Whether you’re a newbie to tech or a seasoned IT professional, earning an industry certification is one of the best ways to boost your marketability and build your skill set. But IT certifications don’t come cheap, with many of them requiring extensive studying and/or course work. And finding the right certs for your needs is key — the most valuable IT credentials can increase your salary by up to 10 percent, according to a recent study from Robert Half.
But with so many IT certifications to choose from, how do you know which ones are worth the time and money? To help, we’ve rounded up the top 15 IT certifications that will increase your paycheck.
Cisco Certified Network Associate
This entry-level IT certification is designed to give you the skills needed to start your tech career with a solid foundation. It’s a good fit for people who want to work as a help desk technician, network administrator or support engineer, and can be completed in a matter of months. It’s also vendor-specific, meaning it’s geared towards the products and technologies offered by networking giant Cisco. This IT certification offers a range of skills, from networking fundamentals to security, and is a great way to show employers you’re committed to learning the industry. It’s also a requirement for some jobs, including roles that focus on cybersecurity and digital trust. CISSP-certified professionals are often responsible for implementing security measures, conducting risk assessments and audits, analyzing threats and putting in place the solutions needed to mitigate these risks.