Online IT certifications are certifications earned by individuals through virtual learning or training programs. These certifications cover a wide range of IT domains, such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, cloud computing, database management, etc.
Reputable organizations, training providers, and educational institutes offer these certifications.
Online IT certifications are best for individuals to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in various areas of IT with convenience and flexibility.
CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, and AWS are renowned certificate providers offering online programs.
These IT certifications are valued and recognized by professionals and companies as proof of a person’s competence and expertise.
Are you someone who is interested in getting IT certifications online but is not sure if it will be beneficial to you? Well, you’ve come to the correct place.
In this blog, we will clear your confusion by comprehending why online IT certifications are worth your time and money.
Let’s get started by discussing the benefits of online IT certifications.
Certifications for Cloud Computing Benefits of Obtaining an Online IT Certification
Online IT certification is not only a pathway to acquire new skills, but it also has several benefits. Here are some key advantages of obtaining an online IT certification:
Open Doors to New Employment Opportunities
An IT certification might help you stand out from the competition in today’s competitive world and employment market. It validates your skills & knowledge and demonstrates your commitment to professional development, broadening job prospects by opening doors to new roles and employment opportunities.
Access to Expertise
These certification programs enable you to learn from industry experts as it is designed and taught by individuals with practical experience and in-depth knowledge.
As a result, you learn from professors and business specialists and keep up with the most recent information about the field.
Limited Time Commitment
Online IT certification program has an advantage of a limited time commitment. It is designed to be flexible, which means you can learn and acquire valuable skills at your own pace and schedule.
It reduces the time spent on irrelevant topics by prioritizing and providing condensed & focused course content.
Affordable Cost
Compared to traditional classroom-based learning, online programs cost less, are affordable, and are cost-effective. They also eliminate travel, accommodation, and physical learning materials expenses.
In many programs, you can pay in installments for the courses and take advantage of various payment options. There are also affordable pricing plans available for different courses where you can choose according to your requirement.
Increase Earning Potential
Certifications validate your skills and demonstrate your expertise & proficiency. Therefore, they are valued and recognized by employers.
And as the demand for skilled IT professionals is increasing, certified individuals have the advantage of negotiating better packages, ultimately leading to increased earning potential.
Stay Relevant in the Job Market
Individuals or professionals can stay up-to-date in the IT industry with the latest technologies and trends through these certifications. It helps professionals to showcase their adaptability and readiness to take on new challenges and stay relevant in the job market.
Develop IT Knowledge and Skills
Individuals gain a deeper understanding of IT concepts through these certifications as they offer structured learning paths with comprehensive course content.
Individuals get hands-on experience and practical understanding through interactive modules, practical exercises, and real-world case studies. Therefore, it develops their IT knowledge and skills.
Also Read: Top 15 Most In-Demand Highest Paying Microsoft Certifications in 2023
Types of IT Certifications
There are several different categories of IT certificates, including:
- Network Certifications
- Security Certifications
- Cloud Computing Certifications
- Data Management Certifications
So, let us explain each in a little more detail.
Network Certifications
The abilities and expertise needed to plan, develop, and maintain computer networks are validated by network certifications.
The following list of well-known network certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) covers routing and switching, network fundamentals, and network security.
- CompTIA Network+: It focuses on network infrastructure, troubleshooting, and security.
- The Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA) certification places a focus on Juniper network protocols and technology.
Security Certifications
It focuses on validating expertise and knowledge in cybersecurity. It ensures that professionals have the skills to safeguard and defend digital assets.
Some popular security certifications include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): It exhibits your knowledge of IT security and your capacity to create, carry out, and keep an eye on cybersecurity programs.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): It demonstrates your skills in penetration testing, vectors, attack detection, and prevention.
- CompTIA Security+: It validates your cybersecurity core skills and demonstrates your proficiency in assessing the security of an organization, monitoring & securing mobile, cloud & IoT (Internet of Things) environments, learning laws related to risk & compliance, and determining & responding to security incidents.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): It validates your expertise in security risk management, governance, program development & management, and incident management & response.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): It demonstrates your proficiency in identifying security flaws, creating and putting into place measures, and reporting on compliance.
Cloud Computing Certifications
These certifications attest to a person’s proficiency with particular cloud platforms as well as their abilities and knowledge of cloud technologies.
Below are some popular cloud computing certifications:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: It validates your skills in designing & deploying scalable & fault-tolerant systems on AWS (Amazon Web Services).
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: It focuses on Azure cloud services. And it demonstrates your ability to manage & implement Azure resources.
- Google Cloud Certification: Becoming Google Cloud certified showcases your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) proficiency. It demonstrates your ability to maintain and implement Google Cloud technologies.
- CompTIA Cloud+: This certification verifies that you have the know-how to safely deploy, optimize, and safeguard business systems and data in a highly available cloud environment.
Data Management Certifications
These certifications validate professionals’ expertise in effectively handling and leveraging data.
Here are some popular certifications:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals: It validates your skills to design and implement data solutions on the Azure cloud platform, including data storage, processing, and security.
- IBM Certified Data Management Foundation: It provides a foundation in data management concepts and demonstrates your knowledge of IBM’s data management solutions and technologies.
- MongoDB Certified Database Administrator: It validates your proficiency to manage, deploy, and maintain MongoDB databases.
We hope we have provided you with a clear concept of the benefits and types of online IT certifications to help you choose the certifications aligning with your interests and eligibility.
But we want you to think about a few things before selecting an online IT certification.
Considerations Before Getting Started
Outline Specific Goals
Ensure a focused and successful learning journey by outlining specific goals, such as:
- Identifying the alignment of the certification with your career goals and targeted job roles or industries.
- Assessing the certification’s standing and acceptance within the information technology sector.
- Determining the specific skills you want to develop or strengthen through the certification.
Research Cost
Researching and evaluating the expenses of the certification program helps you ensure it fits your budget. You can consider the following:
- Determine the exam fees of the certification.
- Evaluate the cost of study materials such as textbooks, online courses, etc.
- Explore the availability and cost of training programs.
- Determine if there are any additional expenses.
Choose Accredited Training
To ensure top-notch education and industry recognition, it is essential to choose recognized training programs. The training must adhere to industry best practices and meet set standards in order to be accredited.
Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests before starting an online IT certification is highly beneficial. It provides a mock exam experience that helps you become familiar with the format, time limitations, and question types.
Conclusion
Online IT certifications are a valuable asset in today’s digital world. They empower individuals to thrive in the digital age. Hence, they are undeniably worth your time and money. We hope we have helped you clarify if online IT certifications are worth your time and money. That’s a wrap!