Work in tech and looking to take your qualifications to the next level in 2023? Adding a certification to your resume can be a great way to do it. Certifications teach specific, real-world skills in any area that might interest you. They demonstrate your abilities to employers in a way that's both quantifiable and specific, making it easy to show them that you can fulfill the relevant job requirements. Obtaining them also shows your dedication to maintaining and developing your career.
Below are 10 of our favorite tech certifications for 2023!
1. ITIL® Foundation
Description: The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a framework of best practices for working in IT. Since 2013 the ITIL guidelines have been maintained by Axelos. Their site describes the certification (now on version 4) this way:
ITIL 4 Foundation introduces an end-to-end operating model for the creation, delivery and continual improvement of technology-enabled products and services.
ITIL 4 Foundation is for anyone who needs to understand the key concepts of IT and digital service delivery, and who is interested in helping their organization embrace the new service management culture. It is for professionals at the start of their ITIL 4 journey or people looking to update their existing ITIL knowledge.
Potential Pay: The ITIL Foundation certification is used by a wide variety of professionals in the IT and technology spaces. It might be utilized (among other qualifications) by an IT Technician, for whom indeed.com reports an average annual salary of $67,383.
Where to get it: Learn more about the ITIL Foundation certification from Axelos here.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Description: The Microsoft corporation offers a wide variety of certifications related to their products and operating systems. The Azure Fundamentals certification is a great place to start. From Microsoft.com.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, mastering the basics in Microsoft Azure can help you jump-start your career and prepare you to dive deeper into the many technical opportunities Azure offers.
The certification validates your basic knowledge of cloud services and how those services are provided with Azure. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of cloud concepts, along with Azure services, workloads, security, privacy, pricing, and support.
Potential Pay: Azure Fundamentals is a foundational certification used by a wide variety of professionals whose salaries vary.
Where to get it: The certification is offered directly from Microsoft. Learn more about it here.
3. Google Professional Cloud Architect
Description: Like Microsoft, Google offers a multitude of certifications relevant to its platforms and product offerings. The Professional Cloud Architect is a popular and useful choice. From Google's certification page:
Professional Cloud Architects enable organizations to leverage Google Cloud technologies. With a thorough understanding of cloud architecture and Google Cloud, they design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, highly available, and dynamic solutions to drive business objectives.
Potential Pay: Among other qualifications, this certification might help you earn the job title of Cloud Architect. Cloud Architects earn varied salaries depending on the type of work they do and the company they work for, but glassdoor.com reports that they receive an average annual salary of $197,325.
Where to get it: The certification is offered through Google. Learn more about it here.
4. AWS Certified Developer Associate
Description: Like Microsoft and Google, Amazon Web Services maintains its own set of certifications for working on its platform. This one is for developers. From the AWS website:
AWS Certified Developer - Associate showcases knowledge and understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices, and proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications by using AWS. Preparing for and attaining this certification gives certified individuals more confidence and credibility. Organizations with AWS Certified developers have the assurance of having the right talent to give them a competitive advantage and ensure stakeholder and customer satisfaction.
Potential Pay: An AWS Certified Developer Associate certification could be one factor in helping you become an AWS Developer. Glassdoor.com reports that AWS Developers earn an average annual salary of $120,089.
Where to get it: Learn more from Amazon Web Services here.
5. Certified ScrumMaster
Description: Scrum Alliance provides technology certifications for agile technology teams. Their Certified ScrumMaster certification is a widely-recognized qualification intended to demonstrate that the recipient understands how to lead using their framework.
Potential Pay: The skills taught in ScrumMaster certification are intended to be used by a wide variety of management professionals with varied qualifications and titles. With that in mind, glassdoor.com reports that those with the job title of Scrum Master receive an average annual salary of $117,239.
Where to get it: The certification and associated classes are offered through scrumalliance.org.
6. Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (CCA-V)
Description: This is an entry-level certification for administrators and tech support staff who use Citrix. From Citrix.com:
The Citrix Certified Associate - Virtualization (CCA - V) validates the skills IT operators and administrators need to install, configure, and manage a highly available environment comprised of Virtual Apps and Desktops Delivery Controllers, Cloud Connectors, StoreFront, Citrix Workspace app, Director, Studio and Profile Management that resides either on-premises or in the Citrix Cloud.
Potential Pay: According to Global Knowledge, Citrix Certified Experts in Virtualization can earn an annual salary of $125,870.
Where to get it: The certification is offered through Citrix. Learn more about it and other Citrix certifications here.
7. Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
Description: the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) offers this certification, which indicates that the recipient has the basic skills involved in digital and computer forensics. It's used by government and law enforcement agents and those working under their direction.
Potential Pay: Among other qualifications, a CFCE certification could help you land a job as a Computer Forensic Examiner. Glassdoor.com reports that holders of this job title earn an average annual salary of $109,507.
Where to get it: The CFCE certification is offered through the IACIS. Learn more here.
8. Certified Ethical Hacker
Description: Certified Ethical Hackers are hackers that companies hire to test their own websites for security risks. The CEH certification is overseen by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council).
Potential Pay: While certification may not be the only requirement for employment, Payscale reports that those with the job title of Certified Ethical Hacker receive an average annual salary of $83,823.
Where to get it: Education and certification are offered by the EC-Council. Learn more here.
9. Certified Information Security Manager
Description: The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is managed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). They describe the certification this way:
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification indicates expertise in information security governance, program development and management, incident management, and risk management.
Potential Pay: According to the ISACA website, holders of the CISM certification earn an average annual salary of $145k.
Where to get it: Learn more about the CISM certification from the ISACA website here.
10. Certified Business Analysis Professional
Description: The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification comes from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIAB). Their description of the certification is as follows:
The Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP ®) designation is a professional certification for individuals with extensive business analysis (BA) experience. CBAP® recipients are the leading, senior members of the BA community.
Potential Pay: The certification is intended for business analysts who already have years of experience in the field, which could lead to varied specializations, titles, and levels of pay. That said, glassdoor.com reports an average annual salary of $74,084 for those with the job title of Certified Business Analyst.
Where to get it: Learn more about the certification from the IIAB website here.
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