The 12 Best IT Certifications for Every Career Stage

The technology industry moves fast. New tools emerge, old ones evolve, and the skills that got you hired two years ago may not be the ones that get you promoted today. In that kind of environment, IT certifications serve a purpose that a resume bullet point can’t do alone: They prove, in a standardized and recognized way, that you actually know your stuff.

But certifications aren’t only a means of keeping up. They’re also a reliable lever professionals can use to accelerate their careers, whether that’s landing a first role in tech, pivoting into a new specialization, or making the case for a leadership position.

Additionally, certifications in IT:

• Signal credibility to employers. Hiring managers typically receive hundreds of applications for technical roles. A recognized, strategically earned certification cuts through the noise. It tells a recruiter that a trusted third party has vetted the knowledge you claim to have.
• Translate to earning potential. Certified professionals regularly out-earn their non-certified peers. Some advanced certifications are associated with average salaries well into the six figures. Many certifications pay for themselves within months.
• Open doors that experience alone might not be able to. Many roles, especially in government, defense contracting, and enterprise IT, list specific certifications as hard requirements. Without them, even a highly experienced candidate may not make it to the initial screening.
• Provide a structured path forward. One of the most underrated benefits of pursuing certification is the clarity they bring. Rather than wondering what to learn next, a certification gives you a defined curriculum, measurable goal, and a credential at the end. For career changers and early-stage professionals especially, that structure is invaluable.

Of course, certifications work best as part of a broader career strategy — as a complement to hands-on experience and skills development, not a replacement for them. The professionals who get the most value from their certifications are those who pair them with real-world application, continuous learning, and a clear sense of their career direction.

And that’s what this guide is meant to help with. Whether you’re exploring IT for the first time or looking to move into a senior or specialized role, we’ll walk you through the certifications that have an impact at every professional stage, including what they cover and what they can do for your career.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT IT CERTIFICATION FOR YOUR GOALS

WIth hundreds of options to sift through, the hardest part of choosing an IT certification is often finding the right place to start. The certification for you may not necessarily be the most prestigious or popular option. Instead, it’s the one that aligns with where you are right now and the goals you want to achieve.

Before you commit to a certification, consider:

Role Alignment

Before anything else, get specific about the type of work you want to do. Are you drawn to networking, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, or IT support? Different roles have different certification paths, and choosing one that’s well-recognized in your target field will always serve you better than chasing a credential that’s impressive on paper but irrelevant to your goals. A good starting point: Look at job listings for roles you want and note which certifications appear most frequently in the requirements or preferred qualifications.

Employer Demand

Not all certifications carry equal weight in the job market. Some are widely recognized across industries. CompTIA Security+, for example, is one of the most requested cybersecurity certifications by employers and is even mandated by the U.S. Department of Defense for certain roles. Others are highly valued within specific ecosystems, like AWS certifications for cloud-focused organizations or Cisco’s CCNA for networking-heavy environments. Understanding where demand is strongest in your target industry or company type helps ensure your investment pays off.

Cost

Certification costs vary widely. Entry-level exams might be a couple hundred dollars, while advanced or vendor-specific certifications can be even higher. But the exam fee is rarely the only expense. Factor in study materials, prep courses, practice exams, and the possibility of a retake. Some certifications also require renewal fees or continuing education credits. Before committing, make sure the total investment makes sense relative to the career benefit you expect to gain. Occasionally, companies offer a stipend for employee professional development. Checking to see if your employer offers this benefit is always worthwhile.

Exam Difficulty

Some certifications are designed as accessible entry points while others are notoriously rigorous and require months of preparation. Attempting an advanced certification before you have the foundational knowledge is a fast track to frustration (and wasted money). Most certification providers publish recommended experience levels and prerequisites, and it’s a good idea to take those seriously. Online communities, forums, and peer reviews can give you a realistic sense of what a given exam actually demands.

Recertification Requirements

Many certifications aren’t lifetime credentials. They expire after a certain period of time and require you to either retake the exam or earn continuing education credits to maintain them. This is good information to find out upfront, especially if you’re pursuing multiple certifications or working in a fast-moving area such as cloud or cybersecurity where the underlying technology changes quickly. Some professionals see ongoing recertification as a benefit, not a burden, since it keeps their skills current, but it’s a commitment you should plan for.

BUILDING ON WHAT YOU KNOW: CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS

One of the smartest ways to approach certification is to think in terms of pathways rather than individual credentials. Many certifications are designed to build on one another, creating a logical progression that develops your skills incrementally while stacking credentials on your resume.

