Ultimate Guide to IT Certifications in 2025
This article outlines why IT certifications are important for IT professionals in their career journeys and explores some of the best certifications to pursue in 2025.
This article outlines why IT certifications are important for IT professionals in their career journeys and explores some of the best certifications to pursue in 2025.
In this article we discuss:
The IT world has transformed dramatically over the last decade. Cloud computing has become the foundation of modern business operations. AI is reshaping how companies innovate and make decisions. Enterprise IT systems are continually getting more complex. All in all: The pace of technological change has been unrelenting.
This is especially pressing for IT teams, who are often the first adopters of new technologies and the go-to internal experts at their organizations. As companies adjust, IT leaders must stay a step ahead of evolving technology trends and minimize skills gaps that could impact performance.
IT certifications are one of the most effective ways to guarantee new hires and existing employees have the correct skills to navigate change. For beginners, IT certifications open the door to first jobs and foundational skills. For seasoned experts, they offer a way to specialize, increase earning potential, upskill, and rise to leadership roles. For IT teams as a whole, they elevate capabilities.
This guide outlines the best IT certifications in 2025, why certifications are important for IT professionals, and explains how employees can succeed in earning them.
Key Takeaways
IT certifications are not just credentials—they’re strategic tools for career advancement and professional relevance in a changing industry.
Investing in IT certifications does more than add a credential to your résumé—it’s also a strategic move that can drive your career growth, provide job stability, and help you maintain industry relevance. Here’s how certifications deliver measurable returns.
Certifications open doors to roles with greater responsibilities, higher salaries, and advancement opportunities. They demonstrate specialized expertise that distinguishes IT professionals in competitive environments, making it easier to stand out during hiring and promotion decisions.
Employers view certifications as proof of commitment and capability, often using them as benchmarks for leadership positions. Whether you’re seeking to level up in your current field or transition into a new one, certifications provide a clear pathway for career growth.
IT certifications establish your expertise in critical areas, making you an indispensable asset to your organization. In uncertain economic climates, companies prioritize retaining employees who have proven their ability to deliver specialized skills and adapt to evolving challenges.
Certifications signal that you’re equipped to handle important responsibilities and can provide a layer of protection against workforce reductions, positioning you as a reliable resource in times of change.
As IT fields continue to grow and evolve, certifications help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge required to thrive. A certification demonstrates clear expertise in high demand areas, positioning you as a strong candidate for roles in dynamic sectors.
Whether you’re shifting your focus or enhancing your qualifications, certifications provide the tools to navigate these transitions and build a career in fields with strong growth trajectories.
Where other courses often provide broad insights, certifications teaching the skills you need to solve specific challenges. Whether you’re troubleshooting IT systems, improving security protocols, or managing cloud resources, certifications offer a structured way to learn and apply new concepts directly to your role.
The confidence that comes from knowing how to approach complex tasks allows you to make faster, smarter decisions, ultimately improving the outcomes of your work.
IT is one of the fastest-moving industries—one in which yesterday’s solutions can quickly become obsolete. Certifications help you stay informed on the latest advancements so you can maintain expertise in the tools and technologies your organization depends on. By committing to ongoing learning, you set yourself apart as someone who is always ready to adapt, grow, and contribute to future-focused initiatives.
The certifications you choose depend on your career goals, skill levels, and areas of interest. Below are some of the best and most in-demand certifications for 2025, organized by specialization.
Whether you’re an IT professional hunting for an entry level job, or a professional from another field looking to pivot into IT, foundational certification programs are a great way to get to grips with the fundamentals. Here are two of the most widely recognized starter courses for IT certifications.
If you’re looking for the best IT certification for beginners, the CompTIA A+ certification is an ideal path to choose. It’s an entry-level credential designed for IT professionals starting their careers. It encompasses foundational knowledge in areas such as hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and troubleshooting, offering a well-rounded skill set for various IT support roles.
