Why are IT certifications important?
IT systems depend on secure and stable software and hardware. IT qualifications don’t just look good on a resume: they take time and money to obtain. For that reason, they’re a good indication of a candidate’s dedication to their career. Well-trained IT professionals with current, relevant certifications provide valuable expertise and help strengthen and improve business-centric technology.
Top 27 IT certifications
Simply put, some IT qualifications are better than others. Here are the top 27 technical certifications to pay attention to when recruiting for IT vacancies, split into categories.
Most valuable entry-level IT certifications
Entry-level IT certifications provide a gateway into the IT sector. If you’re filling an entry-level IT position, keep an eye out for these certifications:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA’s CompTIA A+ certification covers a wide range of IT-related subjects, including hardware, troubleshooting and tech support. Candidates in possession of this foundational qualification know about IT security, operational procedures, mobile devices, networking and a number of different operating systems.
Recertification: CompTIA A+ certificates have to be renewed every three years.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Tech company Microsoft offers a range of different entry-level technology professional qualifications, called MTAs. These include:
- Database fundamentals
- Introduction to programming
- Networking fundamentals
- Security fundamentals
- Software development fundamentals
- Windows Server administration fundamentals
- Windows operating system fundamentals
Candidates with the introduction to programming MTA know the fundamentals of HTML, Java, Javascript, CSS and Python.
Recertification: MTAs don’t expire.
Most valuable cloud computing certifications
In recent years, cloud-based technology has become the new standard in IT. At the same time, more cloud computing certifications have emerged—many of them vendor specific.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Candidates with this Amazon certification can build, deploy and maintain cloud environments via Amazon Web Services. Amazon is the world leader in cloud computing, so an AWS certified solutions architect qualification is a great plus on any resume.
Recertification: AWS certifications have to be renewed every three years.
CompTIA cloud+
Individuals with CompTIA cloud+ certifications have a comprehensive understanding of cloud computing. They have the skills to configure, deploy, secure, manage and troubleshoot cloud systems.
Recertification: CompTIA cloud+ certifications have to be renewed every three years.
Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP)
Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architects know how to handle cloud architecture. GCP cloud architects can design, deploy and manage scalable, robust dynamic solutions with Google Cloud Platform technology.
Recertification: GCP cloud architect certifications have to be renewed every two years.
Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer
An important step toward full Salesforce certified systems architect certification, the Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer qualification is the equivalent of a gold star on any IT resume.
Recertification: Professionals have to complete one Trailhead maintenance module per year to maintain their Salesforce IT certifications.
VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)
VCP6-DCV-qualified technology professionals know how to manage data center virtualization in the cloud using VMware’s vSphere 6.0.
Recertification: Although they’re valid indefinitely, many IT mavens upgrade their VCP6-DCV certifications every two years.
Most valuable IT database technology certifications
IT database technology qualifications tend to revolve around one technology company’s products. Here are four of the most thorough data-related certifications.
CCIE Data Center
Cisco CCIE Data Center certification holders are data center experts. They can plan, construct, run, monitor and troubleshoot complicated data-related networks.
Recertification: CCIE data center certifications are valid for three years.
Certified Data Professional (CDP)
This comprehensive Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) qualification has five tiers, which range from entry level to executive management. Certified Data Professionals generally specialize in one or more roles, including data governance, data analytics and data warehousing.
Recertification: Technology professionals have to complete 60 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years to maintain their CDP certificates.
Oracle Certified Professional
Oracle qualifications are similar to Microsoft certifications. Options include database application development, database administration, data warehousing, analytics and big data.
Recertification: Oracle periodically retires and replaces its credentials. Certificate-holders have 12 months from the date of expiry to upgrade to an equivalent current Oracle credential.
SAP Certified Technology Associate—SAP HANA 2.0
IT professionals with SAP HANA 2.0 certificates can install, migrate, monitor, manage and troubleshoot SAP databases.
Recertification: SAP HANA 2.0 certificate holders have to upgrade their certifications whenever new versions of their credential are released.
Most valuable ISACA certifications
ISACA is a well-regarded professional organization devoted to IT security and administration. It offers five international certification schemes, each one designed to enhance and protect business IT systems.
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
A framework-agnostic certification, the CGEIT is highly versatile and professionals with the qualifications are renowned in the IT industry. Study topics include benefits realization, risk optimization, IT resources and governance of enterprise IT.
Recertification: ISACA certificate holders have to earn at least 20 CPE hours per year to remain qualified.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
IT professionals with a CRISC certification can diagnose and manage enterprise-level IT risks. They can also create, implement and maintain IS controls, so your system stays safe.
Recertification: ISACA certificate holders have to earn at least 20 CPE hours per year to remain qualified.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Candidates with a CISM certification are information security governance experts. They know how to develop and manage programs to protect information and they’re risk and incident management mavens.
Recertification: ISACA certificate holders have to earn at least 20 CPE hours per year to remain qualified.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditors are trained in effective IT security auditing, monitoring and controlling techniques. They can also assess your IT system and identify vulnerabilities within it.
Recertification: ISACA certificate holders have to earn at least 20 CPE hours per year to remain qualified.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CSX)
Individuals with a CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate know how to protect internet-connected IT systems. This qualification is a must for both entry-level IT security professionals and industry veterans.
