11 Most Valuable IT Certifications

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🔥 A new edition of this article is here.

In Technology, there's no substitute for experience. However, certifications remain a valuable tool for advancing one's career. Employers want candidates with up-to-date knowledge and skills, and certifications demonstrate a person’s mastery of the respective subject. Eleven certifications emerged as the most valuable in Technology and two of them are related to project management. [1] [2]

These are the most highly valued technology certifications today:

1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
5. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
6. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
7. CompTIA A+
8. Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
9. ITIL
10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
11. Project Management Professional (PMP)

If you're interested in learning about the project management related certifications, visit the
Scrum Alliance for the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and the Project Management Institute for the Project Management Professional (PMP).

Many employers prefer to hire certified professionals, especially those who also have college degrees and successful work experience to accompany them. Those who invest in professional credentials typically enjoy larger salaries among other benefits.

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Sources:

[1] Robert Half. “Which IT Certifications are Most Valuable?” The Robert Half Blog. October 4, 2018,
https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/which-it-certifications-are-most-valuable.

[2] Robert Half Technology (2018).
Technology Salary Guide 2019. Menlo Park, CA: Robert Half International, Inc.

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A version of this article also appears at
Exceptional-PMO.com and AgileScrumGuide.com. Both of those sites and ScottGraffius.com are owned by Scott M. Graffius.

© Copyright 2019 Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.





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Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024

BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com

Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - LwRes

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In Technology, there's no substitute for experience. However, certifications remain a valuable tool for advancing one's career.

In 2017, Scott M. Graffius started developing and reporting information on the most valuable Information Technology (IT) certifications. As technology advances and marketplace needs evolve over time, the skills and knowledge required to succeed can also change. For that reason, Graffius periodically updates his respective work. This article provides the 2024 update for the most valuable IT certifications.

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Certifications can help position people as a valuable asset to their current — and prospective future — employers.

Employers want employees and candidates with up-to-date knowledge and skills, and certifications demonstrate a person’s mastery of the respective subject. Additionally, certifications can advance a person’s marketability and lead to promotions and higher pay.

Graffius compiled and analyzed data from 12 sources — Exceptional Agility, California Institute of Arts and Technology, CIO, CIO Dive, ComputerScience(dot)org, eWeek, Fortune, Global Knowledge, Indeed, PC Magazine, Robert Half, and Skillsoft — to determine the general consensus on the most valuable IT related certifications. Eleven certifications emerged.

Now, on to this list!

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 1 - CompTIA A - LwRes

1. CompTIA A+

  • Certification name: CompTIA A+
  • Certification name abbreviation: A+
  • Governing organization - name: CompTIA
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.comptia.org
  • Short description of certification: This is generally considered to be a certification for people who want to start careers in the IT industry. To acquire the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two separate tests: Core 1 and Core 2. Core 1 (220-1101) covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. Core 2 (220-1102) covers operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None
  • Certification exam – cost: Total cost for the two exams varies by location and other factors. The average total combined cost is $492
  • Certification exam – delivery (in-person or online): in-person or online
  • Certification exam – number of questions: Core 1 exam has 90 questions, Core 2 exam also has 90 questions
  • Certification exam – time to complete it: 90 minutes for Core 1 exam, and 90 minutes for Core 2 exam
  • Certification exam – minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 83% for the Core 1 exam. Estimated to be 86% for the Core 2 exam.
  • Certification expiration – does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration – how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $75

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 2 - CCNA - LwRes

2. Cisco Certified Network Associate

  • Certification name: Cisco Certified Network Associate
  • Certification name abbreviation: CCNA
  • Governing organization - name: Cisco
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.cisco.com
  • Short description of certification: Validates the ability to install, operate, configure, and troubleshoot basic Cisco networking devices and technologies.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: No prerequisites. However, Cisco recommends having at least a basic knowledge of networking and at least one year of experience with Cisco products.
  • Certification exam – cost: $300
  • Certification exam – delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online
  • Certification exam – number of questions: Varies, between 50-75 questions
  • Certification exam – time to complete it: 120 minutes
  • Certification exam – minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 80%
  • Certification expiration – does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration – how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $150

