Information Technology (IT) stands out as one of the most lucrative career domains, offering promising career growth, immense job satisfaction, and global recognition. According to surveys, the IT occupation is projected to increase by 12% in the next decade.
Getting the best IT certification in 2024 is the optimal way to manifest your skills and abilities and earn a handsome salary. As per the latest statistics, employees with IT certification earn 13.7% more than non-certified professionals.
There are many sources to get your IT certification, but we have shortlisted the Top 10 IT Certifications in 2024 that will get you the highest pay possible. These certifications are globally recognized and provide a boost in your career.
From AWS to IBM these certifications cover a wide variety of IT specialization which you can choose to upscale your career.
Why Get an IT Certification in 2024?
Some of the reasons why you should consider IT certification in 2024 are:
- Insanely high job opportunities
- Manifest your skills and knowledge
- Stand apart from the crowd
- Enhance your knowledge about the domain
- Validate your proficiency
- Attractive salaries
Top 10 Highest Paying IT Certifications
Here is the list of best IT certifications you can get in 2024 to get high paying job:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Oracle MySQL Database Administration
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Microsoft Certification: Azure Fundamentals
- Project Management Professional
- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
In today’s scenario, Amazon Web Services stands out as one of the most significant players in cloud computing services. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is highly recommended, promising not only an attractive salary but also job satisfaction. This certification validates your in-depth understanding of cloud technology and foundational AWS knowledge.
Certification Details:
- Official Website: https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-cloud-practitioner/
- Expected Salary: ₹12,97,000 to ₹14,16,000 per annum
- Course Fees: Approx. ₹8330
Exam Overview:
- Time Duration: 90 minutes
- Format: 65 Questions (either multiple choice or multiple responses)
- Passing Score: 700 marks
Key Concepts Covered:
- Cloud Concepts
- Security and Compliance
- Knowledge of Core AWS Services, etc.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
As per the survey, there are around 3.5 million job opportunities for an ethical hacker, and every 10-14 seconds, there is a cyber attack. This simply means that there is a huge demand for Certified Ethical Hackers. This certification offers amazing career prospects and global recognition.
Certification Details:
- Official Website: https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/
- Expected Salary: ₹10,00,000–₹15,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approximately ₹99,886
Exam Details:
- Time Duration: 4 hours
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
Key Concepts Covered:
- Footprinting and Reconnaissance
- Trojans, Backdoors, and Countermeasures
- Advanced Hacking and Log Management Concepts
- IDS, Firewalls, and Network Packet Analysis, etc.
3. Oracle MySQL Database Administration
MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator, this certification proves your knowledge of MySQL architecture and abilities to install and configure MySQL databases. As per the survey, Database Administration jobs are expected to increase by 8% so this certification promises immense job satisfaction and career growth.
Certification Details:
- Official Website: https://education.oracle.com/oracle-certification-path/pfamily_406
- Expected Salary: ₹6,00,000 to ₹16,00,000 per annum
- Fees: ₹50,000
Exam Overview:
- Time Duration: 120 minutes
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: 58%
Key Concepts Covered:
- Configure Data Auditing and Access
- Handle Backup and Restoration Activities
- Monitor SQL Servers, etc.
4. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
This certification manifests that you can implement the scrum framework effectively. As per the latest survey, jobs in this domain are expected to increase by 24% which is far more than the average.
Certification Details:
- Official Website: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-master-track/certified-scrummaster
- Expected Salary: ₹7,00,000–₹15,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approx. ₹4082
Exam Overview:
- Time Duration: 60 minutes
- Format: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Passing Score: 74%
Key Concepts Covered:
- In-depth knowledge of Agile concepts
- Concepts and terminology in Scrum
- Scrum ceremonies and roles
- Responsibilities of Scrum Master, etc.
5. Microsoft Certification: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft Certification: Azure Fundamentals certification is in really high demand, it can be simply considered as a ticket to excellent jobs. This certification is for individuals who are starting their journey of cloud-based services.
Certification Details:
- Official Website: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-fundamentals/
- Expected Salary: ₹25,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approximately ₹3696
Exam Details:
- Time Duration: 85 minutes
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Passing Marks: 700
Key Concepts Covered:
- Foundational Cloud Concepts
- Core Azure Services
- General and Network Security Protocols
- Azure Cost Management, etc.
6. Project Management Professional
This certification manifests that you possess the right knowledge in managing projects and project teams. It helps you to distinguish yourself in a global marketplace.
