IT Professionals
Preparing for a certification exam, even in a skillset you already know well, almost always expands the breadth and depth of your technical knowledge. And passing the exam gives you instant credibility among your peers and potential employers, and often creates a privileged relationship between you and the certification sponsor that gives you access to faster technical support, advanced troubleshooting tools, and a community of equally motivated and skilled peers.
Whether you are a relative newcomer to IT or a veteran of the field, there are almost certainly certifications that are a perfect match for your career goals.
Proof Points
Respect/Recognition
No one gets certified strictly for the bragging rights, but that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them! The presence of IT certifications on your resume demonstrates that you are on top of your game, dedicated and able to keep up with change in the industry.
In a 2013 Global Knowledge Report:
-
69%
of respondents reported they felt secure in their jobs, a function of many variables, including age, position, training, business conditions and industry.
In a 2013 Prometric IT Certification Study:
-
76%
believe that IT certifications help them troubleshoot problems without outside help.
-
74%
say that IT certifications offer a meaningful indication of job skills and knowledge.
Career Enhancement
Even if you already have a job you love, there's always room for professional growth. Whether it's a desire to perform your current job better, expand your skillset, or increase your job satisfaction and marketability, a well-chosen certification can help nourish your career.
In a 2013 Global Knowledge Report:
-
90%
reported gaining new knowledge that could be used in their existing position.
-
86%
of certified IT Professionals are satisfied with their job.
-
83%
believe that IT certifications make them more marketable in the IT field.
-
75%
of respondents said they see value in pursuing certifications that cross technology or managerial areas.
In a 2013 Prometric Survey:
-
78%
say that IT certifications make them more attractive candidates for promotion.
-
76%
feel that IT certifications help them earn more money.
Productivity
Without exception, pursuing a certification will expand your technical horizons. You'll learn new skills and may discover a few tricks to increase speed and efficiency of things you already do.
In a 2013 Global Knowledge Report:
-
70%
of those who took certification training reported seeing gains in on-the-job effectiveness.
In a 2013 Prometric Study:
-
81%
believe that IT certifications increase value and productivity of staff.
-
75%
believe that IT certifications improve reliability and efficiency of the IT environment.
Community Membership
Achieving certification in a particular skillset gives you an instant "in" with other IT pros in the same specialty. It may come through access to specialized forums restricted to others who hold the same credential – allowing you to cut straight to the issues with other IT pros at the same level - or simply because other IT pros will treat your questions and contributions with a little extra respect due to that certification below your signature.
In a 2013 Prometric Study:
-
81%
believe that IT certifications provide knowledge that can be applied directly on the job.
Salary
A new certification can lead directly to a bigger paycheck through a bonus or promotion, but even if that doesn't happen right away, you've strengthened your position for future financial gain. Those who earned a certification within the prior 5 years were more apt to see a salary increase than those who had not certified.
In a 2011 Global Knowledge Report:
-
66%
of hiring managers believe that certifications have an impact upon a new hire's base salary.
Those who train for certification purposes show a 5.4% higher average salary than those who don't.
Industry Credibility
You know you know your stuff, but employers and clients who haven’t worked with you before may need a little reassurance. A career certification on your resume provides that through independent endorsement of your expertise.
In a 2013 Prometric Study:
-
80%
believe that IT certifications demonstrate competency to clients.
-
70%
believe that IT certifications provide long-term savings for the organization.
Stay Current
Certification not only shows that you are dedicated to keeping your skills up to date; it also provides a blueprint and impetus for doing so.
Vendor-specific certifications are often tied to a particular product version, so when a newer version of the product is released, an upgrade plan will be defined for you and placed at your fingertips.
Certifications that are tied to particular technical areas, such as computer security or project management, will keep you on your technical toes too, as they often lay out a continuing education path to help you stay current.
In a 2011 Global Knowledge Report:
-
55%
of individuals who pursued training in 2011 did so to prepare for certification or recertify
Sources:
2013 Prometric IT Certification Research
2013 IT Skills and Salary Report
2010 IBM Study
2009 Amazon Consulting Survey
IDC
2013 IT Skills and Salary Report
(Global Knowledge and Windows IT Pro, 2013) – The survey yielded more than 23,800 completed responses from around the globe, with 49 percent coming from the United States and Canada. This report focuses on North America, where 11,646 IT and business professionals responded.
2013 Prometric IT Certification Research (Prometric and Edge Research, 2013) – The survey reached approximately 400 IT professionals, influencers and decision-makers to communicate the value IT training and certification provides both individuals and organizations.
The Value of IT Certification
(IBM Whitepaper, 2010) - The facts and figures behind valuation and ROI of IT certification for individuals, employers, and solution providers.