CompTIA A+
11 Most Valuable IT Certifications
19 April 2019
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.
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.
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
This article by Scott M. Graffius on the most valuable IT certifications was published in 2019. Graffius periodically refreshes his work. The most current (2024) edition of his report is here.
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2026
06 February 2026
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Graffius, S. M. (2026, February 6). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2026. ScottGraffius.com. ScottGraffius.com. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.32789.18404
In Technology, there's no substitute for experience. However, certifications remain a valuable tool for advancing one's career.
Since 2017, Scott M. Graffius has researched and reported on the most valuable Information Technology (IT) related certifications. As new technologies emerge and business needs evolve, the landscape of in-demand skills changes. To reflect these ongoing shifts, Graffius regularly updates his work. This article presents the 2026 edition of the most valuable IT certifications.
Employers want employees and candidates with up-to-date knowledge and skills, and certifications demonstrate one's mastery of the respective subject.
Certifications can help position people as a valuable asset to their current (and prospective future) employers. Certifications can also advance marketability, leading to promotions and higher pay.
Graffius compiled and analyzed data from several sources—including the California Institute of Arts and Technology, CIO, Computer Science, Coursera, eWeek, Forbes, Fortune, Global Knowledge, Indeed, Robert Half, Skillsoft, Workday, and more—to identify which IT certifications are widely seen as the most valuable. Ten certifications stood out as the top choices. Each is detailed next.
To learn more about and prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Azure Administrator Associate certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS) certification, see this book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
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 10 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, 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 data presented in this article to assist in their decision-making.
Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. AWS. https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-solutions-architect-associate
California Institute of Arts and Technology (CIAT). (2024, February). 10 In-Demand IT Jobs You Can Get With Tech Certifications. https://www.ciat.edu/blog/10-in-demand-it-jobs-you-can-get-with-tech-certifications
CIO. (2024, November 24). The 15 Most Valuable IT Certifications Today. at: https://www.cio.com/article/286762/careers-staffing-12-it-certifications-that-deliver-career-advancement.html
CIO.com. (2024, June 7). Top 8 IT Certifications in Demand Today. https://www.cio.com/article/193586/top-15-it-certifications-in-demand-today.html
Cisco. (n.d.). CCNA certification. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/enterprise/ccna/index.html
CompTIA. (n.d.). A+ Certification. CompTIA. https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a
Computer Science(dot)org. (2023, November 9). Best IT Certifications To Boost Your Computer Science Career. https://www.computerscience.org/resources/top-it-certifications
Coursera. (2025, October 24). 10 Essential IT Certifications for 2026. Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/articles/essential-it-certifications-entry-level-and-beginner
Coursera. (2025, November 24). 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications in 2026. Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/articles/popular-cybersecurity-certifications
Eads, A. (2025, December 15). Top 17 IT Certifications in Demand. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/top-it-certifications
EC-Council. (n.d.). CEH Certification | Ethical Hacking Training & Course. EC-Council. https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh
eWeek. (2024, February 8). 30 Top AI Certifications: Hotlist of 2024. Available at: https://www.eweek.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-certifications.
Forbes. (2024, March 21). 10 Certificates To Put On Your Resume In 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2024/03/21/10-certificates-to-put-on-your-resume-in-2024/
Forbes. (2026, January 20). 15 Best Cybersecurity Certifications in 2026. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/certifications/best-cybersecurity-certifications
Fortune. (2023, November 14). How Much Can You Make with IT Certifications? https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-much-can-you-make-with-it-certifications-average-salaries
Global Knowledge. (2023, April 27). 10 Top-Paying IT Certifications. https://www.globalknowledge.com/us-en/resources/resource-library/articles/10-top-paying-it-certifications
Google Cloud. (n.d.). Professional Cloud Architect Certification. Google Cloud. https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/cloud-architect
Graffius, S. M. (2025, February 5). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025. https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/top-it-certifications-update-for-2025.html
Indeed. (2025, July 17). 27 IT Certifications to Pay Attention To. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/it-certifications-to-pay-attention-to
ISC2. (n.d.). CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional. ISC2. https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp
ITTA. (2024, November 7). Top 10 Must-have IT certifications for 2025. https://www.itta.net/en/blog/top-10-must-have-it-certifications-for-2025/
Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-administrator
PC Magazine. (2023, December 1). Level Up Your Career: The Highest-Paying IT Certifications for 2024. https://www.pcmag.com/news/highest-paying-it-certifications
Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. PMI. https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
Robert Half. (2023, November 27). The 29 Most Valuable IT Certifications. https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/which-it-certifications-are-most-valuable
Robert Half. (2025, October 15). 26 Technology Certifications That Can Boost Your Career and Salary in 2026. Robert Half. https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/which-it-certifications-are-most-valuable
Scrum Alliance. (n.d.). Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification. Scrum Alliance. https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-master-track/certified-scrummaster
