If you are looking for a way to advance your career, you may want to examine your professional qualifications. Most industries have some certifications that increase salaries, better job prospects, and potential new career opportunities.
Certification can verify your IT skills and experience to show your employer that you have work experience.
You can be certified with the skills you already have or the skills you want to implement in your career. Whatever your reason, when you’re looking for a job, certification is a great way to enhance your resume and make you stand out from other candidates.
One of the easiest ways to get a promotion, salary increase, or job change is to get a quick, high-paying certification. Certificate programs help develop the skills and experience required for a particular job. With a salary of $ 171,749, Google Certified Professional Data Engineer is the highest paying job on Skillsoft’s newly released annual Global Knowledge 15 Top-Paying Certifications List.
This list reveals the most in-demand skills and technology areas for organizations, as well as the average salaries associated with them. it goes ahead to describe the most sought-after professional qualifications and what you need to do to achieve them.
What is a certification program?
The certification program provides special training to help you acquire the skills and experience required for a particular job. Certificates exist in a variety of industry positions, including healthcare, management, and information technology (IT).
These programs are useful not only for those who are just starting their career but also for those who have many years of experience and want to improve their skills and even those who are looking for a career change in middle age. You can get some certificates within a few months. Certifications also tend to be less expensive than degree programs.
Why do you need a certification?
The professional organization awards a certificate to ensure that you have the specific knowledge or skills needed to get the job done. You will usually receive credentials after completing your training or after gaining experience throughout your internship, stay, or post time.
Certification involves meeting certain criteria and usually passing an exam. Credentials are usually valid for a limited time and should be renewed regularly. Your employer may require you to be certified before you can be promoted or increased.
Getting qualifications is more common in some professions than in other professions kinds of professions such as sports. Whether you need certification depends on your state, your employer, or the type of work you want to do. This is different from a license issued by a government agency that grants legal ability to work in the profession.
What is the difference between Certificates, Certifications, and Licenses?
Obtaining a variety of professional qualifications, certificates, or licenses can increase your training and career options. The terms sound similar, but they have different meanings and functions.
Certificate: A certificate can indicate that you have completed a course in a vocational or educational program. These are not degrees and do not confirm that you are working in a particular profession or industry. For example, you may receive a certificate to complete an administrative training program.
Accreditation: Accreditation recognizes that you have the professional skills and training that meet the standardized standards of a particular professional association, company, or independent organization. These are used as industry standards and may be needed to grow your career. For example, an accounting firm may require your account to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Certifications typically include education and exam components and can be renewed every few years.
License: The state government uses a license that authorizes you to work in a particular area. They usually require exams and proof of education and experience. For example, suppose you have a state license to become an electrician, doctor, teacher, or plumber.
Top 20 Certifications that can Land you a Job in 2024
Numerous certificates are provided by reputable suppliers in various fields. We highlight the top 20 certifications that will help you make good decisions and increase your income potential.
1. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP)
With GCP Cloud Architect certification, you can plan and create cloud solution architectures. Get a deeper understanding of Google Cloud Platform and cloud architecture. Design technical and business processes and the security that surrounds them. It helps you manage your cloud architecture implementation and ensure operational reliability.
Cloud architects will be able to design, develop, and manage business solutions using Google Cloud technology. The certificate is valid for two years and can be re-authenticated to keep it valid. Certification is provided based on a multiple-choice 2-hour exam.
The exam registration fee is $ 200. Google recommends that ambitious cloud architects have at least three years of industry experience, including one year of design and management experience on Google Cloud Platform. The average annual salary of a GCP cloud architect is estimated at $ 176,000, making it one of the most paid certificates.
2. Certified Data Professional (CDP)
Certified Data Professional (CDP) certifications are available at the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) and offer several learning paths. CDP candidates can choose from a variety of domains, including business analytics, data analytics, and design, data management, data integration and interoperability, data management, data storage, enterprise data architecture, information systems, and IT management.
CDPs are offered at various levels, from establishment and progress to final-level termination of associates, domains, directors, and executives.