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 3 - CISSP - LwRes

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

  • Certification name: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  • Certification name abbreviation: CISSP
  • Governing organization - name: (ISC)²
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.isc2.org
  • Short description of certification: The CISSP is a highly respective, vendor-neutral certification that validates a broad understanding of information security and best practices.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: At least five years of paid, full time work experience involving two or more (of the eight) domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)
  • Certification exam - cost: $749, although the cost may vary by location and other factors
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center
  • Certification exam - number of questions: Between 125-175 questions
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 4 hours
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $125

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 4 - PMP - LwRes

4. Project Management Professional

  • Certification name: Project Management Professional
  • Certification name abbreviation: PMP
  • Governing organization - name: Project Management Institute (PMI)
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.pmi.org/
  • Short description of certification: PMP certification is a globally recognized and sought-after project management credential that recognizes experienced project managers for successfully leading teams through a project’s life cycle.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: A or B. (A) Bachelor's degree (or global equivalent) + 36 months of project management experience + 35 hours of project management education/training. Or (B) Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) + 60 months of project management experience + 35 hours of project management education/training.
  • Certification exam - cost: $405 for members of the PMI, $575 for those not a member of the PMI
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person
  • Certification exam - number of questions: Between 180-200 questions
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 230 minutes
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 81%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $150

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 5 - CEH - LwRes

5. Certified Ethical Hacker

  • Certification name: Certified Ethical Hacker
  • Certification name abbreviation: CEH
  • Governing organization - name: EC-Council
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.eccouncil.org
  • Short description of certification: This certification is obtained by demonstrating knowledge of assessing the security of computer systems by looking for vulnerabilities in target systems, using the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of a target system.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Candidates need to have experience in a job related to network security or complete approved training courses before taking the exam
  • Certification exam - cost: $1,199, can vary based on registration options and other factors
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored
  • Certification exam - number of questions: 125
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 4 hours
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $85

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 6 - AWS - LwRes

6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

  • Certification name: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
  • Certification name abbreviation: AWS SA
  • Governing organization - name: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Governing organization - website: http://aws.amazon.com
  • Short description of certification: This certification showcases knowledge and skills in AWS technology, across a wide range of AWS services. The focus is on the design of cost- and performance-optimized solutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None
  • Certification exam - cost: $150
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online
  • Certification exam - number of questions: 65 questions
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 130 minutes
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $75

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 7 - Azure - LwRes

7. Azure Administrator Associate

  • Certification name: Azure Administrator Associate
  • Certification name abbreviation: There isn't an abbreviation designated. AZ-104 (the corresponding exam code for the certification) is sometimes used as an identifier.
  • Governing organization - name: Microsoft
  • Governing organization - website: https://learn.microsoft.com
  • Short description of certification: Azure Administrator Associate (also referred to as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate) certification validates one’s ability to manage Azure subscriptions, implement and secure infrastructure, configure virtual networks, deploy virtual machines, monitor resources, and troubleshoot issues.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None, but Microsoft recommends at least six months of experience administering Azure
  • Certification exam - cost: $165
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online proctored
  • Certification exam - number of questions: Varies, typically between 40-60 questions
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 120 minutes
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 1 year
  • Certification renewal cost: Free renewal

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 8 - ITIL - LwRes B

8. ITIL Foundation

  • Certification name: ITIL Foundation
  • Certification name abbreviation: ITIL
  • Governing organization - name: Axelos
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.axelos.com
  • Short description of certification: Provides a foundation in IT service management (ITSM) best practices. Covers key concepts, service lifecycle, and the benefits of effective ITSM.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None
  • Certification exam - cost: $330
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online
  • Certification exam - number of questions: 40 questions
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 60 minutes
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Some sources indicate it is 65%, others estimate it to be 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? No
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? Not applicable; certification does not expire
  • Certification renewal cost: Not applicable; certification does not expire

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 8 - ITIL - LwRes

9. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

  • Certification name: Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
  • Certification name abbreviation: GCP Architect
  • Governing organization - name: Google
  • Governing organization - website: https://cloud.google.com
  • Short description of certification: Demonstrates expertise in designing, developing, and managing secure, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions on the Google Cloud Platforms (GCP)
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None; familiarity with GCP products and services is recommended
  • Certification exam - cost: $200
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person
  • Certification exam - number of questions: 50 questions
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 120 minutes
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 2 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $100