- Official Website: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
- Expected Salary: ₹5,00,000-₹22,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approx. ₹33,463
- Exam Overview:
- Time duration: 4 hours
- Format: MCQs
- Passing marks: Percentile mechanism
- Important concepts:
- Starting the project
- Planning and execution
- Controlling and monitoring of project
- Closing of the project, etc.
7. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
CISM certification validates that you have in-depth knowledge of information security and risk management. The salary range of a CISM Certified Professional sees a growth rate of 20% to 25% based on the industry experience and skillset.
- Official Website: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism
- Fees: Approx. ₹4165
- Expected Salary: ₹23,00,000-₹50,00,000 per annum
- Exam Overview:
- Time duration: 4 hours
- Format: MCQs
- Passing marks: 450
- Important concepts:
- Information Security
- Risk and incident management
- Program development and management, etc.
8. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
CCIE certification is concerned with a category of tech certifications for those who have the excellent skills required to design, develop, implement & troubleshoot complex network infrastructure. There is a huge demand for CCIE professionals and the demand is expected to grow high in the future.
- Offical Website: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/expert.html
- Expected Salary: ₹18,00,000-₹50,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approx. ₹133293
- Exam Overview:
- Time duration: 120 minutes and 8 hours of lab time
- Format: MCQs and Lab exams
- Passing score: around 80%
- Important concepts: depends on the selected track
9. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
This certificate indicates that you can apply a risk-based approach in executing, planning, and reporting audit engagements.
- Official Website: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa
- Expected Salary: ₹6,00,000-₹15,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approx. ₹47902
- Exam Overview:
- Time duration: 240 mins
- Format: Multiple-choice questions
- Passing score: 450
- Important concepts:
- Management and Governance of IT
- Protection of Information
- Maintenance and service management, etc.
10. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
The data science domain is one of the rapidly growing fields and data science professionals are one of the hottest assets right now. As per the survey, there will be around 11 million job opportunities by 2026 and a whopping growth rate of 46%. Digital badge from IBM recognizing your proficiency in the field of data science.
- Official Website: https://www.ibm.com/training/badge/data-science-professional-certificate
- Expected Salary: ₹17,00,000-₹52,00,000 per annum
- Fees: Approx. ₹5887
- Certification Overview:
- Time duration: 11 months with the pace of 3-4 hours per week
- Format: Hands-on assignments, projects, and quizzes
- Important concepts:
- Data science tools and methodology
- Data analysis and machine learning techniques
- SQL concepts for data science, etc.
Benefits of IT Certification
Getting an IT certification is the best way to upscale your career in IT. It is a guaranteed way to get more salary and better opportunity. Let’s see some benefits of getting the best IT certification in 2024:
1. Employability:
Getting an IT certification and putting it in your resume, will you a competitive advantage over other applicants. Having any one of these IT certifications will significantly increase your chances of getting your dream job.
2. Skill Enhancement:
These certifications are one of the best for gaining the latest skills in the market. They are constantly updated to meet the latest trends and skills. Even as a working professional you can study the courses and get a certification to strengthen your skills.
3. High Earning Potential:
Earning the best IT certification in 2024 is one of the best investments you can make and it will provide you with definite results. People see a decent hike in salaries after completing these courses.
4. Credibility and Validation:
Earning these certifications from reputed organizations will increase your credibility and provide validation for your work. You will gain the respect and trust of your peers as these certifications act as tangible proof of your knowledge.
Wan’t to Check Salary for your dream job, check our Salaries Archive.
Summing Up
The certifications that are included in this article offer a wide range of desirable IT roles-related skills and knowledge sets that are in high demand. Each certification offers a step towards a better career path, whether you’re a cybersecurity specialist aiming for the CISSP, a cloud architect trying for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or a data scientist pursuing the Certified Analytics Professional.
Always keep in mind that gaining knowledge and developing your skills is a lifelong process. Select certifications that support your professional goals and desires, but don’t stop there. Continue to learn new things, be interested, and push yourself to grow. It’s possible to build a successful career in the rapidly changing IT industry if you have the necessary qualifications, determination, and learning thirst.
FAQ’s- Best IT certifications
Q1. Which certification pays the most?
Some of the highest-paying IT certifications are:
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Certification: Azure Fundamentals
- Project Management Professional
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
Q2. Which is the hardest IT certification?
Some of the hardest IT certifications are:
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE):
- GIAC Security Expert (GSE):
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Q3. Which certification is in demand in IT?
Some of the high demand latest certifications in IT are:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Microsoft Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
