12 Best Information Technology (IT) Certifications For Careers in Tech
Are you fed up with your current job? Ready to make a bold career move? With an IT cert, your job options are practically endless!
The IT field is booming—in fact, it’s growing faster than the average occupation. And with the right certifications, you could leap into a rewarding career that pays well and keeps you on the cutting edge of tech.
Most IT jobs require specific certifications, so it’s important to invest in credentials that are both affordable and offer a high return on your investment. So if you’re looking for the best IT certs for the foreseeable future, this round-up is for you.
Why Get an IT Certification?
With a job outlook of 12% or higher, the computer technology industry is growing faster than average. Now is the perfect time to get an IT certification.
With multiple career options—from computer programming to security analysis—you’ll be positioned to get high-demand jobs that allow you to build a career in a field that isn’t going anywhere.
IT certifications are worth the investment. There is excellent earning potential and job stability—the cost of the certification is quickly offset by the higher salaries and career moves you can make.
How to Choose the Right IT Certification
There are a plethora of IT certifications to choose from—so how do you know where to start? These questions will help guide you to a cert that will energize your career.
What are you most passionate about?
What excites you in IT? Do you love to solve technical problems, or is managing a network security system more up your alley? Pinpoint your interests and choose a certification that aligns with them—that way you’ll stay motivated as you build your new career path.
How much time can you dedicate to studying?
How much of your time can you realistically devote to training for the new cert? Consider your current job and lifestyle—how much time do you have after work and before your other commitments?
What are your career goals?
If you’re motivated to become the top dog of your next career, choose an entry-level certification that can be built upon with more senior-level certifications. It’s all about assessing your future goals and mapping the path to get there.
12 Most In-Demand IT Certifications
What are the best IT certifications to get today? Here’s a look at some of the most affordable, career-launching tech careers that require IT certifications.
#1 – CompTIA A+
If your friends have you on speed dial for all things tech-related, this certification is for you! You’ll be the tech-savvy hero of the office by supporting IT systems, installing printers, helping with desktop maintenance and equipping the office for day-to-day success.
Potential Careers:
- Helpdesk Technician Analyst ($31,000-$62,000)
- Desktop Support Specialist ($35,000-$65,000)
- Technical and Software Support Specialist ($33,000-$73,000)
How to Prepare:
To obtain your CompTIA A+ certification you’ll need to pass the exam. This exam can be difficult and the best way to make sure you pass on the first go is to enroll in a prep course, like the MedCerts IT Support Professional online certification course. This course costs $4,000 (and your course fee includes your certification exam fees) and lasts 9 weeks.
#2 – CompTIA ITF+
If you’re just getting your feet wet in the IT world, this is a fabulous certification to start with!
The CompTIA ITF+ certification teaches you the IT practical skills—computer literacy, common programs and applications, mastering computer hardware and peripheral devices, investigating network designs, sharing and storage and wireless vs. wired connections.
You will also learn the basics of security threats and security best practices.
Potential Careers:
- Helpdesk Technician Analyst ($31,000-$62,000)
- PC Support Technician ($34,000-$54,000)
- Technical and Software Support Specialist ($33,000-$73,000)
How to Prepare:
Preparing to pass the CompTIA ITF+ exam is a must. Enrolling in a prep program, like MedCerts Fundamentals of IT Online Traning Course is a smart way to make sure you pass the exam. This course is 3 weeks long and costs $1,300—which includes the exam fees.
#3 – CompTIA Network+
If you thrive on problem-solving and being the go-to person in a crisis, this cert is for you! This certification will teach you how to handle common technical problems, support end-users and manage IT requests effectively.
Potential Careers:
- Desktop Support Specialist ($35,000-$65,000)
- Network Administrator ($39,000-$79,000)
- PC Technician ($26,000-$52,000)
How to Prepare:
Prep for the CompTIA Network+ exam by enrolling in the IT Helpdesk Administrator Online Course with MedCerts. This course is 12 weeks long and costs $4,000—which includes the exam fees.
#4 – Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
If you’ve got some IT experience under your belt, this cert will take your career to the next level! This certification focuses on optimizing and troubleshooting network environments like local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs).
Potential Careers:
- Network Administrator ($39,000-$79,000)
- Network Installer ($29,000-$61,000)
- Network Technician ($30,000-$67,000)
How to Prepare:
It’s important to take an exam prep course, like the Networking Specialist Online Course with MedCerts. This course is 10 weeks long and costs $4,000—which includes the exam fees.
#5 – CompTIA Security+
If you enjoy staying ahead of evolving threats and developing strategies to safeguard sensitive data, you’ll want this cert. This cert allows you to design and implement robust security measures to protect an organization’s data from cyber threats.
Potential Careers:
- Application Systems Administrator ($32,000-$73,000)
- Information Assurance Technician ($30,000-$79,000)
- Security Architect ($91,000-$157,000)
How to Prepare:
Take the MedCerts IT Security Specialist Online Course to help you prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. This course is 6 weeks long and costs $2,300—which includes the exam fees.
#6 – CompTIA PenTest+
Is your favorite movie Takedown (2000) about infamous hacker Kevin Mitnik? Then you need to pursue the CompTIA PenTest+ certification. This allows you to become an ethical hacker where you’ll simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems.
Potential Careers:
- Application Systems Administrator ($32,000-$73,000)
- Information Assurance Technician ($30,000-$79,000)
- Security Architect ($91,000-$157,000)
How to Prepare:
Take the MedCerts Ethical Hacker Online Course to help you prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. This course is 6 weeks long and costs $2,300—which includes the exam fees.
