The best IT certifications prepare professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the technical landscape.
The demand for individuals with credentials related to Information Technology (IT) is accelerating.
Currently, the number of roles available for IT experts far exceeds the number of professionals in the marketplace.
Employers throughout the globe are experiencing significant skill shortages in areas such as big data and analytics, technical architecture, and cybersecurity.
Earning some of the free and paid certifications listed below could help you to access a wide range of roles in your industry, offering excellent earning opportunities.
10 Top IT Certifications
- Google Data Analytics
- Reliablesoft Digital Marketing
- Google Cloud Architect
- Meta Database Engineer
- Google IT Automation with Python
- Azure Solutions Architect
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Meta Social Media Marketing
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
1. Google Data Analytics
Designed to assist students on their journey into the world of data analytics, the Google Data Analytics professional certificate provides students with step-by-step guidance on using crucial Google tools to evaluate the performance of digital strategies.
Learners will discover how to process and analyze data through a series of 8 courses, which include hands-on projects, quizzes, and downloadable resources.
The program also connects successful graduates with over 150 US employers post-completion to assist them in finding new roles.
Why take this certification?
Over 75% of students who complete this IT certification say they have improved their careers as a result. No experience or formal education in data analytics is required to get started.
The course will guide you through all the steps in processing and analyzing data, applying R programming, and creating visualizations to inform key business decisions.
Students will explore concepts like data cleaning, using the information to solve business problems, data visualization, and data ethics.
You’ll also have an opportunity to enhance your critical thinking skills using a mix of videos, assessments, and hands-on labs. Google employees have developed the course with decades of experience in the analytics field.
The 8-courses include insights into:
- How to ask questions to make data-driven decisions
- Setting SMART goals for projects and data exploration
- Using R Programming techniques for data analysis
- Sharing data through visualization
- Preparing data for exploration and discovery
- Processing data to improve insight accuracy
Jobs You Can Do
This Google professional certificate prepares students for roles in the data science and analysis landscape.
You can apply for roles as a data analyst, associate data analyst, or business analyst, earning an average median salary of approximately $89,000 per year.
The skills you gain in this course may also prepare you for some digital marketing roles.
Time Investment and Cost
This IT certification takes approximately 6 months to complete at a pace of around 10 hours of study per week.
You’ll need to pay for a Coursera subscription to finish the program, which costs $39 per month, up to around $234.
Completing the course will also give you 12 college credits to apply to future learning opportunities.
Read our comprehensive review of the Google Data Analytics Certificate to learn more.
2. Reliablesoft Digital Marketing
The Reliablesoft Digital Marketing program is an all-in-one learning solution for professionals exploring the landscape of digital marketing.
The popular course supports students in developing job-ready skills in the marketing landscape, leveraging IT skills.
Throughout the lessons, students will discover how to develop a powerful digital presence, earn web traffic with compelling content, and access some of the most popular tools in the advertising space.
Learners will also discover how to leverage solutions like Facebook and Google Ads for PPC promotion and content marketing, and affiliate marketing strategies.
Why take this certification?
Created to be the ultimate learning toolkit for digital marketers, this online course shows would-be professionals how to grow their presence online within 60 days or less.
The learning resources are frequently updated to adhere to the latest strategies in the digital landscape.
Throughout a total of 13 courses and 92 lessons, students will explore more than 280 topics related to digital marketing.
You’ll learn how to master the basics of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), take advantage of social media platforms, and build comprehensive paid ad campaigns.
With step-by-step guidance, videos, and downloadable resources, you’ll learn everything from retargeting and affiliate marketing to YouTube and Google Analytics. Other topics include:
- Keyword research for SEO
- Email marketing
- Social media marketing
- Content marketing
- E-commerce SEO
- Google Ads and analytics
- Facebook ads
Jobs You Can Do
This comprehensive IT certification will prepare students for a career in the digital advertising world, covering all aspects of online promotion.
You could apply for roles as a Digital Marketing expert, email marketing coordinator, content marketing specialist, or SEO consultant.
Successful program completion will provide you with both a digital marketing and SEO specialist certification.
Time Investment and Cost
This specially bundled online program provides access to over $780 worth of digital marketing resources for a single price of $149.
This price also includes access to various resources, such as a 30-day subscription for SEMRush Pro and discounts for OptinMonster, Onlypult, and Sitechecker. You can also take advantage of a 60-day money-back guarantee.
The full course can be completed within as little as 2 weeks, but it’s recommended you devote around 60 days to your education, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying.
Read hundreds of student reviews of the Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Certificate to learn more.
3. Google Cloud Architect
The Google Cloud Architect certification is becoming increasingly popular as the demand for cloud technologies grows.
Provided by the Google Cloud team, the Google Cloud Architect preparation course will ensure you’re ready to take the online exam required to access a comprehensive professional certificate.