Skillsoft. (2024, January 16). The 20 Top-Paying Microsoft Certifications in 2024. https://www.skillsoft.com/blog/top-paying-microsoft-certifications
United States Artificial Intelligence Institute. (n.d.). Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist | CAIS. USAII. https://www.usaii.org/artificial-intelligence-certifications/certified-artificial-intelligence-scientist
Wells, R. (2025, March 25). 7 Certifications That Can Pay $100,000+/Year In 2025. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2025/03/25/7-certifications-that-can-pay-100000year-in-2025
White, S. K. (2025, August 15). 20 IT management certifications for IT leaders. CIO. https://www.cio.com/article/221721/10-it-management-certifications-for-it-leaders.html
White, S. K. (2025, November 27). The 10 hottest IT skills for 2026. CIO. https://www.cio.com/article/4096592/the-10-hottest-it-skills-for-2026.html
Workday. (2025, February 4). Ultimate Guide to IT Certifications in 2025. Available at: https://blog.workday.com/en-us/ultimate-guide-to-it-certifications-in-2025.html
Scott M. Graffius is a strategic transformation leader who drives AI, Agile, and broader business and technology initiatives to deliver measurable value across projects, programs, portfolios, and PMOs. He is an expert in the teamwork tradecraft of both human and human-AI teams, including the “exotic team dynamics” that emerge. He is also an authority on the temporal patterns of social media, including the half-life of audience engagement.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 96 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, MSN, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 96 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 150 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence. In 2026, Graffius added human-AI teamwork—including the "exotic team dynamics" which emerge when advanced AI collaborates as a teammate—to his "Phases of Team Development."
The 2026 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities—such as Fast Company, GoDaddy, Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), Ministère de la Culture (French Ministry of Culture), Pinterest Inc., PNAS, and Telecommunications Policy, among others—his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2026 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Discover Scott’s Books
Connect with and follow Scott on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and ResearchGate.
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Graffius, S. M. (2026, February 6). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2026. ScottGraffius.com. ScottGraffius.com. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.32789.18404
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Graffius, S. M. (2026, February 6). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2026. ScottGraffius.com. ScottGraffius.com. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.32789.18404
Introduction
In Technology, there's no substitute for experience. However, certifications remain a valuable tool for advancing one's career.
Since 2017, Scott M. Graffius has researched and reported on the most valuable Information Technology (IT) related certifications. As new technologies emerge and business needs evolve, the landscape of in-demand skills changes. To reflect these ongoing shifts, Graffius regularly updates his work. This article presents the 2026 edition of the most valuable IT certifications.
Employers want employees and candidates with up-to-date knowledge and skills, and certifications demonstrate one's mastery of the respective subject.
Certifications can help position people as a valuable asset to their current (and prospective future) employers. Certifications can also advance marketability, leading to promotions and higher pay.
Graffius compiled and analyzed data from several sources—including the California Institute of Arts and Technology, CIO, Computer Science, Coursera, eWeek, Forbes, Fortune, Global Knowledge, Indeed, Robert Half, Skillsoft, Workday, and more—to identify which IT certifications are widely seen as the most valuable. Ten certifications stood out as the top choices. Each is detailed next.
10 Most Valuable IT Certifications
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: CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard certification to launch a tech career. It requires passing two exams: Core 1 and Core 2 (V15 version). Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. It prepares for roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician, building knowledge for advanced certifications.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None. But 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role is recommended.
- 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): Passing score of 675 (on a scale of 900) for Core 1 (update Core 2 similarly if confirmed; estimated pass rate ~75-80%).
- Certification expiration – does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration – how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $75
To learn more about and prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- 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 knowledge and skills in network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, programmability, and more. Demonstrates a broad range of fundamentals for latest networking technologies, software development skills, and job roles.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None. However, recommend 1+ years of experience implementing and administering Cisco solutions.
- 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
To learn more about and prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- 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: 3 hours (for Computerized Adaptive Testing format, which is standard; linear format is 4 hours but less common).
- 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: $135 (annual maintenance fee).
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP)
- 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: The PMP certification acknowledges skills in managing people, processes, and business priorities of professional projects. It proves project leadership expertise in any way of working (predictive, hybrid, or agile) and demonstrates ability to lead projects without ties to specific industries or locations.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Set A, B, or C. Set A: High school diploma + 60 months experience + 35 hours education. Set B: Bachelor's + 36 months experience + 35 hours education. Set C: Bachelor's from GAC-accredited program + 24 months experience + 35 hours education.