Median annual income: $45,000
3. Certified Ethical Hacker
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification provided by ECBoard demonstrates the ability to detect vulnerabilities in computer systems and prevent hacking. As an ethical hacker, you are someone who uses the same skills, techniques, and knowledge as a malicious hacker to take better security measures to prevent future attacks.
Ethical hackers are responsible for detecting vulnerabilities in your organization’s networks and systems and using that knowledge to protect your business from potential threats.
Median annual income: $81,000
4. Certification Information Security Manager (CISM)
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification addresses information security, a topic of increasing concern for businesses around the world. This certification is intended for IT professionals who are responsible for or manage IT security and want to show their expertise in managing information security, managing information risks, and developing and managing IT security programs.
IT or IS security experience is recommended. This certification is intended for people who work in IT and have management in mind.
Median annual income: $126,525
5. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert Certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for stakeholder advice and creating reliable cloud solutions for the enterprise.
Professional-level exams cover skills and knowledge in infrastructure implementation and setup, workload and security implementation, and application construction and implementation.
The exam also covers topics such as designing data platform solutions, business continuity, infrastructure strategies, and how to develop for the cloud. You need to know how to determine workload requirements, how to design a data platform solution, how to design a business continuity strategy, and how to design for implementation, migration, and integration.
Median annual income: $119,412
6. Microsoft Certified Solution Associate (MCSA)
Microsoft offers several Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications on topics such as BI reports, Office 365, database development, web applications, Windows Server, Windows 10, and various other Microsoft products and services.
MCSA certifications are designed for entry-level technicians, so if you’re just starting in your IT career, these certifications can help you strengthen your resume. Keep in mind, however, that Microsoft is renewing its certification program and MCSA is giving way to role-based certification. Median annual income: $ 75,000
7. Certified Professional Contractors (CPC)
This is the second and highest level of the AIC Certification Program. CPC is suitable not only for those who have several years of experience in projects but also for those who want to take their career to the next step.
With CPC, your project can include people with validated experience who know about the effectiveness and efficiency of your project. In addition, like CA, certified professional contractors comply with the AIC Code of Ethics. CPC switched to web-based testing in the spring of 2016. This certification exam is taken twice a year at many test centers within the period.
8. Project Management Specialist (PMP)
PMP certification is provided by the Project Management Institute and is intended for advanced project management staff. This certification covers the basics of project management, including five key phases of the project life cycle: start, plan, run, monitor, control, and end.
To take the exam, you need at least 4 years of degree and 3 years of experience in project management, 4500 hours of leadership and project management, and 35 hours of project management training. If you have a high school degree, you will need 5 years of experience, 7500 hours of project instruction and direction, and 35 hours of project management training.
Median annual income: $106,000
9. Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Network Engineer:
This certification provides all the skill sets and hands-on experience needed to install network structures, maintain compatibility of multiple connections, assign virtual network roles, and ensure network security. You can gain experience in setting up various network services.
10. EDGE
EDGE (“Design Excellence for Greater Efficiencies”), an innovation of IFC, a member of the Global Bank Group, gives market leaders a competitive advantage by differentiating their products and adding value to their customers’ lives. Provides an opportunity to win. EDGE brings speed, market intelligence, and investment approaches to next-generation green building certification in more than 170 countries.
11. Salesforce Certification Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer:
This certification is part of the Salesforce Architecture Certification segment. This certification exam is offered as a specialty that can be taken under the Certified Systems Architect Certification Pass. Designed for IT professionals responsible for assessing enterprise architecture environments and requirements, it demonstrates the ability to implement management solutions on the Salesforce platform.
Median annual income: $ 91,000
12. Construction Management Certification Institute (CMCI):
CCM provides professional services to apply effective and efficient management methods for project design, layout, and construction from start to finish. In addition, monitor and control the value, quality, and time of your project. This certification can be a sign of professional performance. CCM helps clients and supervisors to ensure that you are one of the professionals in the housing industry.
13. Business Analyst Certificate
Business analysts work with companies to analyze processes, products, services, and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. They typically use data and information technology (IT) resources to help decision-makers move their business forward. Business analysts have several certificates, but a popular choice for professionals in this area was Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) or IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC).