Recertification: ISACA certificate holders have to earn at least 20 CPE hours per year to remain qualified.
Most valuable IT help desk certifications
You’ll need well-qualified problem-solving technology pros if you run an internal IT help desk for employees or a tech support department for clients. Here are three excellent customer-service certifications for IT pros.
Apple Certified Support professional (ACSP)
If you run an Apple-based business or sell macOS apps, you’ll need an Apple-certified expert on your team. ACSP certificate holders are fluent in macOS, so they can manage Mac-based networks and provide tech support.
Recertification: Apple certifications don’t expire.
HDI certifications
There are many different HDI certifications—and all of them revolve around customer outreach and support. HDI qualifications give both entry-level and experienced IT professionals extra street cred.
Recertification: HDI certifications don’t expire, but technology professionals should consider upgrading their credentials every two years.
ITIL 4
ITIL is an industry standard IT service management method. Recently updated, the ITIL certification program has four different levels: Foundation, ITIL 4 Managing Professional, ITIL 4 Strategic Leader and Master.
Recertification: ITIL certifications don’t expire.
Most valuable IT management certifications
IT departments function more efficiently under great management. Let’s take a look at three stellar IT management certifications.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Project Management Institute CAPM certification isn’t IT specific, but it’s a technology management essential nonetheless.
Recertification: CAPM certificate holders have to earn at least 15 professional development units (PDUs) over three years to keep their qualifications current.
Certified ScrumMaster
Accredited by the Scrum Alliance, Certified ScrumMasters know about highly efficient Agile and Scrum management techniques.
Recertification: ScrumMasters have to recertify every two years.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
IT candidates with PMI Project Management Professional certifications know how to handle challenging information technology projects.
Recertification: Project management professionals have to earn at least 60 PDUs every three years to maintain their certifications.
Most valuable networking certifications
Cisco is an industry leader; Cisco certifications demonstrate a candidate’s understanding of network technology. Most networking specialists possess either the CCNA or the CCNP certificate—or both.
Cisco certified network associate (CCNA)
To gain a CCNA certification, individuals have to learn about fundamental networking topics like network access, IP security, IP connectivity, automation and network programming.
Recertification: CCNA certificates expire every three years.
Cisco certified network professional (CCNP)
Cisco offers various expert-level CCNP certifications. Specialist options include CCNP Data Center, CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Collaboration and Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional certificates.
Recertification: CCNP certificates expire every three years.
Most valuable IT security certifications
We mentioned ISACA certifications a little earlier. Here are three other great security-based technology certificates for IT professionals.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Ethical hackers are “the light side of the force.” Security professionals with CEH qualifications know how to detect security vulnerabilities and improve IT system safety.
Recertification: Ethical hackers have to get recertified every three years and they also need to complete 120 or more ECE credits over the course of each three-year period.
Global Information Assurance Certifications (GIACs)
Several types of GIAC exist, including Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Management and Leadership, Cyber Defense and Offensive Operations options. GIACs are some of the very best IT security certificates available.
Recertification: GIAC certifications expire every four years.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Cybersecurity experts with CISSP certificates are sought after for a reason. CISSP-certified tech professionals are security experts—the CISSP certification even meets U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.1 standards.
Recertification: CISSP-qualified networking professionals holders have to renew their certificates every three years.
Seven great interview questions for IT candidates
Some candidates look great on paper but don’t interview well. The following seven questions can help you get the most out of any face-to-face meeting with a potential new IT recruit.
Question #1: “What’s the toughest IT challenge you’ve ever faced? How did you tackle it?”
People grow through adversity. You can gauge a candidate’s problem-solving prowess—and their ability to perform under pressure—when you ask them this leading question.
Question #2: “What do you consider your greatest strengths in IT?”
Give your candidate a chance to talk about their strengths and see if they can tell you why the skills they hold fit your open IT position.
Question #3: “What IT skills do you still need to work on?”
This one’s about humility as well as ability. Individuals who are self aware and willing to learn on the job tend to work better in an existing team.
Question #4: “Why do you want to work with us?”
You’ll find out how much an interviewee knows about your company when you ask them this question. Will this candidate’s aspirations jive with your company vibe?
Question #5: “What do you think you can bring to this role?”
Has the candidate read your job description thoroughly? Can they tell you why they’d make a good addition to your team and how they might grow professionally within your company?
Question #6: “Tell me about your proudest accomplishment as an IT professional.”
Employees who take pride in their work usually perform better than those who don’t. Ask your applicant to tell you a career highlight. Would they feel fulfilled at your company?
Question #7: “Tell me three things about you that aren’t on your resume.”
This is an obscure question, but it provides a chance to evaluate your candidate’s personality. What your applicant chooses to share—and how much—can help you determine if they’d fit into your IT team.
IT certification recap
You need a stellar information technology team to keep your company on point in the modern business world. Knowing which IT certifications to take seriously and which ones to treat with skepticism can help you select promising candidates. The seven probing interview questions above can help you get to know each IT professional on your shortlist, so you can make the right hiring choice for your company.
