How Much Do It Certifications Cost?
Information Technology (IT) industry is evolving ever since its inception. Every year new advancements bring new trends and technologies, and you have to keep your knowledge, skills, and abilities up to date, especially if you are an IT professional.
From an employer's point of view, the IT industry greatly values IT certifications. To keep their talent aligned with market trends, companies pay for their employees to earn certifications. In fact, training existing talent with new trends in technologies is easier and cost-effective than having to bear the cost and time for gaining new talent with those particular skillsets.
On the other hand, from an employee/professional point of view, certifications are a great tool to validate your IT skills. Moreover, certifications enable you to showcase your skills and experience to employers to get the job done. You can either get certifications in skills you already have or the expertise you would like to add up in your skillset to give your career a boost.
Whether you are just embarking on your IT profession journey or you have been in the industry for many years, IT certifications are no doubt important credentials that enhance your value, salary, and employment opportunities. They set you a league apart from other candidates in a job hunt.
In this article, we will go through the top 15 highest paying IT certifications, their scope, and how much they cost?
Top 15 IT Certifications
Following are the top 15 IT certifications you can get your hands on if you’re an IT professional:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Scrum Master Certification
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified in Risk and Information System Control (CRISC)
- Citrix Certified Associate
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect
AWS Certified Solutions Architect is an in-demand cloud computing certifications offered by Amazon. This certification exam endorses the ability to design and deploy secure and vigorous AWS cloud infrastructure. Based on various design principles that meet changing customer requirements, AWS Certified Solutions Architect focuses on keeping the design cost-effective without compromising on security, reliability, and quality. The certification also validates the ability to implement best practice guidelines by following the project lifecycle. To get this certification, prior training and preparation are recommended. Hands-on industrial experience with AWS technologies and practices can be an added advantage.
Scope
AWS is widely used by companies large and small. Whether you are already working for a company on AWS or plan to work in the future, it’s a strong choice for your resume. AWS has been in the market for 14 years, and it has reached a great market share, which is incredible to achieve in such a short period. Statistics show that a certified AWS professional is ranked amongst the highest-paid IT professionals in recent years. Moreover, studies conducted by Forbes revealed that by the beginning of the year 2021, AWS would have a market share of 50%, whereas, in the case of Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform, the market share will be 21% and 18% respectively.
Cost
The cost of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect program is USD 150 as per the official Amazon website.
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect empowers organizations to benefit from Google Cloud technologies. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is one of the most renowned cloud service suites. It offers solutions for storage, big data, machine learning, analytics, and application development. This certification gets you through an understanding of Google cloud architecture. It enables a certified individual to design, develop, and manage robust dynamic solutions, keeping into consideration the aspects of security, scalability, availability to drive business objectives.
Scope
Google Cloud Platform is becoming one of the fastest and growing cloud service platforms. The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification is undoubtedly one of the most highly desired IT certifications offered today. It is also considered one of the most challenging exams provided. Students and professionals from all over the globe prefer GCP certification as it has become the preference of many reputed companies as it offers better remuneration and job stability.
Cost
This exam cost is USD 200 (plus tax where applicable) as per the official Google website.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is an internationally recognized professional accreditation accepted by industry for project managers. PMP certification validates the education, experience, skill, and competencies required to direct and lead complex projects. PMP is the most sought after certification, and it is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA.
Scope
Project Management Professionals are highly in-demand among various industries. However, its demand may vary between different sectors and regions. PMP certification helps a professional through increased marketability and offers higher salary ranges. According to the PMI Salary Survey – Seventh Edition, this certification greatly impacts project manager salaries. Project Management is considered one of the top professions demanded by organizations around the world, and its importance is only increasing than ever before.
Cost
As per the official PMI website, the examination fee for members and non-members is USD 405 and USD 555, respectively.
Scrum Master Certification
The Scrum Alliance offers ScrumMaster certification. It certifies your knowledge of the Scrum Framework and the capacity to apply it in any workplace. This certification is recommended for project managers (Technical and Non-technical), Scrum masters, program managers, project heads, and product developers. Passing this certification will also give you the benefit of two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance, which will provide you with access to various local and online networking events.
Scope
Practically Scrum can be applied to any organization. The demand for Scrum masters is increasing as organizations continue to find ways to get their projects completed and their products delivered to the market faster. The continuously growing demand for the scrum experts offers great opportunities for scrum professionals. The scrum master career path allows individuals to build a career in various fields, e.g., software development, healthcare, aviation, engineering, financial, manufacturing, education, government, and many others.