IIBA-AAC is an independent certification that demonstrates the ability of business analysts to adapt and perform in changing environments. Stay accredited by earning at least 60 credits for continuing education within 3 years of the date of accreditation and renew your certification every three years.
14. Supply chain certificate
Obtaining a globally recognized certification in the field of the supply chain will increase your professional credibility and earn higher salaries in the future. If you want to improve your career, you can choose a certificate by designating Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).
15. Marketing Certificate
Marketing is a highly competitive industry and qualifications can prove your expertise when applying for a job. Marketing analytics and social media certifications are available on Facebook, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and more. Some are free and some cost up to $ 2,500. Each certification has different requirements, but this is a general certification process. Complete training program. Pass the exam and pay the required fee.
16. Skilled trade certifications
Employees in the professional industry can earn more after receiving a certificate of their desired profession. For example, HVAC mechanics, carpenters, and welders learn the trade by working as apprentices, and increase significantly when they pass the exam and receive an official certificate.
Each profession has different requirements, but it is a general certification process. The process comprises:
- Complete a 3-5 year apprenticeship program through your employer or union
- Obtain a degree or certificate from a technical college, business college, or community college
- Pay the exam fee.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Hold licenses, depending on your profession (in some states).
17. Human Resources Certification
If you work in the field of human resources (HR), you should consider a certificate that shows that your potential employer has taken the lead in seeking this designation. Recruiters are demonstrating leadership and therefore look to those who have an HR certificate.
There are many types of human resource certificates, but recruiters often look for candidates with the designation of a human resources expert (PHR) or a senior human resources expert (SPHR). I have. Remember these names when you want to expand your career opportunities.
18. Sales Certification
Many sales staff choose to obtain additional training and certification through specific programs designed to advance their careers. For example, Challenger Sales, Spin Sales, and Sandler Training are all sales methods that require learning and implementation techniques to help sales staff reach their goals.
Certificates help you build compelling skills, broaden your sales knowledge, and stay ahead of your peers and build on your experience. These are the most common requirements for sales certificates and they include:
- Register for the desired workshop and course.
- Pay the appropriate fee to be certified.
- Take a web course and pass an online assessment
19. Accounting certification
Two of the most popular accounting certificates in demand are the nominations of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA). The CPA with CPA guidance can perform a variety of tasks while earning a large amount of income to represent clients who must prepare taxes and report to the IRS.
CFA is internationally recognized in the financial and investment world and is suitable for anyone who wants to be a controller or chief financial officer. These are the requirements for CPA and CFA certification, respectively.
20. Healthcare certification
Some carriers in the medical field are certificate-based and offer advances in the field. If you want to learn industry-related skills, consider pursuing a career as an associate nurse (LPN), dental assistant, surgeon, or emergency medical worker. The general guidelines for accreditation in any of these programs are:
- Enroll in a medical career program.
- Complete the program requirements.
- Schedule the corresponding inspection.
- Pay the required exam fee.
- Pass the exam and be certified.
- Update authentication as needed.
FAQ
Yes, you can choose a schedule that fits your job.
There are a variety of quick certifications that pay well. they include; Web development, Assistant doctor, Pet trainer, and many others.
A quick certification program is open to anyone including those currently employed. It will help improve your skillset.
That’s a great idea! But listing certifications on a resume is the number one way to attract hiring managers. Because certifications prove that you’re a relevant and valuable hire
Certificates from online courses can play an important role in job applications – as proof of job skills as well as to show your commitment as a learner!
Conclusion
Ultimately, certification benefits employers and owners as well as builders. Certified individuals are considered highly skilled workers with skilled knowledge of the development industry. Certified CMs ensure that your project runs professionally and efficiently. Construction certificates are available online through online exams.
Nowadays, you can relax at home and complete a reputable college diploma course without quitting your current job. Certification is industry proof to prove your value to your employer and future employers. Consistent with your area of expertise, professional qualifications can fill small gaps that can take you to the next level of your career.
We hope that you will make the right choice from the most important certification options and benefit from the courses you are following. With special efforts in certification, better career options and higher salaries await at the end of certification.
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