This entry-level certification is ideal for individuals pursuing roles such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, or desktop support analyst. It emphasizes practical skills needed to handle core IT tasks, including device configuration, system diagnostics, and basic cybersecurity measures.
There are no formal prerequisites, but basic familiarity with IT concepts is helpful. The certification requires passing two exams that cover hardware technologies, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. CompTIA A+ is recognized as a standard benchmark for entry-level IT roles, equipping professionals with the skills to support and manage modern technology environments.
The CompTIA Network+ certification is a foundational credential that focuses on networking concepts, including design, implementation, and troubleshooting of wired and wireless networks. It also covers critical areas such as network security, virtualization, and emerging technologies such as IoT.
This certification is geared toward professionals working in network support or administration roles, such as network administrators, IT support specialists, and system engineers. It demonstrates the ability to maintain and manage network infrastructure, ensuring seamless communication and operations.
There are no formal prerequisites for Network+, but CompTIA recommends earning the A+ certification or gaining equivalent experience beforehand. The certification exam assesses knowledge of networking fundamentals, protocols, and best practices.
If you’re looking for the best IT certification for beginners, the CompTIA A+ credential is an ideal path to choose.
With AI revolutionizing threat detection, and risk management being more top of mind than ever, there’s never been a more exciting time to delve into cybersecurity. Here are nine of the best cybersecurity certifications for 2025, ranging from ethical hacking to privacy management
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized IT certification for experienced IT security professionals. Designed by ISC2, it validates expertise in eight security domains, including security and risk management, security architecture and engineering, and communication and network security.
CISSP is ideal for IT security managers, analysts, architects, and consultants who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs. To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of full-time work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. A four-year degree or approved credential can substitute for one year of experience.
The CISSP credential signifies a comprehensive understanding of information security and commitment to high ethical standards. It opens doors to leadership roles, enhances earning potential, and meets rigorous standards, such as those required by the U.S. Department of Defense. For professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity, CISSP is a gold-standard certification.
CompTIA Security+ is a foundational certification for IT professionals beginning or advancing their careers in cybersecurity. It teaches essential skills required to assess and manage security risks, respond to incidents, and implement robust security measures across networks and systems.
This certification is ideal for aspiring cybersecurity analysts, systems administrators, and network administrators. It’s often considered an entry-level credential for professionals looking to break into cybersecurity roles, including those in government and private sectors.
There are no formal prerequisites for CompTIA Security+, but candidates typically benefit from prior knowledge of basic networking and IT concepts, such as those covered by CompTIA Network+.
The value of CompTIA Security+ lies in its broad recognition and practical focus. It is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for roles requiring compliance with DoD 8570 standards and is recognized by employers worldwide. By earning this certification, IT professionals demonstrate their ability to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate threats, and maintain secure environments.
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a globally recognized credential for IT professionals managing enterprise-level security programs. It emphasizes expertise in information security governance, risk management, program development, incident response, and understanding how emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain impact cybersecurity.
Ideal candidates for CISM include security managers, IT consultants, risk analysts, and compliance officers. The certification highlights their ability to align security objectives with broader organizational goals, bridging the gap between technical execution and business strategy.
To earn the CISM, candidates need five years of professional experience in information security, including three years in a management role across at least three of the certification’s core domains. Certain academic qualifications or certifications, such as CISSP, can substitute for up to two years of experience.
The Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), is the leading credential for professionals managing data privacy programs. It focuses on building and implementing privacy frameworks that align with organizational goals and global privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.
The CIPM is ideal for privacy officers, compliance professionals, IT managers, and legal advisors who oversee privacy programs or support data protection strategies. The certification demonstrates an ability to operationalize privacy within an organization, covering topics such as program governance, risk assessments, and incident management.
To pursue CIPM certification, candidates need a foundational understanding of privacy principles, although there are no formal prerequisites.
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification by ISC2 is designed for IT professionals specializing in cloud security. It builds expertise in securing cloud environments, addressing areas such as data protection, risk management, compliance, and application security across diverse cloud platforms.
