Top 5 Highest Paying IT Certifications and How to Get Them

In the fast-paced world of Information Technology (IT), certifications have become a valuable currency. This is because they demonstrate expertise and competence in specific areas. For professionals looking to boost their earning potential, acquiring high-demand certifications is a strategic move. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the top five highest paying IT certifications and the steps to obtain them. So, without wasting much time, let’s get into it. You might want to read 10 Best Cybersecurity Certifications for 2024

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is number one on our list of highest paying  IT certifications and how to get them. CISP is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals. It validates an individual’s ability to design, implement, and manage cybersecurity programs. CISSP holders are often sought after for roles such as Security Analysts and Chief Information Security Officers. According to Payscale, the average salary of Certified Information Systems Security Professional is $126k per year.

How to Get CISSP:

1. Experience Requirement: CISSP requires a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
2. Pass the Exam: Successfully pass the CISSP exam, a comprehensive test covering security concepts and practices.
3. Endorsement: CISSP candidates need an existing certified professional to endorse their work experience.
4. Maintain Certification: CISSP holders must earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to maintain their certification.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

PMP is a globally recognized certification for project managers, demonstrating their skills in leading and directing projects. It’s not only relevant in IT but is widely respected across various industries. According to Forbes, average salary of Project Management Professional is $123 per year making it to be among the highest paying IT certifications and we will show you how to get them next.

How to Get PMP:

1. Education Requirement: A four-year degree and a minimum of three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects.
2. Alternative Education Path: Individuals without a degree need five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects.
3. 35 Contact Hours of Project Management Education: Complete 35 hours of formal education in project management.
4. Pass the PMP Exam: Successfully pass the PMP exam, which assesses knowledge and application of project management principles.
5. Maintain Certification: PMP holders must earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) to keep their certification active.

Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

CSM is a certification for professionals involved in Agile and Scrum practices. It’s highly valued in industries adopting Agile methodologies for project management. According to invensis, salary of certified scrum professional is $93k per year.

How to Get CSM:

1. Attend Certified Scrum Master Training: Complete a two-day Certified Scrum Master training course from a certified trainer.
2. Pass the CSM Exam: Successfully pass the CSM exam, typically taken online after completing the training.
3. Accept the License Agreement: Accept the License Agreement and complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile.
4. Maintain Certification: CSM holders need to earn Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and renew their certification every two years.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

CCNP is a professional-level certification for network professionals, emphasizing advanced knowledge in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting Cisco networks. According to ZipRecuriter, average salary of Cisco Certified Professional is $91k per year.

How to Get CCNP:

1. Prerequisite: Possess a valid Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
2. Choose a CCNP Track: Select a specific CCNP track based on your career goals, such as Enterprise, Security, or Data Center.
3. Pass Exams: Successfully pass the required exams for your chosen CCNP track.
4. Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience in implementing and managing Cisco networks.
5. Maintain Certification: CCNP holders need to recertify every three years by passing the current exams or earning Continuing Education credits.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

This certification is for professionals designing distributed systems on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. It’s highly relevant as cloud computing continues to dominate the IT landscape. According to ZipRecruiter, average salary of AWS Certified Solutions Architect is $126k per year.

How to Get AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate:

1. Familiarize Yourself with AWS: Gain hands-on experience with AWS services, understanding their features and how they work together.
2. Study and Training: Utilize AWS training resources and study materials. Consider taking AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate training.
3. Practice with AWS Free Tier: Experiment with AWS services using the Free Tier to gain practical experience.
4. Pass the Exam: Successfully pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, demonstrating your understanding of AWS architecture best practices.
5. Maintain Certification: AWS certifications are valid for three years. Renew by either passing the current exam or earning a higher-level certification.

Conclusion

Thinking about boosting your IT game? Snagging these high-paying certifications isn’t just about skill upgrade. It’s like unlocking doors to some seriously lucrative career paths.

Keep your finger on the pulse of industry trends, keep that knowledge of yours fresh, and think of these certifications as gold mines in your IT career journey.

Whether you’re eyeing cybersecurity, project management, diving into Agile practices, getting deep into networking, or riding the cloud architecture wave, these certifications can be your launchpad to some serious career highs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare for IT certifications?

The preparation time varies based on the certification and individual proficiency. On average, it may take several weeks to a few months of dedicated study and practice.

Can I pursue multiple IT certifications simultaneously?

Yes, it is possible to run multiple IT certifications concurrently. However, it’s advisable to focus on one certification at a time to ensure a thorough understanding of the content and increase the chances of success.

Are there alternative certifications to the ones mentioned in the article?

Yes, there are numerous IT certifications available. The ones mentioned are among the highest-paying and widely recognized, but alternatives exist based on specific career goals.

How do IT certifications benefit career growth?

IT certifications validate your skills and expertise, making you more attractive to employers. They can lead to higher-paying roles, promotions, and increased opportunities for career advancement.