A classic example is the following CompTIA pathway:

CompTIA A+ (foundational IT support and troubleshooting) → CompTIA Network+ (networking concepts and infrastructure) → CompTIA Security+ (cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices)

Each certification in this sequence builds directly on the knowledge from the previous one, making the learning curve more manageable and the progression more meaningful to your career and to employers. From Security+, professionals can continue into more specialized CompTIA credentials such as CySA+ (cybersecurity analytics) or CASP+ (advanced security practitioner).

Similar pathways exist across other domains. In cloud computing, many professionals move from vendor-neutral fundamentals to platform-specific credentials. For example, they might start with CompTIA Cloud+ before specializing in AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. In networking, Cisco’s track moves from CCNA to CCNP and ultimately CCIE, one of the most respected advanced certifications in the field.

Thinking in pathways also helps you avoid a common certification mistake: collecting credentials that don’t tell a coherent story. A resume that shows deliberate progression in a specific direction signals focus and intent, qualities that stand out to employers just as much as the certifications themselves.

BEST IT CERTIFICATIONS BY CAREER LEVEL

Entry-Level Certifications

These certifications are intended for individuals with little to no professional IT experience. They establish foundational knowledge and signal to employers that you’re ready to begin a career in tech.

1. CompTIA Tech+

Before committing to CompTIA A+ preparation, some professionals start with the Tech+, an optional but useful step for complete beginners exploring whether an IT career is the right fit. The exam covers six domains: Tech Concepts and Terminology, Infrastructure, Applications and Software, Software Development Concepts, Data and Database Fundamentals, and Security, requiring a passing score of 650 on a scale of 100–900. The current exam fee is $125 for a standard voucher.

Who it’s for: Students, career changers, and non-technical professionals exploring IT as a possible career

Time to complete: Between two and four weeks with part-time study

Aligned roles: IT support specialist, help desk tech

2. CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ is widely considered the standard starting credential for IT support careers and is required or preferred by employers ranging from small businesses to government contractors. Unlike most certifications, A+ is unique in that it requires passing two separate exams — Core 1 and Core 2 — which effectively doubles the investment to around $530 ($265 per voucher).

The exams cover mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, hardware and network troubleshooting, operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures — everything expected of an IT support professional in a real-world environment. Each exam includes 90 questions across multiple-choice and performance-based formats.

Who it’s for: Anyone entering IT support, help desk, or technical service roles

Time to complete: Three-to-six months of part-time study

Aligned roles: Help desk technician, IT support specialist, desktop support analyst, field service technician

3. Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate is a flexible, accessible alternative to traditional certification — particularly well-suited for career changers and beginners who prefer self-paced online learning over a formal exam process. The program costs $49 per month on Coursera, with the final price dependent on how long it takes to complete. There is no final exam; the certification is earned by completing six courses and passing graded assessments throughout the program.

Who it’s for: Beginners and career changers who prefer online learning over proctored exams

Time to complete: Depends on the learner, though six months studying under 10 hours per week is the norm

Aligned roles: IT support specialist, help desk technician, systems administrator (entry)

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA is widely considered the gold standard entry-level certification for aspiring network professionals. It goes beyond basic IT concepts to provide a strong, practical foundation in how modern networks are built, configured, and maintained. While it covers more technical depth than certifications like CompTIA A+, it’s still designed for beginners who are ready to specialize in networking and build job-ready skills.

The CCNA exam costs $300, though many candidates invest more when factoring in study materials or prep courses. The exam lasts 120 minutes and includes questions covering networking fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.

The certification remains valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education, retaking the exam, or advancing to a higher-level Cisco certification.

Who it’s for: Aspiring network engineers, systems administrators, and IT professionals targeting networking or cybersecurity career paths

Time to complete: Most candidates need between three and six months of dedicated study, assuming 10–15 hours per week

Aligned roles: Network administrator, network engineer, junior systems engineer, network operations center (NOC) technician

Mid-Level Certifications

Mid-level certifications are intended for professionals with two-to-five years of experience who are ready to specialize, take on more responsibilities, or move into senior individual contributor roles.

1. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The CCNP is the logical next step for networking professionals who’ve outgrown the CCNA. It validates advanced competencies across enterprise networking, security, data center, and other specializations, positioning certified professionals for senior engineering and leadership roles.

The CCNP costs approximately $700 for two exams — a $400 core exam plus a $300 concentration exam. Though Cisco formally removed the CCNA prerequisite, CCNA-level knowledge is strongly recommended since CCNP builds directly on those concepts.

