The 5 (plus one!) benefits of an IT certification

Are you considering getting an IT certification? You could need this to improve your chances of success in digital work. An IT certification is an excellent way to demonstrate to employers that you have a combination of knowledge and skills required for a specific job. Not only does it provide a competitive edge in the job market, but it’s also an impactful way to give your career a boost. You can take on new roles with the proper credentials and even increase your salary.

However, with the vast array of options available, deciding which certification is right for you can take time and effort. Before choosing an IT certification, it’s a good idea to research and discover the suitable options accessible to you: price, training, specialization, and expertise level are just some of the variables you need to consider.

Sounds like a lot of work? You don’t need to worry; we’ve got you covered. With this free skills gap analysis tool, Astride, you can determine which certification is best for your profession. Plus, you’ll receive a thorough analysis of your digital skills in its Insights Report section, as well as a list of the top 5 positions that match your profile. Visit Astride to use the safe, easy, and utterly free IT competency assessment tool!

Now, let’s talk about those benefits. Here are five (plus one!) benefits of having an IT certification.

1. Increased Job Opportunities

An IT certification can open doors for you by providing access to job opportunities that may not otherwise be available. It can make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to identify you as qualified for open positions — as long as it’s relevant for that particular role or company, of course! IT certifications can give you an edge when applying for a job and make you stand out from other applicants.

Employers are increasingly looking for qualified candidates with IT certifications and are willing to pay more for such talent. With 82% of employers facing skills gaps, getting a certification means boosting your opportunities for wider (and better paying) job opportunities.

2. Higher Job Security – a Stable ROI for Employers

With so many people looking for the same positions and roles, having an IT certification gives you a competitive advantage. It makes you much more attractive in the eyes of employers – in fact, an IT-certified professional brings an average ROI to their employer of around $10,000.

In addition, employers value certifications because they demonstrate commitment and dedication to becoming knowledgeable in a particular area of technology or application. Also, they ensure that a person is up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry.

3. Gain Valuable Skills: Up-skill or Re-skill with the Right Certificate

When pursuing an IT certification, you learn about the theory behind technology and gain valuable skills like problem-solving and troubleshooting, which will be helpful in every technology-related job. On average, 75% of professionals take certifications to increase their (technical) knowledge – indicating that these credentials help them gain insight into real-world applications of their knowledge and skill set. In the long run, this increases job retention for most employers.

Finally, the right certificate can help you develop your career over time and give you instant recognition with today’s employers. Moreover, the knowledge and skills you gain through certification will allow you to specialize in a particular area of technology or application. This can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the IT industry, allowing you to build a long-term focused career. But the benefits continue – did we already talk about the average raises in pay?

4. Better wages

One of the most apparent benefits of having an IT certification is that it often comes with a higher wage. Recent research has found that employees with certifications earn an average salary increase of $13,000. What’s more, certifications can lead to job roles with even higher paychecks — the same research found that certified individuals earned over $8,000 more on average than their colleagues without credentials in most IT positions. In fact, according to the 2023 Pearson VUE report, 37% of employees saw an improvement in pay after acquiring their certifications.

In particular, of those who saw such an improvement,

• 56% of these professionals got a raise within three months;
• 83% got a raise within six months after the certification.

5. Stay Up-to-Date. Network with Professionals. Get Sought-After by Employers.

IT certifications equip you with the latest tools, techniques, and technologies to keep you ahead of the competition. This ensures that you stay relevant and current with the changing technology landscape. Certification programs also allow you to network with other certified professionals, which can help you stay abreast of the latest industry news.

In addition, the demand for certified professionals is increasing as employers seek qualified professionals with the skills and credentials to help them keep their organizations up and running. As said, IT certification can help you stand out among other job applicants and make your resume more attractive to potential employers. IT certifications are, therefore, a great way to better yourself and develop your career.

And now…get ready for the bonus one!

The +1 benefit of an IT certification: Increased Self Confidence

Achieving an IT certification is no small feat – it can take months of hard work and dedication before taking the required exam(s). This effort will make you more attractive as a candidate and give you a sense of accomplishment, which is invaluable when it comes to self-confidence. Furthermore, most certified individuals feel more confident when applying for jobs because they have something extra to help them stand out from other candidates. In fact, research shows that 92% of professionals are more confident in their abilities after achieving a certificate. Thus, making it easier for them to land interviews or job offers they would otherwise struggle to get on merit alone.

Summing-up: advance your expertise and stand out of the crowd with the right tech certs

In this blog article, we’ve discussed the main benefits of tech and IT certifications. As we’ve seen, it is evident that there are multiple benefits to obtaining an IT certification. Not only can it increase your earning potential and help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, but it can also give you a sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence.

If you are looking to advance your career and stand out in the job market, obtaining an IT certification is an excellent way to do so. All these benefits combined make getting an IT certificate a smart decision if you’re looking for career progression or increased earning potential in the tech industry – so why not give it a try?

If you’re unsure of which IT certification is best for you, make sure to check out Astride, the free & secure digital guide that will help you find out more about the skills you have, which you might want to develop – and which IT certification is best to get you ready for what’s next!