What are the top IT certifications?

When looking at the top IT certifications it’s important to remember that certifications are not only time consuming to obtain, they are also expensive, so before making the commitment to earn one, make sure you are making a sound investment.

The Top 6 IT Certifications for 2018

1. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Average Salary: $127,507

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Average Salary: $122,448

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Average Salary: $119,085

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Average Salary: $118,179

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Average Salary: $110,634

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Average Salary: $105,324

The Industry Trends for the Top 6 IT Certifications: It’s All About Security and Risk 

When looking at the top six IT Certifications, it’s not hard to spot a trend: Security and risk management is in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. With headlines detailing the latest breaches of company and personal data, security spending is at the highest level in history. Furthermore, it is fair to say this trend will continue in the years ahead. Thus, IT certifications in information security would be a good investment.

Another trend that can be found on the list is the emphasis placed on management as the PMP certification appears in the top six. While not an IT certification itself, it does hold high value for employers since it speaks to a candidate having knowledge of fundamental project management principles.

How Do I Know if a Certification is Right for Me?

Looking at trends is useful, but one should make sure a certification aligns with their career objectives. For example, a PMP, while a great certification, may not provide immediate benefit for a junior IT professional. However, a more senior IT professional may benefit greatly from a PMP certification as they look to move into a management position.

Something else you must consider is that many of the listed certifications require professionals to have a minimum number of years of work experience. For example, the CISM and CISSP both require candidates to possess at least five years of work experience in the area covered by the certification. This criterion may rule out these certifications for most junior IT professionals.

Moving Forward

When in doubt about what certification may be best for you and your career, it’s best to contact an industry expert, a professional recruiter. A recruiter will be able to advise you on the best certification for your current situation and for your future.

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Being a strong IT project manager requires a blend of both technical and soft skills. The Program Management Institute teaches the principle of the talent triangle which best demonstrates the crucial skills for success. This triangle features the following:

Technical Project Management

These are the nuts and bolts of project management which include program management skills such as organization, prioritization, and communication. It’s these skills that a project manager will use every day to ensure that their project is on-time, on-budget, and is meeting delivery milestones. These skills are the foundation of any project manager’s toolkit.

Leadership

The ability to lead is probably the most critical skill in IT project management. This is especially true given that a project manager typically does not have direct line management of project resources. Thus, they must lead without authority using motivational techniques and getting employees to buy into “the vision” behind a project. These are the non-technical personal skills such as motivation, adaptability, and problem-solving. Does the project manager display strong communication skills? Does the project manager motivate those around them? Is the project manager able to adapt to any situation no matter how difficult or unexpected the problem? These areas are critical for success especially when a project manager is responsible for a large team or complex project.

Strategic and Business Management

Does the project manager have the skills to foresee challenges ahead and plan for them in advance? Can they look beyond the numbers and see the overall business impact of their decisions? It’s this type of thinking that looks at the “bigger picture” and is necessary for managerial advancement.

Moving Forward

When looking at your resume and experience against the PMI talent triangle, it can be hard to figure out the best course of action to make your dream job a reality. Depending on where you are in your career, you may want to consider certifications such as the PMP as a stepping stone toward your future. Finally, it may be best to consult a professional recruiter to examine your situation and come up with a plan to achieve your career goals.

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