The Top 10 Most In-Demand IT Certifications for 2021

Are you looking for ways to advance your career in the tech industry? Do you want to stand out among your peers and get better job opportunities?

Well, one of the best ways to achieve these goals is by obtaining IT certifications. With the rapid growth of technology, companies are always on the lookout for individuals with up-to-date skills and knowledge in various areas of IT.

However, with so many certification options available, it might be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 most in-demand IT certifications for 2021.

But before we dive into the list, let's briefly talk about the benefits of obtaining IT certifications.

Benefits of Obtaining IT Certifications

Now that we've covered the benefits of obtaining IT certifications, let's dive into the top 10 most in-demand IT certifications for 2021.

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading cloud computing platform, and the demand for certified professionals is continually increasing. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is designed for individuals with at least one year of experience in designing and deploying scalable, fault-tolerant systems on AWS.

This certification proves that you can make architectural decisions based on customer requirements, use AWS services to deploy applications, and provide guidance on best practices to the organization.

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

In today's digital world, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification validates your expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a cybersecurity program.

This certification covers topics such as access control, cryptography, network security, and more. Obtaining this certification opens up new opportunities in cybersecurity and shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills to protect against cyber threats.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is designed for individuals who manage, design, and oversee information security programs. This certification validates your knowledge of information security governance, risk management, and incident management.

CISM certification is globally recognized and can lead to better job opportunities and increased earning potential.

4. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Agile methodologies are becoming increasingly popular, and the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification proves that you have the knowledge and skills required to lead agile teams effectively.

This certification covers topics such as agile values and principles, Scrum framework, and agile planning and estimation. Obtaining this certification can lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and the ability to work in a variety of industries.

5. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud is one of the leading cloud computing platforms, and the demand for certified professionals is continually increasing. The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification validates your knowledge of Google Cloud architecture, services, and best practices.

This certification covers topics such as design and planning, management and maintenance, and implementation and operation. Obtaining this certification can lead to job opportunities as a cloud architect, cloud engineer, or cloud consultant.

6. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is designed for individuals who want to become ethical hackers or penetration testers. This certification validates your knowledge of ethical hacking methodologies, tools, and techniques.

The CEH certification covers topics such as reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, and system hacking. Obtaining this certification can lead to job opportunities in cybersecurity or as an ethical hacker.

7. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Microsoft Azure is one of the leading cloud computing platforms, and the demand for certified professionals is continuously increasing. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates your knowledge of Azure services, and your ability to design and implement solutions that run on Azure.

This certification covers topics such as compute, storage, networking, and security on Azure. Obtaining this certification can lead to job opportunities as an Azure solutions architect, cloud architect, or cloud consultant.

8. ITIL Foundation

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a framework for managing IT services, and the ITIL Foundation certification is an entry-level certification that validates your knowledge of ITIL principles and best practices.

This certification covers topics such as service management, service strategy, service design, and more. Obtaining this certification can lead to job opportunities in IT service management, and it can help you progress in your IT career.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is designed for individuals who want to become project managers. This certification validates your knowledge of project management principles, tools, and techniques.

The PMP certification covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling. Obtaining this certification can lead to job opportunities as a project manager, program manager, or project consultant.

10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an entry-level certification that validates your knowledge of networking. This certification covers topics such as network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, and more.

Obtaining the CCNA certification can lead to job opportunities as a network administrator, network engineer, or network technician.

Conclusion

Obtaining IT certifications can provide numerous benefits, including increased earning potential, career advancement opportunities, and credibility in the industry. We've listed the top 10 most in-demand IT certifications for 2021, but there are many more options available depending on your interests and career goals.

Remember, obtaining certifications requires dedication, ongoing education, and training, but the rewards can be significant. So, if you're looking to advance your career in the tech industry, consider obtaining one of these certifications and become a valuable asset to any company.

Additional Resources

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Written by AI researcher, Haskell Ruska, PhD (haskellr@mit.edu). Scientific Journal of AI 2023, Peer Reviewed