This certification is ideal for security architects, cloud administrators, system engineers, and IT professionals responsible for managing cloud-based systems and applications. It demonstrates a strong understanding of both technical security measures and governance practices critical to cloud operations.
To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of full-time IT experience, including three years in information security and one year in one or more CCSP domains, such as cloud architecture and operations.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) by EC-Council builds skills in identifying vulnerabilities and securing systems against potential attacks. It trains professionals to think like hackers and assess an organization’s defenses through penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and ethical hacking techniques.
This certification is designed for security analysts, penetration testers, network administrators, and IT professionals focused on offensive security practices. It equips professionals with hands-on knowledge to secure systems, networks, and applications by simulating real-world attack scenarios.
To qualify for the CEH exam, candidates should have at least two years of work experience in the information security field or complete an official EC-Council training program.
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credential, offered by ISACA, is designed for IT professionals who manage and mitigate organizational risks. It focuses on identifying, assessing, and addressing risk while implementing effective information system controls.
The CRISC is best for risk managers, IT auditors, security professionals, and business analysts responsible for overseeing enterprise risk and compliance efforts. It’s particularly valuable for professionals looking to build careers at the intersection of business and IT, equipping them with skills to address both operational and strategic risk challenges.
To earn the CRISC certification, candidates need at least three years of cumulative, full-time work experience in at least two of the four CRISC domains: risk identification, risk assessment, risk response, and risk monitoring.
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification by ISC2 highlights advanced knowledge in securing cloud environments and implementing robust cloud security solutions. This certification covers areas such as cloud architecture, data protection, compliance, and application security across public, private, and hybrid cloud platforms.
CCSP is for IT professionals responsible for managing cloud infrastructures and safeguarding organizational data, including security architects, cloud administrators, and systems engineers. The certification highlights expertise in navigating complex cloud security challenges and integrating secure practices into cloud operations.
Candidates need at least five years of full-time IT experience, with three years in information security and one year in one or more CCSP domains, such as cloud platform security or risk management.
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification highlights advanced skills in securing AWS environments. It focuses on topics such as identity and access management (IAM), data protection, incident response, and securing AWS infrastructure. This credential ensures professionals can design and implement robust security solutions on the AWS platform.
The certification is intended for individuals with deep technical knowledge of AWS security services and a strong understanding of security practices for production environments. It is particularly suited for cloud security engineers, architects, and operations professionals managing secure workloads on AWS.
To qualify, candidates should have at least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads and familiarity with core AWS services, security features, and best practices.
CompTIA Security+ is a foundational certification for IT professionals beginning or advancing their careers in cybersecurity.
According to Gartner estimates, global end-user spending on cloud services will grow to $723.4 billion in 2025, up from $595.7 billion in 2024. For IT professionals, this marks a strong opportunity to develop important new skills for the sector. Here are six cloud computing certifications to empower you to stay ahead of the curve.
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification highlights expertise in designing secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions using AWS services. It covers critical topics such as cloud architecture, application deployment, storage optimization, and networking.
This certification is suited for professionals who design and implement distributed systems on AWS, including solutions architects, cloud engineers, and developers. It demonstrates the ability to build reliable and efficient systems tailored to meet organizational goals.
Candidates are recommended to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS services and a solid understanding of core AWS tools, architectural principles, and best practices.
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification showcases proficiency in building and maintaining applications on the AWS platform. It covers topics such as core AWS services, application deployment, debugging, and optimizing performance in cloud environments.
This certification is tailored for IT professionals involved in application development using AWS, such as developers, cloud engineers, and software architects. It emphasizes the ability to write and deploy cloud-based applications while ensuring security, scalability, and efficiency.
Candidates are recommended to have at least one year of hands-on experience developing AWS-based applications, as well as a strong understanding of AWS software development kits and best practices for cloud application development.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification establishes foundational knowledge of Microsoft Azure, covering core services, cloud concepts, pricing models, and security features. It’s designed to provide a broad understanding of how Azure supports key organizational goals.