Broken down into 7 segments, the course introduces students to all of the fundamentals of the Google cloud environment, covering everything from cloud infrastructure services to scaling and automation.
Upon completing the course, you’ll need to take the Google Cloud Architect examination to earn your certification.
Why take this certification?
As one of the leading cloud technology providers, Google is one of the most reputable organizations in the IT landscape.
The Google Cloud Architect professional certification will distinguish you as an expert in your field, capable of leveraging the infrastructure and platform services offered by the Google cloud platform.
Throughout this course, students will learn about the Google Compute Engine, App Engine, and Cloud platform.
You’ll deploy solution elements, such as networks, systems, and application services, and gain real-world experience via Qwiklabs projects you can share with potential employers.
You’ll also be able to practice key skills, such as identifying technical watchpoints and case analysis.
Some of the topics covered throughout the program include:
- Google cloud fundamentals and core infrastructure.
- Elastic cloud infrastructure, scaling, and automation
- Designing reliable cloud infrastructure
- Preparing for your professional cloud architect journey
- Creating foundations with Google Kubernetes Engine
Jobs You Can Do
This IT certification prepares job seekers for a role in the world of cloud development. You’ll be able to pursue positions as a Cloud Manager, Architect, or Administrator, working with companies to build powerful and reliable cloud environments. On average, cloud architects can earn approximately $150,005 annually in the United States.
Time Investment and Cost
The Coursera program built to prepare students for the Google Cloud Architect certification can be completed within 2 months with a study pace of around 5 hours per week. You’ll need to pay $39 per month for your Coursera subscription, following a 7-day free trial.
The exam for this certification will take 2 hours to complete and requires students to pay a registration fee of $200.
It is recommended you have 3 years of industry experience and 1 year of experience with the Google cloud environment. You will also need to update your certification once every 2 years.
4. Meta Database Engineer
Designed by the technical experts at Meta, the Meta Database engineer certification provides students with job-ready skills for the database engineering landscape.
You’ll learn all the skills you need to design, deploy, and manage unstructured and structured data using a selection of videos, resources, and hands-on projects.
The course requires no prior experience and allows students to begin creating and manipulating databases from scratch using industry-standard software and programming languages, including SQL, Django, and Python.
Upon completion, you’ll also gain access to the Meta Career Programs job board, which will connect you to over 200+ reputable employers.
Why take this certification?
The Meta Database Engineer certification ensures you can leverage the tools and techniques you need to manage and structure databases in the digital landscape.
The 100% self-paced course comes with several hands-on projects to help you demonstrate your proficiency in different aspects of database engineering.
You’ll learn how to demonstrate your skills in database normalization by structuring your own relational database and defining connections between entities.
You’ll also build your skills in SQL automation, Python, and data modeling. The 9 courses in the professional certificate cover topics such as:
- How to structure and manage databases
- Advanced techniques for writing database-driven applications
- MySQL database management, data creation, querying, and manipulation
- How to code and use Python syntax
- How to prepare for technical interviews in the IT landscape
Jobs You Can Do
This IT certification primarily prepares students for a role as a database engineer. However, the skills you learn will also help you to excel in roles such as Data Engineer, Database Administrator, Data Architect, Software Engineer, or Solutions Architect. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to earn an average of around $108,300 per year as a Database Engineer.
Time Investment and Cost
This program consists of approximately 170 hours of content. At a pace of approximately 48 hours of study per month or 12 hours per week, you can complete the certification within 4 months.
This will add up to a total fee of around $156, consisting of 4 months of premium subscription to Coursera, costing $39 per month after your 7-day free trial.
Read our review of the Meta Database Engineer Certificate to learn more.
5. Google IT Automation with Python
Another of the best IT certifications offered by Google, the IT Automation with Python professional certificate, prepares students with in-demand skills related to Python, Git, and IT automation.
The beginner-level course requires no prior knowledge and consists of 6 sections in total, with resources produced by the Google IT team.
Throughout the certification, you’ll learn how to leverage automation skills to code and solve problems within the IT landscape.
The program will build on foundational IT knowledge to help students take their careers to the next level using one of the most popular coding languages.
Why take this certification?
Knowing how to leverage code to solve problems and automate tasks is becoming increasingly crucial in the digital world.
Currently, the Python language used in this course is one of the most in-demand programming languages among employers. This certification will teach you how to leverage Python effectively for common system administration tasks.
You’ll also learn how to use GitHub and Git, debug and troubleshoot complex IT problems, and leverage automation at scale using configuration management techniques within the cloud.
The 6 courses in the professional certificate will walk you through processes such as:
- How to understand and use the Python programming language
- Using Python to interact with your operating system
- Leveraging Git and GitHub for version control
- Troubleshooting programs and using debugging techniques
- Automating real-world tasks with Python
Jobs You Can Do
This professional certificate was designed to prepare students for various roles in the IT landscape.