- 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 at Pearson VUE or online.
- Certification exam - number of questions: 180 questions (5 unscored pretest, 175 scored)
- 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
To learn more about and prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- 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: World’s No.1 ethical hacking certification, now with AI power. The evolved version 13 includes 20 modules covering 550+ attack techniques, providing core knowledge for cybersecurity professionals.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None. But strongly recommend 2+ years IT security experience or official training. Knowledge of computing systems, networks, and IT topics needed.
- Certification exam - cost: $1,199, can vary based on registration options and other factors
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): Online via ECC exam portal (knowledge); practical via iLabs Cyber Range.
- Certification exam - number of questions: 125
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 4 hours (knowledge exam); 6 hours (practical exam).
- 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. But cost may vary.
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA)
- 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: Validates technical knowledge and skills across AWS services, focused on designing cost- and performance-optimized solutions. Ideal for those with AWS or strong on-premises IT experience; familiarity with basic programming concepts is advantageous but no deep coding required.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None. But recommended 1+ year hands-on experience designing AWS cloud solutions. (Beginners may benefit from AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner first.)
- 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
To learn more about and prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
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: Demonstrates key skills to configure, manage, secure, and administer professional functions in Microsoft Azure, including virtual networks, storage, compute, identity, security, and governance.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None. But subject matter expertise in Azure environment management recommended. Knowledge of OS, networking, servers, virtualization, PowerShell, Azure CLI, portal, ARM templates, and Microsoft Entra ID is needed.
- 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: 100 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
To learn more about and prepare for the Azure Administrator Associate certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
8. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP 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 ability to leverage Google Cloud technologies for robust, secure, scalable, efficient, cost-effective solutions that drive business objectives. Proficient in enterprise strategy, solution design, migration, optimization, and best practices, including the Google Cloud Well-Architected Framework.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None. Recommended 3+ years industry experience, including 1+ years designing/managing Google Cloud solutions.
- Certification exam - cost: $200
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): Online-proctored or onsite at testing center.
- Certification exam - number of questions: 50-60 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? 2 years
- Certification renewal cost: $100
To learn more about and prepare for the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Certification name: Certified ScrumMaster
- Certification name abbreviation: CSM
- Governing organization - name: Scrum Alliance
- Governing organization - website: https://www.scrumalliance.org
- Short description of certification: Introductory course covering the Scrum framework, team accountabilities, events, and artifacts; equips knowledge to guide teams in applying Scrum and understanding agile principles/values.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Completion of a two-day course by an authorized trainer
- Certification exam - cost: Course includes exam; prices range from $250-$2,495 (varies by trainer, region, format, market).
- 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): 37 out of 50 questions (74%)
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 2 years
- Certification renewal cost: $100
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, see this highly-rated book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
10. Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS)
- 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: Sophisticated certification for senior AI professionals and business leaders to develop AI solutions/strategies for organizational change and transformation. Programming skills not mandatory.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Three eligibility paths: Path 1: Bachelor's + 5 years in AI/ML/Data Science/etc. Path 2: Master's + 4 years in AI/ML/etc. Path 3: CAIC or equivalent + 4 years (Bachelor's) or 3 years (Master's). Completion of self-paced course.
- Certification exam - cost: $1,195 (all-inclusive for program and exam).
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): Self-paced with eLearning, workshops, hands-on videos, study books.
- Certification exam - number of questions: Not specified
- Certification exam - time to complete it: Program takes 4-25 weeks (8-10 hours/week); exam time not specified.
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Not specified
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $249
To learn more about and prepare for the Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS) certification, see this book on Amazon.
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
Conclusion
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 10 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, 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 data presented in this article to assist in their decision-making.
References/Sources:
Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. AWS. https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-solutions-architect-associate
California Institute of Arts and Technology (CIAT). (2024, February). 10 In-Demand IT Jobs You Can Get With Tech Certifications. https://www.ciat.edu/blog/10-in-demand-it-jobs-you-can-get-with-tech-certifications
CIO. (2024, November 24). The 15 Most Valuable IT Certifications Today. at: https://www.cio.com/article/286762/careers-staffing-12-it-certifications-that-deliver-career-advancement.html
CIO.com. (2024, June 7). Top 8 IT Certifications in Demand Today. https://www.cio.com/article/193586/top-15-it-certifications-in-demand-today.html
Cisco. (n.d.). CCNA certification. Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/certifications/enterprise/ccna/index.html
CompTIA. (n.d.). A+ Certification. CompTIA. https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a
Computer Science(dot)org. (2023, November 9). Best IT Certifications To Boost Your Computer Science Career. https://www.computerscience.org/resources/top-it-certifications
Coursera. (2025, October 24). 10 Essential IT Certifications for 2026. Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/articles/essential-it-certifications-entry-level-and-beginner
Coursera. (2025, November 24). 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications in 2026. Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/articles/popular-cybersecurity-certifications
Eads, A. (2025, December 15). Top 17 IT Certifications in Demand. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/top-it-certifications
EC-Council. (n.d.). CEH Certification | Ethical Hacking Training & Course. EC-Council. https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh
eWeek. (2024, February 8). 30 Top AI Certifications: Hotlist of 2024. Available at: https://www.eweek.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-certifications.
