Top IT Certifications In 2020 & Beyond

If you’re an IT professional, it’s not only important to prove to employers that you’re on top of the ever-changing technological trends but also that you have proof of competence in key IT domains, given the dynamic nature of the profession. Certifications are a great way to acquire best practice knowledge and set yourself apart from the crowd. 

What’s more? Having a reputable certification will ensure you’re able to make the most of your earning potential.

This article highlights the top five IT certifications for IT professionals that have made inroads into diverse industries and are definitely worth having on your CV in 2020 and beyond. It’s worth noting that the top four certifications are either in cloud or security. This article is based on  Global Knowledge’s list of 15 Top-Paying IT Certifications for 2020, following their IT Skills and Salary Survey.

Here we go…

1. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect - $175,761

This certification was introduced in 2017 and provides a way for IT professionals to certify as architects on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It demonstrates the capability to manage cloud architecture; design for security and ensure solutions deployed within an organization are reliable. With companies across the world increasingly recognizing the importance of cloud platforms and scalable solutions, Google-Certified Professional Architects are well-placed to earn an average of $175,761 per year. There are no prerequisites to this certification and it can be obtained after passing a 2-hour multiple choice and multiple select examination. Here’s more information on this certification. 

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – $149, 446

This certification demonstrates expertise in implementing well-architected systems on AWS that are suited to customers’ requirements. It is particularly useful in demonstrating competence in designing cloud infrastructures on the AWS platform. It is suited to individuals working as solution architects. One or more years of practical experience is recommended in order to take this exam which is in a multiple choice, multiple answer format, to be completed in 130 minutes. Here’s more information on this certification.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) — $148,622

ISACA’s cybersecurity certification validates the skills needed to manage and assess an organization’s Information Security. Attaining the certification requires passing the examination and having full-time experience in CISM job practice areas covering information security governance, risk management, program development/management and incident management. The certification is particularly suited to those working in information security divisions who wish to move to a managerial role. Click here for more information.

4. Certificate in Risk & Information Systems Control (CRISC) — $146,480

The CRISC certification demonstrates competency in identifying and evaluating IT risks from an organizational standpoint to ensure system controls are in place. With this certification, IT professionals are able to demonstrate competence in IT risk identification; risk assessment; risk response and mitigation; risk and control monitoring; and reporting. It is suited to mid-career professionals and involves passing an exam. Here’s more information on this certification from ISACA.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP) — $143,493

Administered by the Project Management Institute, the PMP certification can be applied to the management of projects – including IT projects. Project managers are tested across 5 specific process groups covering initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling and closing. Project managers are expected to earn an average of up to $140,000 per year. Qualifying for the exam requires having 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification, experience leading projects as well as a minimum of a high school diploma. Here’s more information on the PMP.

At this point, you’re probably wondering where business analysts fit in the picture. If you’re on the BA career path, read on:

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Certification 

The IIBA is to business analysts what PMI is to project managers. It serves the business analyst community by providing standards for the certification of BA practitioners and offers certifications for business analysts such as Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) and Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), to mention a few. The CBAP designation is designed for experienced business analysts with a minimum of approximately 5 years’ BA work experience. With this certification under your belt, you’ll be regarded as a “senior member of the elite BA community”, as stated by IIBA. If your job involves process improvement, consulting, requirements management, functional analysis or business analysis, consider getting this certification. Here’s more information on CBAP Certification training, as an example of a training organization you can approach for securing the minimum professional development hours required for the certification.

The International Institute of Business Analysts also offers a competency-based agile analysis certification which provides insight into how agile interacts with business analysis and is aimed at business analysts working in agile environments who are looking to stay up to date with current best practices and industry trends. The Agile Analysis certification exam, formulated from the Agile Extension to the BABOK® Guide, comprises 85 scenario-based and multiple-choice questions to be completed within 2 hours. Here’s more information on the IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) Certification from IIBA.

Author's Bio

Abhishek Srivastava is a seasoned IT professional with diverse experience in Banking, Insurance, Utility and Education domains. Managing large accounts, Program management & Developing business solutions has been his forte. 

An NIT / IIM Kozhikode graduate, He founded Techcanvass in 2013. With Techcanvass, he is pursuing his dream of creating an organization capable of imparting quality education to IT professionals. He believes that learning is a lifelong journey and one must never stop learning. He also loves writing and sharing his knowledge. Some of his notable books are ERP to E2RP, UML Modelling for Business Analysts, Business Analysts Practitioners Guide, Software Testing: A Practical Approach. All these books are available on Amazon.