You could apply for an IT Support Specialist, Junior Systems Administrator, or Automation consultant position.
Upon completion, you’ll also be able to share your certificate and skills with various potential employers in the Google landscape.
Time Investment and Cost
This course will take approximately 6 months to complete at a study pace of approximately 10 hours per week.
However, the program is entirely self-paced, so you’re free to take as long as necessary to complete all the lessons.
The total course cost for students taking 6 months to finish the certificate will be approximately $234, as you’ll need to pay $39 per month to access Coursera after your 7-day free trial.
Read our review of the Google IT Automation Certificate to learn more.
6. Azure Solutions Architect
Offered by Udemy, the Azure Solutions Architect certificate is intended for students interested in becoming subject matter experts capable of designing and using cloud and hybrid solutions running on the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
It’s recommended you have prior experience with Azure and have an understanding of virtualization, TCP/IP networking, and Active Directory Domain Services.
Students can prepare for this course by taking the Azure Administrator: AZ-103/AZ-104 program.
Upon completion of the course, you can partner with administrators, developers, and other professionals to implement solutions within Azure.
Why take this certification?
The Azure Solutions Architect certification prepares students for an in-demand role in the world of cloud computing.
The program, split into 21 sections and 212 lectures, cover everything learners need to know about configuring intersite connectivity solutions such as virtual network gateways.
You’ll discover how to secure identities using Azure Active Directory and how to implement identity solutions spanning cloud-based and on-premises capabilities.
Students will also learn how to apply monitoring solutions for leveraging data from different sources. Plus, you’ll be able to administer Azure application services, containers, and Kubernetes. Topics covered include:
- Managing governance and security in a cloud environment
- Setting up identity management strategies and Azure roles
- Azure storage and load balancing strategies
- Azure virtual networking and virtual machines
- Monitoring Azure resources and services
- Leveraging Azure applications, containers, and NoSQL
Jobs You Can Do
This certification will prepare students for a cloud development and engineering role. You can apply for positions such as Azure database manager, Cloud engineering specialist, Identity access manager expert, and more.
The core role applicable to this course is “Azure solutions architect”.
Time Investment and Cost
This Udemy course consists of approximately 19 hours and 3 minutes of content in total. Students can take each lesson at their own pace.
You’ll be able to access a 30-day money-back guarantee on the course, and the total price is currently $54.99, though discounts are available. You can also try a personal plan on Udemy for free.
7. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity is one of the core concerns for any business investing in the IT space. With the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate your knowledge of how to secure and protect crucial data in the cloud or a digital environment.
The course covers all the in-demand skills students need to know to excel in cybersecurity. You’ll learn all about the core principles of compliance, threat intelligence, incident response, and digital forensics.
Why take this certification?
Demand for cybersecurity experts is growing as threats in the digital landscape evolve. The IBM certification, taught by leaders in the digital landscape, provides beginners with a behind-the-scenes insight into how to protect data from attack. You’ll learn how to use crucial cybersecurity tools through a series of 8 courses, and develop your knowledge of endpoint and data defense.
The Cybersecurity Analyst certification from IBM covers everything from incident response to compliance, with real-world cybersecurity case studies and hands-on projects. You’ll learn how to use open-source tools to your advantage, and cover topics such as:
- Common cybersecurity tools and techniques for managing attacks
- Cybersecurity processes, operating system security, and roles
- Compliance and system administration
- Incident response, forensics, and penetration testing
- Network security and database vulnerabilities
- Breach responses and leveraging cyber threat intelligence
Jobs You Can Do
This certification prepares beginners for an entry-level role as a junior cybersecurity analysis. However, you can develop your knowledge during an entry-level position to apply for more senior roles. The average salary you can earn as a cybersecurity analyst is usually around $84,400 per year in the United States.
Time Investment and Cost
This self-paced course can be completed within approximately 3 months, at a study pace of around 10 hours per week. Students who complete the certification within 3 months will pay $39 per month for access to Coursera, adding up to around $117 in total.
Read our review of the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate to learn more.
8. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Intended for professionals in the cloud development and management landscape, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Course teaches students how to leverage AWS technology. You will not need any prior knowledge of the AWS (Amazon Web Services) landscape to get started. However, you should have a basic knowledge of cloud computing.
This course will teach you everything you need to know about configuring a cloud ecosystem, with free downloadable resources and hands-on projects. You’ll also develop the skills you need to pass the AWS Certified Cloud exam.
Why take this certification?
This certification will validate your knowledge of the AWS cloud environment for future employers. You’ll learn what it means to become an AWS Certified cloud practitioner, building and managing cloud environments for future employers.
