Top 15 IT Certifications

Staying ahead in the IT field requires more than just experience—it demands a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Enter best IT certifications: industry-recognized credentials that validate your skills, enhance expertise, and significantly boost your career prospects.

Whether you’re an aspiring IT professional, a seasoned expert looking to pivot into a new domain, or a manager aiming to equip your team with cutting-edge skills, the right certification can be a game-changer.

In this article, we’ll explore the top IT certificate programs for 2024, highlighting those that offer the best return on investment, align with emerging sphere trends, and cater to a range of specializations.

Best IT certifications for beginners

1. CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification is a highly respected designation that serves as the cornerstone of a successful IT career.

This IT training encompasses a broad range of foundational skills required for computers, including hardware, networking, operating systems, and troubleshooting. This certification is designed to validate your ability to solve common technical issues and support various infrastructures.

Cost. ~$246 per exam (2 exams required)

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Includes a combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions that test practical skills

Questions. May involve selecting answers, dragging and dropping items, or performing simulations. Each exam (Core 1 and Core 2) has up to 90 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years; options include earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs), taking the latest version of the exam, or obtaining higher-level CompTIA certifications

2. CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification is designed for IT staff who want to deepen their knowledge of networking.

This basic IT certification covers a wide array of networking topics, including architecture, troubleshooting, and security. The concentration is ideal for those interested in roles that focus on managing and configuring network infrastructures. It validates your skills in handling network-related tasks and understanding various technologies and protocols.

Cost. ~$338 per exam

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Features multiple-choice questions that assess networking skills

Questions. Includes performance-based scenarios. Up to 90 questions per exam

Renewal. Every 3 years; renewal can be achieved through earning CEUs or passing the newer exam version

3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Azure Fundamentals credential provides an entry-level understanding of cloud services.

It includes essential concepts such as Azure services, and pricing and support structures. This tech certification is perfect for those who are new to cloud computing and wish to build a career in this rapidly growing field. It lays the groundwork for more advanced Azure certifications and roles in cloud administration.

Cost. ~$99 per exam

Duration of Study. 1 to 3 months

Exam Format. Predominantly multiple-choice

Questions. Typically between 40 to 60 questions

Renewal. No requirement; however, staying updated with new Azure features and updates is recommended

4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - v11

The Certified Ethical Hacker v11 IT training is tailored for those who aspire to enter the cybersecurity field. It checks fundamental principles of ethical hacking, including tools used to identify and mitigate security threats.

This certification demonstrates your ability to think like a hacker to defend against malicious attacks, making it valuable for roles focused on security analysis and ethical hacking. It provides a solid foundation for understanding advanced security concepts and practices.

Cost. ~$1,199 for the exam

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice questions designed to test knowledge of ethical hacking techniques and tools

Questions. 125 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years; renewal requires earning Continuing Education credits or passing the most recent version of the exam

5. Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

The Cisco Certified Technician certification focuses on the fundamental skills needed to support Cisco networking equipment.

It includes diagnosing, restoring, repairing, and replacing critical network devices. This IT certification training provides practical knowledge and hands-on skills essential for managing and troubleshooting Cisco-based network infrastructures.

Cost. ~$300 per exam

Duration of Study. 3 to 4 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice questions focusing on Cisco networking and hardware

Questions. 60-70 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years; renewal involves getting Continuing Education credits or entering a higher-level Cisco certification

6. Google Associate Cloud Engineer

The Google Associate Cloud Engineer computer certification is aimed at candidates who want to document their ability to deploy, manage, and monitor applications and services on the Google Cloud Platform.

This assessment addresses basic GCP tasks such as setting up cloud environments, configuring networks, managing data storage, and ensuring application security.

Cost. ~$125 per exam

Duration of Study. 1 to 3 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice and multiple-select questions

Questions. 50-60 questions

Renewal. Recommended to stay updated with Google Cloud’s latest offerings, though there is no formal renewal requirement

7. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner IT certification provides a core competency in Amazon Web Services.

It covers key concepts related to cloud computing, AWS services, and their common use cases. This IT training is intended for anyone who wants to demonstrate a basic familiarity with the AWS cloud without having deep technical expertise.

