IT certifications can help professionals break into the field, stand out in the competitive job market, and pursue higher-level, lucrative positions.
Whether you’re new to tech and looking for a basic certification or a seasoned pro who wants to receive recognition for your specialized skills and experience, there’s a certification for you.
While the best tech certifications are those that serve your experience and career goals, these credentials can help you secure a more lucrative job in IT. Certifications in IT help you tout your skill set so you can vie for raises and qualify for better-paying positions.
On this page, you’ll find an exploration of the best tech certifications available in 2021. You’ll discover different types of IT certifications, what you’ll need to prepare for certification exams, and where to learn more.
What is a certification?
Earning a certification means that you’ve passed an exam or met the standards of an industry via an assessment process. Certifications usually require some work experience and help you verify your mastery in a specific area. Most aren’t connected to an academic institution or degree.
Certificates in the tech field serve as credit or noncredit-based proof of completion of an education program. Some are offered via colleges or other institutions. They can prepare you for specific careers or further education, or help you develop specialized knowledge. Some certificate programs also award a credential upon completion.
Learners with little or no experience can pursue entry-level certificate programs. However, most certifications require relevant professional experience.
What’s the difference between certifications and degrees?
Academic institutions offer programs for degree-seekers. Certifications, on the other hand, come from third-party providers who meet industry-wide specifications. Providers may include research institutes, professional associations, or large corporations such as Amazon and Google.
Associate and bachelor’s degrees often take two and four years to complete, respectively. These programs offer a broad education in a field. Many colleges and universities today offer IT degree programs that also prepare you to sit for IT certification exams.
By comparison, certifications focus on specific skills and build upon experience you already possess.
Preparation for a certification exam depends on your needs, experience, and how long you choose to study. Every learner is different, but you should plan on 2-4 months of preparation before each certification exam. Some prep programs take up to six months to complete.
Which certification is right for you?
There are dozens of valuable certifications available today, so how do you know which one is the best tech certification for you? Would a certification help you stand out from the crowd or help you prove your IT expertise? There are a few things to keep in mind as you explore options.
First, consider your depth of knowledge and experience. Since certifications are not necessary for every role in IT, find one that will help you expand your knowledge or validate your skills in a particular area.
Second, does a certification fit your schedule and budget? Certification providers usually offer online, hybrid, and in-person preparation courses. The cost varies among certifications, and not all providers allow you to take the certification exam remotely.
Tech certification cost
Tech certification costs vary by provider, platform and location.
Some certification programs charge for study materials and practice exams. Some elearning platforms that host certification prep programs offer a free trial period.
Depending on the exam fee and whether you pay for prep materials, you can spend $150-$1,200 per certification. Most exam fees are $330-$500.
Must-have certifications in 2021
The following list contains some of the best IT certifications for tech professionals. We chose programs from widely recognized providers and certifications, ranging from entry-level to popular advanced certifications.
Bear in mind that this list is not all-inclusive. No certification meets every professional’s career goals or role.
The time it takes to earn these certifications depends on how much self-prep you do and preparation classes you choose to take.
Basic certifications
Entry-level tech certifications best serve professionals who wish to break into the IT field. They can also provide a strong foundation for workers early in their careers who want to seek out new or specialized roles in IT. With a basic certification and work experience, you can pursue more advanced certifications later on.
Time to complete: ~6 months
Cost: $39/month
Exam required: No
This fully online certificate program helps students learn skills for entry-level IT jobs. Training includes instruction in wireless networking, customer service, program installation, and computer assembly. You can expect to spend about 10 or fewer study hours per week in these classes. Test-takers do not need prior IT work experience.
Time to complete: Varies
Cost: $300
Exam required: Yes
This certification suits professionals with knowledge and skills in network access, IP connectivity, security fundamentals, automation, programmability, and network fundamentals. Learners must complete one training course, which grants a level 200 training badge and 30 continuing education credits, before taking the exam.
Time to complete: Varies
Cost: $127 each
Exam required: Yes
Microsoft offers certifications in Windows operating system, server administration, networking, and security fundamentals. Test-takers need at least a fundamental knowledge of operating system concepts in Windows 10.
Time to complete: Varies
Cost: $370
Exam required: Yes
This certification validates your hands-on skills when it comes to cybersecurity measures, including risk assessment, enterprise networks, hybrid and cloud operations, forensics, and incident response. This is a good choice for learners with existing work experience in cybersecurity.
Time to complete: Varies
Cost: $338
Exam required: Yes
This certificate best suits learners interested in IT infrastructure jobs with skills in network configuration, troubleshooting, security, and network management. The exam also covers ethernet solutions, configuring wireless technologies, and optimizing networks for business continuity. Test-takers should possess at least nine months of networking experience.
Time to complete: ~6 months
Cost: $39/month
Exam required: No
This beginner-level, seven-course program helps students develop essential skills in UX research and design, usability testing, Adobe, XD, wireframes, and prototypes. The program includes over 200 hours of instruction and helps students develop a UX portfolio.
Programming certifications
Certifications in programming languages demonstrate your mastery of new technologies and languages. Even if your portfolio demonstrates your programming language skills, a programming certification may help distinguish you in the competitive job market.
Time to complete: Varies
Cost: $195
Exam required: Yes
This certificate benefits workers with experience in areas including advanced programming with Python, object-oriented programming, graphical user interface programming, and network programming. The certification also covers xml modules and csv modules. Prospective test-takers must possess a certified associate…