The 218 lectures and 27 sections of the certification walk students through the process of getting started with AWS and the cloud. You’ll learn about billing in the cloud environment and managing elastic load balances. There’s also a behind-the-scenes insight into object storage in AWS, as well as tools like AWS Lambda and AWS Elastic Beanstalk. Other topics covered include:
- Block and file storage in the AWS environment
- Documents and databases in AWS
- Relational Database building in the AWS space
- Security and encryption in the cloud
- Exploring management services in AWS
- Building a well-architected cloud framework
Jobs You Can Do
This course will prepare students for a role as an AWS Certified cloud practitioner. However, you will also be able to take your transferrable skills from the certification into other roles. You may be able to apply for roles as a cloud architect or engineer.
Time Investment and Cost
This IT certification program consists of just over 14 hours of content in total, available to consume at your own pace. You’ll pay a total of $49.99 for full lifetime access to the course, and a 30-day money-back guarantee is also available.
9. Meta Social Media Marketing
Intended for students interested in the world of digital advertising and social media marketing, the Meta Social Media Marketing certificate is a leading promotional program. This course will help students launch their careers as social media marketers, and no degree or prior experience is required to get started.
The program is split into 6 courses and covers all of the components of the Meta landscape, such as Facebook and Instagram marketing. However, you’ll also learn how to leverage other leading channels in the social media environment for advertising strategies.
Why take this certification?
This IT certification prepares students for a role in the growing world of digital marketing using social media tools. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to develop a compelling online presence on any channel and create powerful advertising content. Throughout the lessons, students will develop their skills in everything from creating branded pages to designing content calendars.
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be able to demonstrate your knowledge to employers with a portfolio of social media ad campaigns created in the Meta Ads Manager landscape. You’ll also gain access to the Meta Career Job Board, where you can connect with more than 200 potential employers. Topics covered include:
- Directing and managing a social media marketing team
- Measuring and optimizing social campaigns
- Examining customer personas and building target audiences
- The fundamental components of social media ad creation
- How to leverage Meta technologies for online ads
Jobs You Can Do
Successful graduates of this course will be able to apply for various roles in the social media and digital advertising space. You’ll be able to work as a social media manager, coordinator, or marketing specialist. You can also earn up to 2 college credits with participating universities to further expand your education.
Time Investment and Cost
This certification consists of around 70 hours of content, broken down into various resources and videos. At a pace of around 12 hours of study per week, you’ll be able to complete the course within 12 months, paying $88 or $39 per month for your Coursera subscription.
Read our review of the Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate to learn more.
10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Created by one of the market leaders in networking technology, the CCNA certification gives students access to a broad range of knowledge suitable for various IT careers. You’ll learn to configure, operate, and install various IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
This course will also provide insight into managing and configuring network components such as wireless LAN controllers, routers, switches, and networking devices. Plus, students can also learn how to monitor and identify basic security threats in a digital landscape.
Why take this certification?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification can prepare you for various networking and business growth-related jobs. You’ll be able to develop your understanding of network programming, automation, and software-defined networking.
Throughout the components of the course, you’ll learn about the core elements involved in setting up a computer network and leveraging various aspects of Cisco software. Hands-on lessons will walk you through implementing configurations on a Cisco router. Students can also utilize smart network management solutions like the Cisco DNA center. Other topics covered include:
- Describing network and device architecture options
- Utilizing tools to minimize threats in the networking space
- Using Cisco routers and tools to minimize networking issues
- Using SD-WAN, SD-Access, and other smart network management tools
- Identifying and resolving to switch and routing concerns
Jobs You Can Do
This course will prepare you for a career as a networking architect or professional in the networking space. You’ll be able to work with various companies, setting up and managing crucial network connections and architectures. The course also includes access to 30 continuing education credits.
Time Investment and Cost
Purchasing this course will give you access to the core lessons and resources for a total of 180 days. You’ll be able to complete the self-paced lessons in your own time. The total cost for the certification is $800, and a free introductory trial is available.
Are IT Certifications Worth It?
As demand for IT experts continues to grow, earning your own certification could be extremely worthwhile. Currently, the IT landscape suffers from a significant skill shortage, meaning many employers are willing to pay more for the right skill sets.
The free and paid courses listed above will help you to demonstrate your skills in various facets of the Information Technology world. You’ll develop hands-on experience working with critical tools and methodologies and improve your chances of getting hired by well-known companies.
The right certification will give you more credibility when applying for high-paying roles in the IT space. You may even find that you can apply more easily for promotions in your current job. What’s more, these courses will help to keep you up to date with changes in the IT space.
Methodology
We have researched the certificate programs offered by reputable companies such as Google, Meta, IBM, Cisco, and several others to assist you in identifying the most beneficial IT certificates. The chosen certificates are designed to equip you with job-ready skills and, above all, assist you in obtaining a job after finishing the program.
You may refer to our comprehensive reviews to learn more about the included courses and the pricing of each certification. The review was conducted by a seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of industry expertise.