Cost. ~$100 per exam

Duration of Study. 1 to 2 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice, multiple response

Questions. 65 questions

Renewal. There is no specific recurring obligation to re-certify. However, keeping up-to-date with AWS’s latest services and features is advisable

8. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate is targeted at students who want to gain foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity operations.

The tech certification includes essential topics related to security operations, including network security, incident response, and security monitoring.

Cost. ~$300 per exam

Duration of Study. 2 to 4 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice

Questions. 60-70 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years. Updates can be attained through CEUs or by acquiring higher-level Cisco certifications

9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The Certified Information Systems Auditor computer certification is a globally recognized credential for people specializing in IT auditing, control, and security.

It validates your ability to assess, control, and monitor an organization’s information systems. This degree is highly valued in the IT audit, governance, and compliance fields and represents a broad awareness of practices, risk management, and control frameworks.

Cost. ~$760 (ISACA member), ~$1,050 (non-member)

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice

Questions. Approximately 150 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years. Renewal requires earning Continuing Professional Education credits, with a minimum of 20 CPE hours per year and a total of 120 over the 3-year certification period

10. ITIL Foundation

The ITIL Foundation certification provides an introduction to ITSM framework, which is widely recognized for its best practices in delivering IT services.

This IT certification covers key concepts, terms, and processes related to service management, making it suitable for individuals seeking to understand and implement ITIL practices in their organizations.

Cost. $300 per exam

Duration of Study. 1 to 2 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice

Questions. 40 questions

Renewal. From 2023, all PeopleCert Global Best Practice Certificates require renewal after three years

11. The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The Certified ScrumMaster IT training certification is designed for individuals who wish to demonstrate their understanding of Scrum methodologies and their role within a team.

The CSM focuses on the fundamentals of Scrum, including its roles, events, artifacts, and rules. It prepares people to facilitate Scrum processes effectively, help teams improve productivity, and ensure successful project delivery.

Cost. ~$1,000 to $1,500 (includes course and exam)

Duration of Study. 1 to 2 weeks (following a course)

Exam Format. Multiple-choice

Questions. 50 questions

Renewal. Every 2 years; requires earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs)

Best professional IT certifications

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification is one of the most esteemed credentials in the information security industry.

It is offered by ISC and is recognized globally for its comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity principles. The CISSP designation is appropriate for experienced practitioners, managers, and executives who are responsible for developing and managing programs. It validates deep knowledge across a broad range of security principles.

Cost. ~$749

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice and advanced questions

Questions. 100-150 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years. To maintain the CISSP certification, you must earn 120 CPE credits and pay an annual maintenance fee of $85

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH tech certification, offered by the EC-Council, is an assessment that focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques.

It is geared toward IT pros who want to display their capabilities to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in systems using the same methods as malicious hackers but in a legal and ethical manner.

Cost. ~$1,199

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice

Questions. 125 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years. Renewal can be achieved by earning CEUs through professional development activities or by passing a higher-level certification. Alternatively, you can retake the CEH exam to renew your certification

3. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills.

While it is a basic IT certification, it also gives you a strong grounding for advancing to more senior roles with additional experience. The training covers core areas such as troubleshooting, system administration, networking, security, and customer service. It is highly valued for its practical, hands-on approach to IT support skills.

Cost. ~$39 per month (through Coursera)

Duration of Study. 6 months

Exam Format. Quizzes and practical assessments

Questions. Varies by course

Renewal. Although there is no official recertification policy for this license, ongoing growth are recommended for career advancement

4. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP from the Project Management Institute, is one of the most recognized and respected credentials in the field.

It demonstrates a professional’s ability to manage and lead projects effectively, covering all phases of management from initiation to closure. The PMP certification validates your proficiency in project management methodologies, practices, and techniques.

Cost. ~$555 (for PMI members) and $405 (for non-members)

Duration of Study. 3 to 6 months

Exam Format. Multiple-choice

Questions. 180 questions

Renewal. Every 3 years. Renewal requires earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in project management activities

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Conclusion

Choosing the right IT certification depends on your work goals, current skills, and areas of interest. Each credential offers unique benefits and can significantly impact your career trajectory.

Investing time and resources into earning these tech certifications not only enhances your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the IT industry.

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