#7 – CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Do you geek out over spreadsheets and data analysis meetings? Do you enjoy the thrill of cracking a code? This is the cert for you! In this role, you’ll monitor network traffic, analyze potential security risks and respond to incidents to keep an organization’s systems safe and secure.
Potential Careers:
- Cybersecurity Engineer ($81,000-$112,000)
- Cybersecurity Specialist ($66,000-$97,000)
- Security/Defense Intelligence Analyst ($62,000-$95,000)
How to Prepare:
To pass the CySA+ exam, enroll in the MedCerts Cybersecurity Analyst Online Course to help you prepare. This course is 2 weeks long and costs $2,200—which includes the exam fees.
#8 – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
If you end up the leader of every team you’ve ever worked on and you’re passionate about security, this is an excellent certification for you. You’ll design, implement and manage high-level security policies and procedures to protect an organization’s critical information.
Potential Careers:
- Security Architect ($91,000-$157,000)
- Security Engineer ($57,000-$130,000)
- Security Manager ($68,600-$108,267)
How to Prepare:
The CISSP exam requires extensive prep to pass. Enroll in the MedCerts Information Systems Security Professional Online Course to help you succeed. This course is 4 weeks long and costs $3,000—which includes the exam fees.
#9 – AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (AWS CSAA)
Are you fascinated by cloud computing and want to help businesses leverage cloud solutions? Do you know what we mean when we say “cloud?” Then this is the field for you! You’ll design, implement and manage cloud infrastructure.
Potential Careers:
- Cloud Architect ($117,000-$142,000)
- Cloud Sales Engineer ($104,000-$146,000)
- IT Specialist/Engineer ($55,000-$86,000)
How to Prepare:
To pass the AWS CSAA exam, take the MedCerts Cloud Technology Professional Online Course. This course is 9 weeks long and costs $4,000—which includes the exam fees.
#10 – CompTIA Cloud+
Are you working for Amazon or Microsoft? This certification will prolong your career with these companies, showing you have advanced knowledge of how to operate and maintain their cloud systems.
Potential Careers:
- Cloud Architect ($117,000-$142,000)
- Cloud Sales Engineer ($104,000-$146,000)
- IT Specialist/Engineer ($55,000-$86,000)
How to Prepare:
Pass the CompTIA Cloud+ exam with MedCerts Cloud Technology Professional Online Course. This course is 9 weeks long and costs $4,000—which includes the exam fees.
#11 – Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP)
Are you a bit of a visionary? If you excel in advising companies how to maximize their tech deck, you’ll love this cert. You’ll focus on identifying a business’s needs and selecting the best cloud services for their offerings.
Potential Careers:
- Cloud Architect ($117,000-$142,000)
- Cloud Sales Engineer ($104,000-$146,000)
- Cloud Specialist ($59,200-$88,800)
How to Prepare:
The CCP test can be passed by preparing with the MedCerts Cloud Specialist Online Course. This course is 12 weeks long and costs $4,000—which includes the exam fees.
#12 – CompTIA Linux+
Are you someone who loves the nuts and bolts of tech and enjoys solving complex problems? This role involves configuring, managing and troubleshooting Linux systems for smooth and efficient operations of various applications.
Potential Careers:
- IT Systems Administrator ($51,000-$99,000)
- Linux Administrator ($86,000-$97,000)
- Network Engineer ($54,000-$113,000)
How to Prepare:
The CCP test can be passed by preparing with the MedCerts Linux Administrator Online Course. This course is 4 weeks long and costs $2,200—which includes the exam fees.
The MedCerts Difference: Why MedCerts Stands Out in Online Certification
MedCerts isn’t just another option for certification—it’s the best choice. Here’s why:
Flexible Payment Options
MedCerts believes higher education should be accessible to all. MedCerts provides flexible payment plans—with some courses starting as low as $150 per month—so that certifications are accessible to any financial situation.
Experienced Instructors and Coaches
With MedCerts, you’re not just enrolling in a course—you’re gaining access to seasoned instructors and coaches. These experts provide personalized support and guidance to keep you motivated and on track throughout your learning journey.
Thorough and Engaging Courses
MedCerts offers a rich array of courses designed for success. From interactive modules and hands-on practice to in-depth study guides and real-world simulations, you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, wherever you are.
Career Coaching
MedCerts goes beyond just teaching—they offer career coaching and job placement services to help you turn your new certification into a tangible career opportunity. Their dedicated team prepares you for interviews and connects you with employers in your field.
Best IT Certifications: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best IT certification to have?
The best IT certification often depends on your career goals, but the CompTIA A+ certification is highly regarded as a foundational certification for entry-level IT professionals. It provides a broad understanding of essential IT skills, and is widely recognized by employers.
Which IT certification pays the most?
Amongst IT certifications, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the highest paying. It is sought after for its advanced level of expertise in information security, and professionals with this certification can command high salaries.
What is the best IT certification to get today?
There are a lot of lucrative IT certification options, but the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification is one of the best IT certifications to get. It reflects your ability to design and deploy scalable systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a skill in high demand due to the growing reliance on AWS cloud computing.
Get the Best IT Certification with MedCerts!
There is no better time to get IT certifications than now! Enroll in MedCerts online IT certification programs and take the next step toward a fulfilling IT career. With expert guidance, flexible learning and career support, your future in IT is just around the corner.