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 10 - CSM - LwRes

10. Certified ScrumMaster

  • Certification name: Certified ScrumMaster
  • Certification name abbreviation: CSM
  • Governing organization - name: Scrum Alliance
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.scrumalliance.org
  • Short description of certification: Validates a solid understanding of Scrum including practical ways to apply it on one’s team and organization
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Completion of a two-day course by an authorized trainer
  • Certification exam - cost: Course (referenced above) includes the cost of the exam. Cost ranges from about $500 to $1,500 depending on the location, delivery format, and other factors
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): Online
  • Certification exam - number of questions: 50
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 1 hour
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 74%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 2 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $100

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Most Valuable IT Certifications - Update for 2024 - Scott_Graffius_com - Blg Sctn and Sq - 11 - AI - LwRes

11. Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist

  • Certification name: Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist
  • Certification name abbreviation: CAIS
  • Governing organization - name: United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII)
  • Governing organization - website: https://www.usaii.org
  • Short description of certification: The CAIS is publicized by USAII as the most sophisticated and ground-breaking certification program for senior AI professionals and business leaders to develop the perfect AI solutions and strategy, bringing the right organizational change leading to an absolute business transformation.
  • Prerequisites (if any) for certification: One of three eligibility paths and completion of a self-paced course. Path 1: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any academic discipline; and at least five years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Project Management, or any Programming Languages. Path 2: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any academic discipline; and at least four years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Engineering, Finance, or Management. Path 3: Certified Artificial Intelligence Consultant (CAIC) (or other equivalent) certification; and at least four years of experience for a candidate who has a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), or three years of experience for a candidate who has a Master's degree (or equivalent).
  • Certification exam - cost: Course (referenced above) includes the cost of the exam. Cost is $894.
  • Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person
  • Certification exam - number of questions: 80
  • Certification exam - time to complete it: 100 minutes
  • Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): 70%
  • Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
  • Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
  • Certification renewal cost: $249

Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.

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Certifications can provide significant value for professionals looking to enhance their skills and credibility in the marketplace. Employers often prefer to hire certified professionals, and people who invest in professional credentials typically enjoy larger salaries.

Informed by data from multiple sources, this article identified and profiled 11 IT related certifications: CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA), Azure Administrator Associate, ITIL Foundations (ITIL), Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS).

Those interested in securing one or more IT related certifications can leverage the information presented in this article to assist in their decision-making.

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References/Sources:

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How to Cite This Article

Graffius, Scott M. (2024, March 15). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024. Available at:
https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/it-certs-2024.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.11776.03849.

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About Scott M. Graffius

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Scott M. Graffius, PMP, SA, CSP-SM, CSP-PO, CSM, CSPO, ITIL, LSSGB is an agile project management practitioner, consultant, thinker, creator, multi-award-winning author, and international public speaker. Founder and CEO of Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions™ and subsidiary Exceptional Agility™, he has generated over $1.9 billion for Global Fortune 500 businesses and other organizations he has served. Graffius and content from his books, talks, workshops, and more have been featured and used by Microsoft, Oracle, Broadcom, Cisco, Gartner, Project Management Institute, IEEE, National Academy of Sciences, United States Department of Energy, Yale University, Tufts University, and others. He delights audiences with dynamic and engaging talks and workshops on agile project management, AI, Tech leadership, video game development, strategic alignment, the science of high performance teams, and more. To date, he's presented sessions at 89 conferences and other events across 25 countries.

His full bio is available
here.

Connect with Scott on:


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About Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

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Shifting customer needs are common in today's marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive.

There are a variety of frameworks supporting the development of products and services, and most approaches fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices such as waterfall engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing agile to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more.

With clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions,
Scott M. Graffius's award-winning Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions helps the reader:

  • Implement and use the most popular agile framework―Scrum;
  • Deliver products in short cycles with rapid adaptation to change, fast time-to-market, and continuous improvement; and
  • Support innovation and drive competitive advantage.

Hailed by Literary Titan as “the book highlights the versatility of Scrum beautifully.”

Winner of 17 first place awards.

Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world. Some links by country follow.



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About
Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change

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Thriving in today's marketplace frequently depends on making a transformation to become more agile. Those successful in the transition enjoy faster delivery speed and ROI, higher satisfaction, continuous improvement, and additional benefits.

Based on actual events,
Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change provides a quick (60-90 minute) read about a successful agile transformation at a multinational entertainment and media company, told from the author's perspective as an agile coach.

The award-winning book by
Scott M. Graffius is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world. Some links by country follow.



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© Copyright 2024 Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.


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