Who it’s for: Network engineers, security professionals, and systems architects with at least three years of experience

Time to complete: Three to six months, depending on specialization and prior experience

Aligned roles: Senior network engineer, network architect, security engineer, infrastructure lead

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Cloud skills are among the most in-demand in today’s IT market, and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is one of the most widely recognized entry points into cloud architecture. It validates the ability to design cost-effective, scalable, and secure AWS solutions. The exam costs $150, consists of 65 questions, and has a duration of 130 minutes.

Who it’s for: Cloud engineers, system administrators, and developers looking to specialize in AWS infrastructure

Time to complete: Between four and eight weeks with hands-on AWS experience; two to three months from scratch

Aligned roles: Cloud engineer, solutions architect, DevOps engineer, cloud infrastructure specialist

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The CISM, offered by ISACA, bridges the gap between technical cybersecurity expertise and organizational leadership. It’s designed for professionals who manage security programs as well as implement technical controls.

The four-hour exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering information security governance, risk management, program development, and incident management, with a passing score of 450 out of 800. The cost is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members, with an additional $50 application processing fee.

Who it’s for: Security managers, GRC professionals, and IT leaders transitioning into cybersecurity leadership

Time to complete: 8–14 weeks of preparation; 5+ years of relevant work experience required

Aligned roles: Information security manager; governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) analyst; security director, chief information security officer (CISO) pathway

4. CompTIA IT Operations Specialist (CIOS)

The CIOS is one of CompTIA’s stackable certifications — a designation awarded automatically when a professional earns both CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+. It validates the ability to manage the flow of a workplace and optimize day-to-day activities, specifically in an IT environment. Rather than requiring a separate exam, the CIOS is issued upon passing the underlying A+ and Network+ exams, making it a natural milestone on the CompTIA infrastructure career pathway.

Because it’s a stackable credential, the cost is essentially the combined cost of A+ (~$530 for two exams) and Network+ (~$390 for one exam). Holding the CIOS certification signals to employers that a professional has both foundational IT support skills and core networking knowledge.

Who it’s for: Early-to-mid career IT professionals who have completed or are pursuing A+ and Network+ and want formal recognition of their combined credentials

Time to complete: Five to six months studying part-time if pursuing both certs from scratch

Aligned roles: IT operations specialist, systems support analyst, network technician, help desk lead

Advanced Certifications

These certifications are for experienced IT professionals, typically those with five or more years in the field, who are pursuing senior technical, architectural, or leadership positions.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP, offered by ISC², is widely regarded as a top certification in cybersecurity. It demonstrates that a professional not only has deep technical knowledge but also the strategic, managerial, and risk-focused perspective needed to lead security programs at the highest levels.

The standard exam fee is $749, and candidates must have five years of paid, full-time work experience in two or more of the CISSP’s eight domains, though one year can be waived with an approved credential or relevant degree.

Who it’s for: Senior security professionals, architects, consultants, and those targeting CISO or security director roles

Time to complete: Three to six months of dedicated preparation; five or more years of professional experience required

Aligned roles: Security architect, information security manager, CISO, senior security consultant, security director

2. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP+)

For hands-on cybersecurity practitioners — particularly those in penetration testing and red team roles — the OSCP is widely considered the most credible technical certification available. It’s not for the faint of heart. The exam is a 24-hour hacking challenge involving three individual vulnerable machines and a three-machine Active Directory network; candidates must successfully compromise the systems and then have an additional 24 hours to write a detailed report of their methods.

The exam fee is $1,749 for a single attempt with course access and 90 days of lab access, or $2,749 for two attempts with one year of lab access. The certification does not expire.

Who it’s for: Penetration testers, ethical hackers, and red team security professionals

Time to complete: Several months of intensive hands-on preparation, including lab practice

Aligned roles: Penetration tester, red team analyst, security researcher, vulnerability analyst

3. Cisco Expert-Level Certifications (CCIE/CCDE)

Cisco’s expert-level certifications — particularly the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) — represent the pinnacle of networking credentials globally. The CCIE is notoriously difficult, requiring both an online qualifying exam and a multi-hour hands-on lab exam. It’s a credential that sets apart elite networking professionals and often commands compensation at the top of the industry.

The total cost of CCIE certification varies significantly depending on specialization, preparation, and the number of attempts required — commonly ranging from $5,000 to $10,000+ when accounting for exam fees, lab sessions, and study resources. Cisco also offers the CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert) for those focused on advanced network architecture and design.