Cost
The fee for the CSM certification varies across the globe. In the USA the cost of this certification is USD 1000 – 1400.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert is considered one of the leading certifications in the IT discipline. Certified professionals with MCSE look after the overall IT infrastructure and architecture of the company. The role of MCSE professionals is to translate business goals into technology decisions. Moreover, they are also responsible for designing mid-range to long-term strategies. This course enables aspirants to understand Windows Server 2012 and the server infrastructure.
Scope
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) professionals typically work within an organization as an IT solutions expert. Although, Microsoft has retired the certification, however, professionals holding this certification are still in high demand. Job opportunities continue to surface for those with this particular certification. MCSE professionals possess a unique skill set, which is not easy to replicate as the certification has been discontinued.
Cost
The MCSE certification exam usually costs USD 150 – 170 depending on the location, tax, and exam type.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer
AWS certifications are considered the benchmark when it comes to web development and cloud computing. The AWS Certified Developer examination is best suited for professionals who work in a development role with several years of hands-on experience developing and maintaining AWS-based application. This certification validates the understanding of core AWS services, usage, and basic AWS architecture practices. In addition to this, it also certifies the ability to develop and deploy cloud-based applications.
Scope
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification is quickly becoming the must-have certificate under the belt for any IT professional working with AWS. Keeping in view the vast number of companies that use AWS cloud infrastructure technologies, developers with the AWS Certified Developer certification are in high demand.
Cost
The cost of the AWS Certified Developer program is USD 150, as per the official Amazon website.
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Certification
One of the most popular IT Service Management frameworks, this cross-platform certification is well sought after. First of the four certification levels, which include ITIL 4 Managing Professional, ITIL 4 Strategic Leader, and ITIL 4 Master. The ITIL Foundation certification heps grasp the ability to comprehend the end-to-end operating structure of the framework and how it can be used effectively to develop and implement managerial skills purely specific to professional IT environments.
Scope
For many years and still counting, ITIL has remained the foundation and industry-standard best practice framework to support, manage, and align IT Service Management with the specific needs of any particular business. ITIL Foundation certification is a great step to provide tech staff with a sound understanding of ITIL, which is a prerequisite to use it while building a framework for ITSM. This certification will not only add some value to the business, but you’ll potentially receive well-paid job opportunities as well.
Cost
On average, this certification may cost USD 275. However, it may also be available for much lower or higher, depending on the country.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Information systems security, commonly known as INFOSEC, is a combination of processes that work together to keep the important information available, confidential, and guaranteeing its integrity. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a professional certification designed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC) ². CISSP certification is famously considered as a benchmark in the field of information and cybersecurity. Based on eight lengthy modules, it is also considered one of the toughest exams around as it requires a lot of hard work and effort.
Scope
CISSP is an old certification which was launched back in 1994. It is widely considered one of the most authentic and preferred security certifications in the field of internet and technology. While hiring new INFOSEC professionals, organizations tend to prefer candidates who have attained the CISSP certification. This particular certification can give your career a huge boost, both professionally and financially.
Cost
As per the official (ISC) ² website, the cost of CISSP certification is USD 699.
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Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). This certification is best suited for experienced management professionals working in the field of Information security management in the development and management of information security programs on a wide scale. This certification validates the knowledge and skills of the candidates regarding the relationship between information security programs and overall business targets. CISM certification consists of four domains related to security and risk management.
Scope
With the ongoing development in the IT sector, demand for skilled information security management professionals is rising all around the world. CISM certification is accepted globally as a benchmark of achievement in information security management. More than 30,000 professionals worldwide have earned the CISM certification since its inception in 2002. This certification enables individuals to assert a high level of technical competence and qualification for senior management and leadership roles in organizations.
Cost
This certification costs for members is USD 465 and for non-members USD 595.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
This certification is also offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification program is accredited by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) program under ISO/IEC 17024:2012. CRISC certification is considered the only certification that empowers IT professionals for the unique challenges of IT and enterprise security risk management. It also makes the individuals qualified to become strategic partners in the enterprise. This certification consists of five main modules related to risk management and information systems control. To be eligible, you must have at least five years of professional experience in the same field.
Scope
The official website of ISACA defines CRISC as the most advanced and demanding assessment available for the evaluation of the risk management ability of IT professionals. Overall, risk management is considered a top priority these days, considering the spread of cybersecurity breaches, especially in terms of information and data theft. More than 20,000 professionals worldwide have earned this certification since its inception in 2010. This certification boosts your career and leads you to top management and leadership roles with remuneration.
Cost
The registration cost for the CRISC exam for ISACA members is USD 575, and in the case of non-members, the price is USD 760.
