Based on standardized testing, an IT certification is a recognized benchmark correlated to a particular skill set. By obtaining a certification, you demonstrate your commitment, motivation, and technical skills.
Having a continuous hunger for knowledge is crucial to building a successful, growing company. Even though continuing education and certification programs require time and resources, they can serve to recognize your specialized knowledge or skill set, which can help you land certain clients and projects.
Why Do You Need IT Certifications?
One must consider the direction they intend to go when pursuing education in information technology. Several paths are available and in order to stay on track, you might need to obtain certain certifications.
IT certifications are not exactly required to pursue a career in IT, but they certainly are helpful. Certifications offer many benefits including higher starting salaries, improving skills, and enhancing resumes, which is why so many IT professionals pursue certifications.
What Is an IT Certification?
IT certifications confirm an individual’s competence or even expertise in a particular field of technology. You can earn more than one certification, and they can only be obtained after a series of reviews, training, and tests.
Information technology certifications are not easy to obtain and require a thorough understanding of the curriculum presented, which is why employers value them when they see them on a resume.
It has been argued for decades whether certifications or experience are more important; however, even though experience can certainly add value, it takes time to accumulate, which many people lack, especially at the start of their careers in IT.
It is for this reason that certifications are often a beneficial way for budding professionals to prove their competence. In addition to getting certified, there are several other benefits. We will discuss them in detail below.
What Are Some of the Most Common IT Certifications?
There are a number of IT-related certifications available, but there are some that are more extensively discussed throughout the industry and have become well-recognized standards.
1. Microsoft Office Certifications
These certifications aren’t directly IT-related, but they are useful for a variety of applications, including information technology.
Three Microsoft Office certifications exist: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), MOS Expert, and MOS Master. Each test is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of at least one of the five main Office tools: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
2. Cisco Certifications
The official certifications offered by Cisco, a well-known American tech company, can boost a professional’s career in many ways. There are five different paths available through Cisco certifications, making them a popular way of proving skills in the IT industry.
3. CompTIA Certifications
CompTIA is a Chicago-based trade organization. Besides being highly reputable in the IT industry, the organization is a non-profit, which means it is not biased. They aim to primarily train specialists and professionals within the IT industry, and part of the way they do this is through certifications.
Top Benefits of IT Certifications
1. Certification Develop a Competitive Advantage
When you have training that doesn’t exist among your competitors, you have an edge. With a certification, you can stand out from other professionals in your field, demonstrating your commitment to understanding and excelling in what you do.
You can gain an advantage, which is especially important in today’s market. Keep up with the latest trends and learn how to use the latest software or social media platform before it becomes a household name.
2. Certification Can Boost Efficiency
Certifications in IT can also help you to build a solid business foundation for your independent business. Through advanced training, information, and knowledge gained from specialized coursework, you can gain access to up-to-date tools and technical strategies that will help guide and direct your execution of projects, allowing you to manage all aspects of your work more effectively.
3. Certification Increases Your Earning Potential
An IT certification often leads to an increase in income after the time and effort are invested. The vast majority of clients are willing to pay more for consultants with industry certifications because they understand the higher costs associated with specialized training.