Forbes. (2024, March 21). 10 Certificates To Put On Your Resume In 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2024/03/21/10-certificates-to-put-on-your-resume-in-2024/
Forbes. (2026, January 20). 15 Best Cybersecurity Certifications in 2026. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/certifications/best-cybersecurity-certifications
Fortune. (2023, November 14). How Much Can You Make with IT Certifications? https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-much-can-you-make-with-it-certifications-average-salaries
Global Knowledge. (2023, April 27). 10 Top-Paying IT Certifications. https://www.globalknowledge.com/us-en/resources/resource-library/articles/10-top-paying-it-certifications
Google Cloud. (n.d.). Professional Cloud Architect Certification. Google Cloud. https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/cloud-architect
Graffius, S. M. (2025, February 5). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025. https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/top-it-certifications-update-for-2025.html
Indeed. (2025, July 17). 27 IT Certifications to Pay Attention To. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/it-certifications-to-pay-attention-to
ISC2. (n.d.). CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional. ISC2. https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp
ITTA. (2024, November 7). Top 10 Must-have IT certifications for 2025. https://www.itta.net/en/blog/top-10-must-have-it-certifications-for-2025/
Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-administrator
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Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. PMI. https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
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Robert Half. (2025, October 15). 26 Technology Certifications That Can Boost Your Career and Salary in 2026. Robert Half. https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/which-it-certifications-are-most-valuable
Scrum Alliance. (n.d.). Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification. Scrum Alliance. https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-master-track/certified-scrummaster
Skillsoft. (2024, January 16). The 20 Top-Paying Microsoft Certifications in 2024. https://www.skillsoft.com/blog/top-paying-microsoft-certifications
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Wells, R. (2025, March 25). 7 Certifications That Can Pay $100,000+/Year In 2025. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2025/03/25/7-certifications-that-can-pay-100000year-in-2025
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About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a strategic transformation leader who drives AI, Agile, and broader business and technology initiatives to deliver measurable value across projects, programs, portfolios, and PMOs. He is an expert in the teamwork tradecraft of both human and human-AI teams, including the “exotic team dynamics” that emerge. He is also an authority on the temporal patterns of social media, including the half-life of audience engagement.
He’s a practitioner, researcher, thought leader, award-winning author, and keynote speaker who’s taken the stage at 96 conferences and other events across 25 countries.
He’s delivered over $2.3 billion in value for Fortune 500 companies and other leaders in technology, entertainment, financial services, healthcare, and beyond.
Businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities use Graffius and feature his work. Examples include Adobe, Bayer, Boston University, Ford, Gartner, Harvard Medical School, IEEE, Johns Hopkins University, Microsoft, MSN, National Academy of Sciences, Oracle, Pinterest Inc., Project Management Institute, UC San Diego, Verizon, Yale University, and others.
The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- 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, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. Graffius has conducted 96 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- MSN,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 150 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence. In 2026, Graffius added human-AI teamwork—including the "exotic team dynamics" which emerge when advanced AI collaborates as a teammate—to his "Phases of Team Development."
The 2026 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities—such as Fast Company, GoDaddy, Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), Ministère de la Culture (French Ministry of Culture), Pinterest Inc., PNAS, and Telecommunications Policy, among others—his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2026 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Discover Scott’s Books
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions — Deliver Products in Short Cycles with Rapid Adaptation to Change, Fast Time-to-Market, and Continuous Improvement
- 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
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum
Connect with and follow Scott on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and ResearchGate.
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NCKU in Taiwan Integrates Graffius' 'Phases of Team Development' into Its Curriculum
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Pennsylvania State Agency Used Scott M. Graffius' Intellectual Property
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Bournemouth University Used Scott M. Graffius’ Intellectual Property
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How to Cite This Article
Graffius, S. M. (2026, February 6). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2026. ScottGraffius.com. ScottGraffius.com. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.32789.18404
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.32789.18404
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