10 Best IT Certifications for 2025: Boost Your Career Today

IT careers have become more accessible. The lowered entry barriers make it a perfect time for individuals with diverse backgrounds to start a tech career.

Today, the industry values transferable skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership. It supports varied educational paths like certifications and self-learning, welcoming career changers. A non-tech background is no longer an insurmountable obstacle.

Combining one of the top IT certifications with the necessary skills can open doors to new career opportunities.

So, what are the best IT certifications to get in 2025?

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best 10 IT Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2025
3. The Bottom Line
4. FAQs
5. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. Best 10 IT Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2025
3. The Bottom Line
Show Full Guide
4. FAQs
5. References

Best 10 IT Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2025

Whether you are looking to explore the tech jobs market for the first time or advance your IT career, here is a selection of some of the best IT certifications highly ranked by employers in 2025.

1. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification is considered one of the best IT certifications for beginners.

This entry-level IT certification is a globally recognized framework crucial for anyone pursuing a career in IT service management. ITIL standardizes IT service practices to ensure everyone speaks the same language.

You’ll start with the ITIL 4 Foundation. This certification could be a good choice for IT professionals who want to advance their careers in different IT roles, from managing professional operations to strategic leadership.

2. CompTIA certifications

CompTIA certifications validate foundational and entry-level skills across various IT domains. These best entry-level IT certifications cover in-demand IT topics like networking, security, and IT support.

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ offers a solid foundation and insights into the IT sector.
• The CompTIA A+ certification focuses on troubleshooting and problem-solving in networking, operating systems, and security.
• The CompTIA Network+ is aimed at junior network roles. It emphasizes the ability to manage and design networks.
• CompTIA Security+ is essential for roles in IT security. It covers various security topics, from cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to risk management and cryptography.

These certifications collectively ensure that IT professionals can handle various challenges and are ready to work within a rapidly changing space.

3. Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification is a series of Scrum-focused certifications designed to validate knowledge and practical application of the Scrum framework.

PSM Certification is available in three progressive levels – PSM I, II, and III – catering to different expertise levels, from fundamental Scrum principles to advanced implementation and coaching skills.

• The PSM I focuses on the basics of Scrum and its application in teams. The exam fee is $200, and training courses can cost around $1,400.
• PSM II delves into Scrum Master accountabilities and team functionalities. The exam fee is around $250, and training courses can cost around $1,400.
• PSM III covers comprehensive knowledge on influencing organizational change and teaching Scrum. The exam fee is around $500, and training courses can cost around $2,000.

4. PMP: Project Management Professional

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is regarded as a highly prestigious credential and remains one of the top IT certifications in demand today.

It demonstrates to potential employers proficiency in handling all aspects of project management, including team coordination, goal setting, and budget management, encompassing the five core project lifecycle stages. These skills are essential in ensuring IT projects are delivered within budget and on time.

5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, offered by the EC-Council, provides IT professionals with advanced ethical hacking and penetration testing skills.

This certification validates the ability to ethically identify and exploit computer system vulnerabilities, helping organizations strengthen their security.

The training covers the latest hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies malicious hackers use. IT professionals learn to anticipate and mitigate potential security risks.

6. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is suitable for information security professionals preparing to take on team leadership or managerial roles.

It showcases an individual’s expertise in critical areas, including risk assessment, information security governance, and incident response.

CISM covers critical areas such as security governance, program management, incident management, and risk management. Holders of the CISM certification are recognized for their capability to develop holistic security strategies.

7. Best Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certifications

Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are highly sought after in IT as businesses collectively recognize the importance of cloud computing.

• The AWS Certified Solutions Architect is one of the top certifications in this field, which could lead to an average salary of around $160,000.
• The AWS Certified Security certification is in demand among security-focused professionals. It offers a potential average salary of more than $165,000 and covers critical security aspects unique to AWS.
• For those new to IT, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an entry-level certification ideal for those new to cloud computing, laying a foundation in AWS concepts.

Specializing in AWS is hugely beneficial due to its market dominance and the comprehensive range of certifications available, suitable to various IT roles.

This wide range of certifications will enhance your expertise in the AWS ecosystem and significantly increase your earning potential.

8. Best Google Certifications

IT certifications from Google are especially important for those creating and managing cloud solutions using Google Cloud technologies.

• Among the most in-demand Google certifications, the Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect stands out with an average annual salary of more than $300,000, reflecting its high ranking in the industry.
• The Google Cloud—Professional Data Engineer certification, with an average salary of around $200,000, follows closely. It is essential for professionals skilled in managing and analyzing large data sets in Google Cloud.
• The Google Cloud Associate – Cloud Engineer certification is also valuable for those managing enterprise solutions on Google Cloud.

These certifications are crucial for professionals seeking to specialize in Google Cloud. They offer substantial financial rewards and recognition as experts in the rapidly evolving cloud technology sector.

9. Best CISCO Certifications

In networking, Cisco certifications are in high demand by employers due to their focus on practical skills and knowledge of networking technologies.

• The CCNA, an associate-level certification, covers fundamental networking concepts and is often the stepping stone to more advanced Cisco certifications.
• However, the most sought-after certification is the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), which is aimed at professionals with advanced networking knowledge, allowing them to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networks.
• The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) represents the pinnacle of Cisco certifications, targeting experts with significant experience in networking infrastructure.

These highly regarded certifications demonstrate a professional’s expertise in Cisco products and services and their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.

10. Best Microsoft Certifications

The most in-demand Microsoft certifications fit various IT roles and emphasize cloud computing and system administration.

• The Microsoft Fundamentals certifications are suitable for entry-level professionals who want to learn core technology skills related to Microsoft products and services, such as Azure, AI, and data.
• However, the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is highly sought after because it focuses on designing and implementing scalable cloud solutions.
• The Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate is also particularly popular. It validates skills in administering Azure environments and commands an average salary of over $120,000.

These certifications form a solid ground for more advanced roles and demonstrate a candidate’s expertise in managing and optimizing Microsoft technologies.

They are valuable for professionals aiming to advance their careers in IT, particularly in cloud computing and system administration.

The Bottom Line

If you’re just starting your tech job or are ready to advance your career, choose a proper certification. The IT industry increasingly values diverse skills, so getting the necessary certification will never go in vain.

Each certification equips you with specialized knowledge and enhances your career opportunities.

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