Top 5 IT Certifications of 2017

How do you kick-start a career in IT? A college education is helpful, but certainly not necessary. What you really need is tech training—and one of the Top IT certifications. Why? IT positions require specific skill sets and certifications validate the ability to do the job. By becoming certified, you’ll show potential employers that you have the skills required to succeed.

Don’t know which IT certifications will give you the most bang for your money? Here are a few popular IT certifications and their earning potential. Achieve one of these top IT certifications and enjoy a rewarding career in the IT industry.

1. CompTIA A+ IT Technician

This entry-level certification is a starting point for a career in IT. Certified A+ techs handle PC maintenance, operating systems, printers, mobile devices and laptops. The CompTIA A+ validates skills employers need from entry-level technicians and often provides entry-level employment opportunities for aspiring IT practitioners without work-related experience.
Average salary: £24,000

Most common job titles:

• Desktop support technician
• Help desk technician
• In-home support specialist

Top IT Certifications process:

Achieving the CompTIA A+ requires the successful completion of two exams. Learn more

2. CompTIA Network+

Interested in a networking career? CompTIA Network+ verifies the ability to design, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. This is another in-demand certification ideal for beginning a career in IT, and serves as a recommended prerequisite for more advanced network training.
Average salary: £37,500

Most common job titles:

• Network Support
• Network Technician
• Helpdesk Technician
• Information Technology Specialist
• Information Technology Technician

Top IT Certifications process:

Achieving the CompTIA Network + requires the successful completion of one exam — a single 90-question exam on the configuration of wired and wireless network devices and other emerging technologies. Learn more

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Routing and Switching
The CCNA: Routing and Switching is an associate-level certification and assures employers that you’re able to install, operate and configure enterprise-level networks. CCNA-certified pros can also detect and solve common network problems. This is a fantastic certification for anyone building a career in networking. With this certification, you also have the options of specializing in security, voice or wireless networking.
Average salary: £37,500

Most common job titles:

• Network Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator

Top IT Certifications process:

Achieving the CCNA: Routing and Switching requires the successful completion of two exams and previous networking experience is recommended. Learn more

4. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is an ideal certification for advanced-level practitioners responsible for managing modern data centers. MCSE certification is offered in specializations that include server infrastructure, desktop infrastructure, private cloud, enterprise devices and apps, data platform, business intelligence, messaging, communications and SharePoint.
Mean salary: £40,000

Most common job titles:

• Systems Engineer
• Systems Manager
• IT Manager
• Systems Administrator
• Field Systems Technician

Top IT Certifications process:

Achieving the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure requires an existing MCSA Windows Server 2016 certification and the successful completion 1 additional MCSE-level course. Learn more

5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP validates skills required to protect large enterprise systems from a host of modern cyber threats. With less than 112,000 practitioners in existence, those with this in-demand certification find lucrative employment opportunities all over the world.
Mean salary: £70,000

Most common job titles:

• Information technology auditor
• Security analyst
• Information security analyst

Top IT Certifications process:

Achieving certification requires five years of direct work-related experience in IT security, agreeing to the CISSP Code of Ethics, answering criminal background questions, passing the CISSP exam, and having qualifications endorsed by another (ISC)² certification holder in good standing.

Eight subjects are covered in the CISSP exam: security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations and software development security. There are 250 exam questions that take approximately six hours to complete.Learn more

Top IT Certifications require training

IT practitioners willing to train and achieve certifications in systems, networking, cloud computing, and cyber security are commanding some of the highest salaries in the industry. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to chat with one of our friendly course advisors about training resources to help you break into the exciting field of IT.