This IT certification is geared toward individuals exploring cloud-based roles or looking to understand Azure’s capabilities. It suits professionals in technical and nontechnical roles, such as IT administrators, developers, and business stakeholders.
There are no formal prerequisites, making it an excellent starting point for those new to cloud computing or Microsoft Azure. Candidates should, however, have a basic understanding of general IT concepts.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification demonstrates expertise in managing Microsoft Azure environments. It focuses on essential tasks such as configuring virtual networks, managing identities and governance, monitoring performance, and implementing secure storage solutions.
This certification is for professionals responsible for managing Azure’s day-to-day operations, including Azure administrators and systems engineers. Candidates should have at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure, as well as a strong understanding of core Azure services, workloads, and governance. Familiarity with PowerShell, the Azure CLI, and Azure Resource Manager templates is also beneficial.
The Google Cloud Certified: Associate Cloud Engineer certification highlights proficiency in deploying, managing, and monitoring applications on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). It covers core tasks such as configuring cloud environments, implementing storage solutions, and managing access and security.
This certification is designed for IT professionals who manage cloud operations or support projects running on GCP. It’s a great starting point for individuals pursuing careers as cloud engineers or administrators working within Google Cloud environments.
While there are no formal prerequisites, candidates benefit from having at least six months of hands-on experience with GCP and familiarity with cloud concepts such as virtual machines, containers, and IAM.
The Google Cloud Certified: Professional Cloud Architect certification focuses on designing and managing secure, scalable, and efficient solutions on GCP. It covers key areas such as cloud architecture, security, compliance, and solution optimization.
This certification is suited for professionals responsible for designing cloud architectures that align with business requirements, including cloud architects, systems engineers, and IT managers. It emphasizes the ability to translate business goals into technical solutions.
Candidates should have experience with GCP services and tools, along with a solid understanding of cloud computing concepts and architecture design principles. Hands-on expertise in deploying and managing GCP solutions is recommended but not required.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals certification has no formal prerequisites, making it an excellent starting point.
Project management is a critical part of the IT industry that often goes overlooked. Here are two of the most respected certifications to ensure you have the skills required to lead on large scale projects.
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), offered by Scrum Alliance, equips professionals with the knowledge to effectively lead scrum teams and foster agile practices within organizations. It focuses on scrum principles, team roles, workflow optimization, and removing obstacles to ensure successful project delivery.
This certification is designed for individuals involved in agile projects, including project managers, product owners, developers, and team leads. It highlights a professional’s ability to guide teams in adhering to agile methodologies and maximizing collaboration and efficiency.
To earn the CSM certification, candidates must complete a Scrum Alliance-approved training course and pass the certification exam. No prior agile or scrum experience is required, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
Project Management Professional (PMP), provided by PMI, is the gold standard for project management professionals. It covers project planning, execution, and leadership across industries, including IT.
Candidates need a four-year degree, 36 months of project leadership experience, and 35 hours of project management education. PMP is globally recognized and beneficial for professionals managing complex technical projects.
For IT professionals navigating a changing industry, IT certifications are a gateway to growth, opportunity, and ongoing success.
For IT professionals navigating a changing industry, IT certifications are a gateway to growth, opportunity, and ongoing success. Whether you’re just starting in the field or looking to specialize further, certifications allow you to gain the skills employers demand, stand out in competitive job markets, and stay ahead in dynamic environments where new technologies emerge all the time.
Choosing the right certification starts with understanding your career goals. IT certifications are not just about gaining new knowledge—they’re also about proving your expertise and positioning yourself intentionally for the roles you want. They demonstrate to employers that you’re committed to mastering the skills that matter most.
More than that, certifications build confidence. They give you the tools you need to tackle complex challenges, contribute meaningfully to your team, and grow in ways that align with your aspirations. No matter where you are in your IT career, pursuing certifications is a powerful way to shape your future, expand your opportunities, and thrive in a rapidly changing field.
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