptly manage projects. Tailored for project managers, the PMP certification assures employers and clients of a project manager’s wealth of experience and knowledge.
A PMP certification in 2023 yielded an impressive average salary of $148,290, signaling a considerable increase in earnings and underlining the escalating demand for project management skills.
Requirements:
- PMP exam fee is $405 for members and $555 for non-members.
- Aspirants should boast a minimum of 3 years of experience leading projects.
Perks:
- The average salary of a PMP holder is $123,000.
- Level: Intermediate
10. Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI)
Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) certification attests to engineers' proficiency in deploying and managing virtual infrastructure components, VMs, performing operational tasks, and initiating disaster recovery.
Knowledge Objectives:
- Manage Cluster, Nodes, and Features
- Manage Cluster Storage
- Configure Cluster Networking and Network Security
- Analyze and Remediate Performance Issues
- Configure, Analyze, and Remediate Alerts and Events
- Manage VM Deployment and Configuration
Requirements:
- Suited for those with around three years of professional experience, including one year specifically working with Nutanix.
- The test fee for NCP-MCI is $199 per attempt.
Perks:
- Holding the Nutanix Certified Professional certification opens doors to an average annual salary of $137,576, reflecting the value placed on this expertise in the job market.
- Level: Intermediate
11. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, often regarded as the gold standard, signifies expertise in Scrum – an Agile development methodology. It equips engineers with hands-on skills for managing team accountabilities and guiding teams in applying Scrum principles.
Requirements:
- CSM exam fees range from $250 to $1,900, offering various options.
- Higher-priced with personalized one-on-one tutoring.
Perks:
- Holding the CSM certification positions you for an average salary of $121,228, reflecting the value placed on Agile and Scrum mastery.
- Level: Beginner
Also read: Scrum Master vs. Product Manager: Which Role is Right for Your Remote Tech Team?
12. Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals certification provides a foundational understanding of machine learning, AI concepts, and Azure services. It showcases proficiency in describing AI workloads, principles of machine learning on Azure, and features of computer vision and NLP workloads on Azure.
Skills Tested:
- Explore artificial intelligence workloads and considerations.
- Grasp fundamental principles of machine learning on Azure.
- Understand computer vision workloads on Azure.
- Familiarize yourself with Natural Language Processing (NLP) workloads on Azure.
Requirement:
- Exam fee is $99.
Perks:
- Azure Fundamentals certification holders enjoy an average salary of $101,730.
- Level: Beginner
Looking for high-paying remote jobs? Join Index.dev and connect with leading US enterprises, startups, and projects for long-term opportunities →
13. Google Certified Professional Data Engineer
Google Cloud's Professional Data Engineer certification from Google Cloud is a coveted qualification, historically associated with lucrative salaries. With data-related roles experiencing rapid growth, professionals in positions such as data engineers, scientists, and specialists are in high demand. This certification attests to an individual's proficiency in constructing and managing effective data processing systems using Google Cloud. It signifies the capacity to develop secure, scalable, and reliable data solutions.
How Engineers Benefit:
- Specialized expertise in handling and analyzing vast datasets.
- The newly-acquired skills contribute to enhancing operational efficiency, facilitating data-driven decisions, and fostering innovation within the organizational framework.
Requirements:
- Exam fee is $200.
- 3+ years of industry experience and a year of managing solutions using Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Perks:
- GCP Data Engineers enjoy an average salary of $96,618 per year.
- Level: Intermediate
Also read: Migration to the cloud: 5 Essential Steps for Success
How to Find Tech Certifications
Here's a concise guide to some of the most impactful platforms for discovering tech certifications:
- Udemy: Udemy, a colossal platform boasting 183,000+ video courses, stands out for its affordability, frequently offering substantial training discounts. However, it's crucial to note that Udemy allows unaccredited instructors to sell courses, impacting its credibility for academic and certification pursuits.
- Coursera: With over 4,400 courses in its arsenal, Coursera stands tall as an online learning powerhouse. Collaborating with 200+ universities and companies, it offers a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited IT courses. Over 6,000 campuses leverage Coursera for comprehensive online learning.
- edX: Co-founded by Harvard and MIT, edX boasts 35 million users and 3,000+ online courses from 160+ institutions, including tech giants such as Amazon and Google. Specialized concentrations, like the Professional Certificate in IT Project Management from the University of Washington, provide targeted learning experiences.
- LinkedIn Learning: Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning is a robust on-the-job learning portal with a repository of 16,000+ courses. Tech-centric courses, often taught by industry professionals, cater to real-world skill development. While certifications are available for IT courses, some may come with an extra cost and lack accreditation.
Also read: 5 top countries with the highest software engineer salaries
Top 3 Tech Certifications That Pays the Most
If showcasing your expertise in a specific tech domain is on your agenda, consider certifications from tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, or Cisco. Holding a sought-after IT certification can mean earning 5% to 10% more compared to your peers.
Here's a quick look at the top trends we've noticed in the highest-paying certifications:
- Cloud Certifications: Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect boasts an average salary of $160,961, and Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect (Associate) isn't far behind at $149,446. Given the vital role of cloud infrastructure in organizational success, certifications from these cloud giants dominate the high-earning landscape.
- Cybersecurity Certifications: With the surge in cybersecurity threats, companies are investing more in InfoSec talent. Cybersecurity certifications are in demand, reflecting the need for expertise in countering threats like ransomware attacks.
- Project Management Certifications: Agile leaders are in high demand, and certifications play a crucial role for project managers. The Certified Scrum Master, with an average salary of $121,228, and PMI’s PMP certification, boasting an average of $123,000, underline the trust and value organizations place in certified project management professionals.
Summing Up
While an IT certification may not be a prerequisite for practice, its impact on your professional trajectory is undeniable. Here's a concise breakdown of the advantages that IT certifications bring to the table:
- Skill Building: Certifications serve as structured paths to enhance your skills and proficiency in specific technologies or IT roles. They provide a focused and comprehensive learning experience, ensuring you stay abreast of industry advancements.
- Personal Branding: An IT certification acts as a badge of expertise, setting you apart in a competitive landscape. It contributes to building a robust personal brand, signaling to employers and clients that you possess validated skills in your domain.
- Higher Pay: Demonstrating competency through certifications often translates into higher earning potential. Employers and clients recognize the value of certified professionals, leading to more competitive compensation.
- Network and Community: Certification programs often bring professionals together, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Engaging with this network provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and staying connected with industry trends.
As an IT professional, consider certifications not just as credentials but as strategic investments in your career. Beyond the immediate benefits of skill validation, they contribute to a thriving personal brand, increased earning potential, and a supportive professional network.