The rising value of IT certifications

The value of IT certifications has ebbed and flowed over the years, typically responding to shifts in the skills market and hiring demands in the tech industry. During times of digital transformation, spurred on by technology such as AI, cloud, and ML, certifications can be a fast way to get up to speed on the latest IT skills companies are looking for. And as more countries embrace data protection regulation and compliance laws, it’s driving even more demand for certified professionals.

IT certifications are a win-win that give, on the one hand, IT professionals a way to differentiate themselves with specialized skills to net higher salaries, while on the other, afford hiring companies better insight into solving skills gaps. In the 2024 Skillsoft IT Skills & Salary report, 97% of IT decision makers said certified staff adds around 50% more value to their organization by bridging skills gaps, resolving issues efficiently, and boosting productivity.

“These employers benefit from the assurance that employees are learning from reputable sources and can apply those skills directly on the job,” says Murali Sastry, SVP of engineering for Skillsoft. “Meanwhile, learners with certifications can command higher salaries, advance their careers, and open the door to new opportunities.”

Are IT certifications worth it?

In its 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report, Pearson VUE surveyed nearly 24,000 IT professionals who prepared for and earned IT certifications through Pearson VUE, and in its findings, 82% said they gained more confidence to pursue new job opportunities, 63% said they received a job promotion or anticipated one at the time of the survey, and 32% said they received a salary increase after certification, with 31% reporting pay raises above 20%. Additionally, 32% said they earned a salary increase after certification, 56% within three months, and 83% within six months.

For those who reported holding one certification or more, upward of 80% of respondents said they felt it improved the quality of their work or increased their ability to innovate. And about 70% said it helped them become more productive on the job, and feel greater autonomy and independence. 

Andrea Schulze, VP and CIO at Toshiba Americas, says that as an IT leader, she sees considerable value in IT certifications, noting that they act as a kind of proof point, further highlighting a candidate’s expertise and passion in the field, which can help when narrowing down candidates for interviews. She adds that IT certifications demonstrate that someone has gone beyond just surface-level familiarity, and taken the time to deepen their understanding and build expertise in that specific area.

Certifications can also be a signal to IT leaders that you’re a candidate who’s invested in themselves and has the right foundational knowledge to take on the role. 

“In an industry that’s constantly evolving, certifications can help ensure that our team stays sharp and up to date on industry trends and new developments, which brings immense value to the broader organization,” says Schulze.

What’s the highest paying IT certification?

In the Skillsoft C-Suite Perspectives report, 25% of IT executives estimated the annual value of certifications to be $30,000, up from 17% last year. Additionally, 15% reported that certified IT professionals contribute between $10,000 to $15,000 annually.

This data suggests that earning IT certifications are an important investment for professionals, commanding higher salaries, while also bringing in more value to organizations.

The top paying certification in North America is AWS Certified Security – Specialty, which pays $203,597 annually on average. Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect is the second highest paying cert, earning IT professionals an average annual salary of $190,204, according to Skillsoft. So IT certifications can earn you a premium salary, boosting your annual pay for in-demand skills and expertise.

Sastry says there’ll continue to be a growing emphasis on certs related to cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing, along with micro-credentials and stackable certifications, which allow professionals to build skills incrementally and demonstrate area-specific expertise.

“These more flexible learning paths benefit job seekers facing burnout, high workload, and uncertainty around their career,” he says. “It also makes identifying candidates easier for hiring managers, as they can narrow their company’s needs down to specific skills.”

IT certifications for beginners

For those just starting out their IT careers, certifications can be a great way to stand out in the job search. You can demonstrate to organizations you have the right skills, even if you don’t have a ton of experience yet. Among students who earned certifications, 93% said they gained skills that increased their employability, and 91% said they increased the overall value of their education or training, and helped improve their performance or grades, according to Pearson VUE.

Additionally, 77% said earning certifications increased their chances of graduating their program and 74% said it increased their chances for college or program acceptance. Earning IT certifications in college, or in lieu of college, can help boost your career early, too, giving you an advantage in entry-level IT positions.

Closing skills gaps with certifications

Another reason certifications are increasing in value is because organizations are faced with increasing skills gaps as technology rapidly evolves. According to Skillsoft’s C-Suite Perspectives report, 79% of executives have plans to train existing employees to fill skills gaps, while 48% plan to hire additional staff with the necessary skills or certifications. And 56% of executives said they closed skills gaps after employees earned certifications, while 49% said they saw boosts in productivity along with improved employee morale and retention.

“Between rapid technological change, increased complexity in strategic needs, and workers searching for job security, technology skills and the certifications that help validate them are in high demand,” says Sastry. “Advanced training in systems like networking and cloud computing is becoming increasingly sought after as company goals turn to implementing data-based processes.”

The value of investing in professional development

In the past 18 months, organizations have increased access to IT training by 67% and IT certification by 69%, according to Pearson VUE.

“Championing continuous education enables companies to harness their workforce’s full potential, leading to higher project success rates and the ability to deliver on strategic objectives,” says Sastry.

Schulze has also found that investing in employee’s professional development improves retention and engagement. She says employees and potential candidates notice when an employer genuinely supports their career growth.

“As a leader, supporting my team’s professional development is a commitment I take seriously,” she says. “It allows our organization to attract and maintain top talent.”

Organizations that invest in professional development through IT certifications report seeing a 36% boost in productivity, and a 35% reduction in time to troubleshoot, according to Skillsoft. Additionally, 60% of IT decision makers said upskilling and reskilling improves team morale, 49% said it reduces security risks, and 72% said they plan to upskill and reskill to close current skills gaps.

IT certifications in hiring

Luis Peña, product director of developer experience at financial services provider NMI, says certifications are a great way to identify eager candidates willing to learn and stay up to date in a rapidly changing environment. And for roles that require specific tools or ecosystems such as AWS or GCP, certifications also serve as essential proof of a candidate’s understanding and ability to function as an internal expert within these specific cloud environments.  

So IT certifications are an important piece in the hiring process puzzle alongside other qualifications like experience, technical skills, and cultural fit within the organization, adds Schulze. They can also help to identify candidates for promotion, showing that someone’s willing to grow and stay current in the field. 

However, Schulze notes that a certification doesn’t always tell the whole story, and it shouldn’t be the only thing organizations rely on to solve skills gaps.

“One concern is that certifications may not always reflect practical, real-world experience,” she says, “It’s important to balance certifications with hands-on experience, problem-solving abilities, and how well someone can adapt and grow on the job. It’s all about gaining a comprehensive view of a candidate’s capabilities.