Citrix Certified Associate
Citrix is an old company established in 1989 which provides cloud-computing solutions for mobility, virtualization, cloud networking, data sharing, and collaboration. Citrix was introduced in 2018. The three basic topics of Citrix certifications include Desktop Virtualization, Networking, and Enterprise Mobility Management. Citrix also offers expertise for File Synchronization and Sharing. Citrix expert trainings enables you to master skills in the above mentioned areas. Citrix certifications are solution-oriented to cater to the needs of organizations and IT professionals.
Scope
Citrix products are very popular in the IT sector. Some salient apps include XenDesktop, XenApp, XenMobile, NetScaler, and ShareFile. All over the world, more than 400,000 organizations benefit from Citrix products. Citrix certifications are considered a prized asset for professionals working in the Information Technology field. Citrix certifications will undoubtedly enhance your credentials to support in-demand IT skills, which in return will benefit both employer and the employee with increased efficiency and productivity.
Cost
The registration cost for Citrix certification is USD 300 for the Citrix Certified Expert and Citrix Certified Professional exams, while USD 200 for all other exams.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Hacking has always been considered malicious, but that’s not true in every case. Ethical Hacking, which is also known as Penetration Testing, is a methodology used by systems security and network experts who hack the systems to find out the flaws and vulnerabilities in the computer system. Ethical Hacking training course goes through the depth and details of the techniques used by malicious “black hat hackers” with Cyber Security standards. This certification enables participants to learn about rising security threats and available defensive measures related to the most recent network and computing technologies, which include wireless networks, automated physical systems, and social networks. With access to more than 2,200 hacking tools, this certification provides you real-time scenarios to experience the hacking attack.
Scope
Given the increasing number of cybersecurity attacks and personal data at risk, coupled with potential legal liabilities, certified ethical hackers are in high demand. Professionals, who are responsible for network and data security, this exam is considered as a must-have to get CEH certified. With this certification under your belt, you can aim for career advancement with lucrative salaries. Moreover, many organizations also engage freelance ethical hackers to detect and report vulnerabilities in their systems. On successful detection, such hackers are get paid in return.
Cost
As per the EC-Council official website, the exam fee for this certification is USD 1199.
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CompTIA Network+
The Network+ certification is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). CompTIA Network+ certifies an individual’s basic IT networking knowledge and skills. You will also learn the skills needed to configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks installed in companies. Furthermore, Network+ certification tests the knowledge of network components and their functionality in connotation with the OSI model, network cabling, security, and troubleshooting.
Scope
CompTIA Network+ is recognized internationally. It is best suited for individuals starting their careers in networking and those mid-level professionals who are already working in this filed. It certifies a professional-level understanding of new technologies like cloud and virtualization technologies. It is pertinent to mention that individuals who attempted and passed the test before December 31, 2010, retain certification for life. However, professionals obtaining this certification on January 1, 2011, or later need to renew it after three years. Network+ is a must-have certification for networking professionals. It can be beneficial for future job prospects and the advancement of the career.
Cost
CompTIA Network+ is priced at USD 329 as per the official Comptia.org website.
CompTIA Security+
Security+ is also offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Cybersecurity has become an increasingly alarming concern for organizations across all sectors. Security+ is a certification focused on network security protocols and their implementation. The main concepts covered in this certification are, threats, attacks and vulnerabilities, Architecture and design, Identity and access management, Risk management, and Cryptography.
Scope
This certification is considered ideal for relatively new IT security professionals or have never obtained a security certification before. Moreover, it can also be beneficial if you are planning a job switch to cybersecurity from any other related field. Passing the CompTIA Security+ certification can help you land highly demanded jobs with a good salary. Some of the job roles you can get are Security Architect, Security and Systems Administrator, Security Analyst, and Security Consultant.
Cost
CompTIA Security+ is priced at USD 349 as per the official Comptia.org website.
Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
Cisco certifications have become extremely popular over the years. There is no doubt that Cisco certifications are considered among the most valuable certifications in the IT industry. The CCNP certification is designed for professionals looking to get specialized training in planning, maintaining, and implementing a wide range of network solution products offered by Cisco. CCNP certification covers the basics of IT networking. Some of these include Remote Access, Advanced Routing, Multilayer Switching, and Converged Network Optimization.
Scope
Standard Cisco certification was introduced in 1998. Since then, Cisco has expanded its certification range and currently offers several certifications for professionals at all experience levels. A Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) can work in most of the standard industry networking systems. It makes CCNP professionals stand out from others.
Cost
Cost of CCNP certification is USD 900 - USD 1,200.
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