The technology world is in constant flux in terms of the high demand for IT certifications. Hot specializations include networking, cloud computing, project management, and security. 80% of IT professionals agree that qualification is useful for their professions, and the difficulty is to decide which area to concentrate on. Let’s look at the most in-demand and top 10 highest paying certifications and their related salaries.
We looked at the data generated by professional development companies and Global Information training providers to assess the world’s highest-paying certifications right now. The data is focused on what clients of Global Knowledge research as well as the work they find after graduation. We have broken down the top choices based on the definition of the specialty as well as the corresponding pay rate. Online and project management certifications currently dominate the top five positions. Please look into the top 10 highest-paying certifications for graduates in 2024.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
If you work in analytics, auditing, system engineering, or something in between, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) might be the perfect qualification for you. CISSPs are information assurance professionals primarily responsible for deciding the architecture, management, design, and controls that ensure your business’s security.
If you pass the exam, which allows you to have at least five years of relevant experience, you can look forward to an average salary of $116,900 a year. You will also need to earn Continuing Education credits per year to retain your qualifications even though you have been accredited.
Take a Professional Risk and Information Systems Management (CRISC) training where you will learn the four key areas: Identification, Assessment, Response and Mitigation, and Monitoring and Reporting. If you have prior knowledge of three years of relevant experience and you find it interesting to identify and manage risks, then CRISC certification may be worth checking out.
If you pass the exam and find a job, CRISC certification professionals can earn an average of $117,395 per year. The exam has 150 questions and lasts about four hours.
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The main focus of the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is on information security management. Your job will be to design and engineer security protocols and manage the safety of your company. As CISM, you will have access to business lines outside of IT, putting you face-to-face with the stakeholders of the company. Registration is via the ISACA website as well as the location of this exam.
The CISM-certified professionals are well paid, too. According to Payscale.com, CISM-certified professionals earn an average of $125,741 per annum. However, if you choose to take this route, you will need to take a 200-question test on issues such as information security governance, information risk management, and incident management.
3. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
New to the top 10 this year, the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is the most commonly recognized IT management system in the world. It has kept this distinction for the last 30 years. Covering a range of best practices for delivering IT services to companies’ needs is a wide-ranging discipline, with a laundry list of core areas of expertise such as IT processes, crisis management, resources management, and availability, to name a few. Best practices aim at minimizing or reducing IT costs, enhancing IT facilities, and managing IT capital.
With the transition from ITIL v3 to ITIL 4, Axelos has successfully introduced the new version to meet the challenges of a digital business landscape and the ITIL 4 Foundation is the starting point for the certification and ITIL 4 Master is the advanced-level certification.
4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure
Although this qualification was discontinued in 2017, IT professionals who have previously received it can still have it in their records. The credential “MCSE: Cloud Platform and Technology” has now been replaced. There are different directions to follow in this new course depending on your business’s purpose or the area of expertise you like. Training guidelines include Microsoft Certified: Azure Administration Associate, Azure Developer Associate, and Azure Solutions Architects Specialist. Cloud Platform and Technology Accredited MCSEs receive an average of $121,288 per year.
5. AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Always a common choice, AWS Accredited Developer Certification validates your technical expertise in creating and maintaining Amazon Web Services ($6,415.00 on Amazon) platform applications. You will be checked on your judgment in choosing the right AWS services for applications, mastering platform software development kits (SDKs), and knowledge of code-level system security.
The exam consists of multiple-choice and multi-answer questions, and you will have 80 minutes to complete. Prerequisites require one or two years of hands-on experience with AWS and in-depth knowledge of at least one high-level programming language.
6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Accredited Solutions Architect Certification is back on the list this year, following a short hiatus last year. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam checks the AWS device design experience. If you have practical experience with AWS services and are used to designing large-scale distributed systems, this certification could be just what you are looking for. The test takes 80 minutes and is distributed to PSI centers throughout the United States. Efficient AWS Accredited Solutions Architects can make an average of $132,840 per year.
7. Certified ScrumMaster
The Scrum Master Certification Training is one of the most common project management certifications available today. Scrum refers to the management style in which teams meet each morning to discuss progress, with changes being made every day to ensure that all team members function as productively and effectively as possible. Getting certified means attending a two-day training course followed by an exam containing 24 to 35 questions. If you excel, Accredited ScrumMasters can receive an average of $135,441 per year.
8. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification was developed and implemented by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most recognized project management certifications available today. This credential indicates that you are qualified when it comes to project management and project teams. You will be evaluated in five separate areas: beginning, preparing, implementing, tracking and managing, and closing.
However, before you become eligible, you would need to have completed at least 35 hours of related training before you can take the test. If you have a Bachelor’s degree, you would also need 4,500 hours of project management experience.
9. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, a discipline that enables IT professionals to qualify as cloud architects on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), is launching in 2017 and will be at the top of the list this year. Completing this certification means that you have the capabilities to plan, build and operate Google’s cloud infrastructure using GCP technology.
The achievement of this credential requires an in-depth understanding of the methods to be implemented in various situations. Cloud skills are in high demand and mastering Google’s tools for safe, scalable, and efficient solutions will be crucial to most enterprises in the near future.
Many of these courses require proper preparation to clear the certification exams on your first attempt. The list has a unique mix of IT Security and Governance, Project Management, IT Service Management, and Cloud-based certifications, which shows a clear indication of where the market is heading. Get trained and certified in widely-recognized courses to stay ahead of the competition and achieve great salaries worldwide.
So, guys, this is our list of the top 10 highest-paying certifications in 2024.