Who it’s for: Senior networking professionals targeting architect, infrastructure lead, or elite engineering roles

Time to complete: Typically one to three years of preparation alongside active professional experience

Aligned roles: Senior network architect, principal network engineer, infrastructure director, network consultant

4. ITIL 4 Foundation

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a framework certification, teaching professionals the principles and vocabulary of IT service management (ITSM). The ITIL 4 Foundation is awarded through a single 60-minute multiple-choice exam covering 40 questions, with an associated exam fee typically ranging from $150 to $300, though bundled training packages (which many providers require) can bring the total investment to $800–$2,500, depending on the provider and format.

Who it’s for: IT managers, service delivery professionals, operations leads, and anyone working in or moving toward ITSM roles

Time to complete: Between four and eight weeks, including preparation

Aligned roles: IT service manager, change manager, service delivery manager, IT operations manager, digital transformation lead

ROI FOR CERTIFICATIONS IN IT: SALARY AND CAREER OUTCOMES

Certifications are an investment, and like any investment, the return depends on what you put in and where you’re starting from. The good news is that the data is consistently encouraging. Across virtually every level of the IT career ladder, certified professionals out-earn their non-certified peers.

But averages only tell part of the story. The complete picture depends on three variables: the certification level, the specialization, and how well the credential aligns with employer demand in your target market.

The table below summarizes expected salary ranges and common job titles for each certification covered in this guide. Salary ranges reflect U.S.-based market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and Payscale, and represent typical full-time compensation including base salary.

A note about expected salary:

These ranges intentionally span wide because experience and geography are also responsible for moving the needle. An entry-level A+ holder in a rural market and one in a major tech hub, such as San Francisco or New York, are both CompTIA A+certified, but their market compensation will differ significantly. Similarly, a CISSP held by a senior professional with 15 years in security architecture commands a very different salary than one recently earned by someone with less experience.

YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS WITH THE RIGHT CREDENTIAL — AND THE RIGHT PARTNER

IT certifications validate what you know while signaling your commitment to professional development. Whether you’re earning your first CompTIA A+ to break into tech support, pursuing an AWS Solutions Architect credential to pivot into cloud, or striving for a CISSP to move into security leadership, each certification is a deliberate step toward the career you’re building.

The path isn’t always linear, and the right certification for you depends on where you are right now, where you want to go, and how quickly you want to get there. What the data makes clear is that the investment — in time, money, and effort — pays off. Certified professionals earn more, advance faster, and are more competitive in a job market that increasingly rewards demonstrated, verifiable expertise over credentials alone.

That said, landing the right role takes more than a certification. It takes understanding which employers value which credentials, knowing how to position your experience, and finding opportunities that match not just your skillset but your career goals.

That’s where the ATG Team comes in.

Our tech hiring experts specialize in connecting IT professionals with the opportunities that fit, no matter where you are in your career. We understand the IT job market inside and out, and we work with candidates at every certification level to find positions where their skills and credentials will be recognized and rewarded.

If you’re ready to explore what’s out there, browse open IT roles to see where your certifications could take you. Or if you’d prefer to start the conversation first, submit your resume and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your experience, your goals, and how we can help. No matter where you are in your IT career, the next opportunity is out there. Let’s find it together.

FAQS

What is the best IT certification for beginners?

The best IT certification for beginners is considered to be the CompTIA A+. It’s vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and widely required or preferred by employers for entry-level IT support and help desk roles. It covers the foundational skills every IT professional needs and serves as a launching pad for more advanced certifications in networking, security, and the cloud.

How long does it take to get an IT certification?
The time it takes to earn an IT certification depends on the level and your prior experience. Entry-level certifications typically take three to six months of part-time study. Mid-level certifications generally require between three and six months of focused preparation, assuming some relevant work experience. Advanced certifications require five or more years of qualifying work experience in addition to several months of exam preparation.

Are IT certifications worth it in 2026?

Yes, IT certifications remain one of the most reliable ways to accelerate a technology career in 2026, particularly in high-demand areas such as the cloud, cybersecurity, and networking. Certified professionals also consistently out-earn their non-certified peers. That said, certifications work best alongside hands-on experience; they validate your skills, but experience is what deepens them.

Which IT certifications pay the most?

The CISSP and Cisco CCIE consistently rank among the highest-paying, with senior professionals earning $130,000–$200,000 or more. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect also ranks among the top earners, with average salaries of $110,000–$140,000 and one of the strongest salary lifts relative to exam cost of any credential on the market. In general, the highest-paying certifications sit at the intersection of high employer demand, limited certified talent, and specialized technical or leadership expertise.