In today’s highly competitive job market, having a degree is no longer enough to secure a high-paying job in the IT industry. Only having the right set of skills and knowledge about a particular field can make a difference. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with specialized skills and certifications that show their expertise in specific areas of technology. And when it comes to the world of IT, certifications hold immense value, not just for validating your experience but also for unlocking unbelievable opportunities. With various certifications out there in the IT field, it becomes hard to decide where to start and which to choose. That’s why we’re going to cover the top 5 highest-paying IT certifications, such as Prince 2 certification, SQL certification, ITIL certification, SAP certification, and Azure certification. So, whether you’re just starting out your IT career or looking to take it to the next level, these certifications are going to help you stand out from the crowd and add value to your career. Get ready to advance your career and take it to greater heights with these IT certifications.
Benefits of Getting an IT Certification
There are a number of benefits to getting IT certified. Before diving into the top 5 certifications that will help you get paid the most, you should look at the benefits of getting an IT certification.
1. Career Advancement
IT certification opens a lot of opportunities for career development and helps you stand out in the IT field. IT certification will verify that you have adequate knowledge and skills according to your job role and market.
2. Increased Earning Potential
Along with opening new opportunities, IT certification also helps to ensure high earning potential. According to a study by Global Knowledge, professionals with IT certifications earn an average of 15% more than their non-certified counterparts.
3. Professional Development
Earning an in-demand IT certification in a specific skill and technology will gradually keep you abreast of the competition and will continuously contribute to your professional development.
Also Read: Best IT Certification in 2023
Top-Paying Certifications in IT:
Now we are going to discuss the list of certifications that help professionals get a higher salary.
1. Prince 2 Certification
PRINCE2 Certification means Project in a Controlled Environment. PRINCE2 certification is a well-known certification in the IT industry. This certification is designed for project management professionals who are willing to improve their project management skills and learn better practices in the management of projects.
The PRINCE2 Certification includes five levels: foundation and practitioner. The foundation level covers the foundations of project management, and the practitioner level covers advanced topics in the project management field.
For the PRINCE2 certification, you have to submit proof of one of the following programs: PRINCE2 Foundation, PMP Certification, CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), or IPMA.
2. ITIL Certification
ITIL training and certification are based on the IT service management framework, the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). This certification is best for those who want to improve their IT service management capabilities and have a keen interest in this field. The framework of ITIL primarily consists of three (03) levels, i.e., Foundation Level, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader. Each level is a higher version of the previous level and covers more advanced IT service management concepts.
3. SQL Certification
Structured Query Language is the full form of SQL. It is a programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. Professionals who are more inclined towards database management and are presently working as database administrators, developers, or in the field of analytics may want to consider pursuing this certification.
The SQL certification is offered by several organizations, such as Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM, and to obtain a SQL certification, you will need to pass the SQL certification. The exam covers topics such as database design, data manipulation, and transaction control. There are several SQL certification options available, including Microsoft SQL Server certification and Oracle SQL certification.
4. SAP Certification
The attainment of SAP Certification is a recognized credential that validates an individual’s proficiency in utilizing SAP, which is defined as systems, applications, and products in data processing. The aforementioned software suite is commonly employed by enterprises to effectively oversee their business processes and maintain positive interactions with their clientele. This certification is best for IT professionals who want to improve their SAP skills and upgrade their knowledge of managing SAP systems.
The SAP certification is divided into several levels, such as Associate Level, Professional Level, and Master Level. With every building level, the concepts and skills of SAP become more advanced. According to PayScale, an SAP-certified professional can earn an average salary of $120,000 per year.
To be eligible for SAP certification, it is recommended to have a relevant background in computer science, systems engineering, finance, accounting, etc.
5. Azure Certification
Microsoft’s Azure is a cloud computing platform that enables enterprises to construct, implement, and administer applications and services via data centers managed by Microsoft. For IT professionals who want to improve their Azure skills and learn best practices for managing Azure systems, an Azure certification is the ideal one.
The Azure certification is divided into four major levels: fundamentals, associate, expert, and specialty. Each level covers the concepts and skills of Azure services.
To prepare for an Azure certification exam, it is important to have hands-on experience with Azure. Microsoft offers several free online courses and tutorials to help you gain this experience. Furthermore, several external training providers are available that provide courses for the purpose of preparing for Azure certification.
Conclusion
The acquisition of IT certifications has gained significant importance among IT professionals seeking career progression. In this article, we discussed the top five highest-paying IT certifications, which include Prince 2 certification, ITIL certification, SQL certification, SAP certification, and Azure certification. Each of these certifications offers numerous benefits, such as career advancement, professional development, and a higher salary. Considering the plethora of available options, choosing the most appropriate one can be a challenging endeavor. Maintaining a clear understanding of your objectives can aid in selecting the optimal course of action. With an in-demand IT certification, you can give your career the right path for success and growth.