There are very few certainties in tech contracting. It isn’t just another way of approaching a technology career. It’s more akin to starting a small business and that means taking risks, marketing, financial management and more.
One aspect of marketing that tech consultants appear to value is certifications. Forty percent of tech consultants said obtaining a certification helped them land a new gig, which is about 10 percentage points higher than their colleagues working in traditional roles.
To potential clients, certifications can inspire confidence that contractors are qualified to contribute, manage or lead various projects. So which certifications are notable for landing a new job? In a survey conducted, employed technology professionals identified the following certifications as helping them gain a new position.
It’s important to remember that not all certifications create the opportunity for a new job or a fatter paycheck, so tech professionals have to be certain that the investment is worth it.
1. CompTIA A+
Employed technology professionals listed A+ certification as the top cert that helped them earn a new position.
2. PMI Project Management Professional, PMP
Project Management Professional (PMP) made the top 10 and it’s the most frequently desired certification, with nearly 2,200 requests in job postings on any given day, up nine percent year/year. Project management is a lucrative role, with an average annual salary of about $124,000.
3. Cisco Certified Network Associates, CCNA
A company’s network is its lifeblood — Cisco Certified Network Associates demonstrate their ability to administer medium-sized routed and switched networks.
4. CompTIA Security+
Security+ is recognized by the Department of Defense which requires contractors with privileged access to federal computer networks to obtain specific certifications.
5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, MCSE
MCSE is a widely recognized certification. The certification is appropriate for systems engineers, technical support engineers, systems analysts, network analysts and technical consultants.
6. CompTIA Network+
Entry-level network technicians have found CompTIA’s Network+ certification helpful in job hunting. Network+ is a must have when looking to advance your career.
7. Certified Information Security Manager, CISM
The uniquely management-focused CISM certification promotes international security practices and recognizes the individual who manages designs, and oversees and assesses an enterprise’s information security.
8. Certified Information Systems Security Professional, CISSP
Seasoned information security professionals are eligible for the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP) certification which is recognized by the Department of Defense which requires contractors with privileged access to federal computer networks to obtain specific certifications. This is one factor driving the high level of tech professionals (53 percent) who have at least one certification.
9. Information Technology Infrastructure Library, ITIL
Covering five core disciplines: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement, ITIL gets you ready for working on intense infrastructure frameworks. The long-standing set of standards is widely recognized and companies ask for the certification by name
10. Amazon Web Service, AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) set the bar for cloud computing. This is the hot in demand certification for cloud computing infrastruture. Many employers are actively seeking out AWS professionals.