Ready to Start Your Career?
By: Olivia
August 28, 2017
The Value of IT and Security Certifications in 2017
By: Olivia
August 28, 2017
We've been asked many times before whether or not an IT certification is needed to get a job, essentially, what is the value of a certification?
Data indicates that certification holders in the IT and security field have greater job opportunities with the potential for higher salaries. Certifications and formal education when combined only 
enhance this fact. This is not to say that certifications are the only determinant of a person's skills, but at this time, they are used as a measurement for job requirements. According to CompTIA, 96% of HR managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment."The vocational education model has been replaced by an academically rigorous career and technical education model that includes programs of study that connect what students learn in degree programs and puts them on a career pathway. Certifications are a key aspect of that model.”-Anthony Carnevale, research professor and director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the WorkforcePerspective job seekers looking to enter into the IT or security must take into consideration the return on investment (ROI) of pursuing certifications. This is where potential certification seekers need to factor in their experience. Entry-level candidates, for example, will want to consider if it lands you the job when competing with someone applying for the same job but that is not certified. Upper-level candidates, on the other hand, will want to consider if it gives you a higher pay reflecting the high value of the certification.All professionals will want to keep in mind whether or not a 
certification is needed for you to acquire new skills/knowledge that you will then be rewarded for in a more general sense.Held by over 1 million IT professionals worldwide, the CompTIA A+ certification, for example, establishes best practices in troubleshooting, networking, and security across a variety of devices. Many organizations trust A+ certified professionals to keep their devices running smoothly. CompTIA exams can be taken globally and their certifications carry validation anywhere.The average salary for an A+ certified professional is $72,546. A+ can be a great starting point for someone entering the field. Additionally, the Security+ exam can be a stepping stone for someone to grow their experience into the expansive security field.
enhance this fact. This is not to say that certifications are the only determinant of a person's skills, but at this time, they are used as a measurement for job requirements. According to CompTIA, 96% of HR managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment."The vocational education model has been replaced by an academically rigorous career and technical education model that includes programs of study that connect what students learn in degree programs and puts them on a career pathway. Certifications are a key aspect of that model.”-Anthony Carnevale, research professor and director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the WorkforcePerspective job seekers looking to enter into the IT or security must take into consideration the return on investment (ROI) of pursuing certifications. This is where potential certification seekers need to factor in their experience. Entry-level candidates, for example, will want to consider if it lands you the job when competing with someone applying for the same job but that is not certified. Upper-level candidates, on the other hand, will want to consider if it gives you a higher pay reflecting the high value of the certification.All professionals will want to keep in mind whether or not a certification is needed for you to acquire new skills/knowledge that you will then be rewarded for in a more general sense.Held by over 1 million IT professionals worldwide, the CompTIA A+ certification, for example, establishes best practices in troubleshooting, networking, and security across a variety of devices. Many organizations trust A+ certified professionals to keep their devices running smoothly. CompTIA exams can be taken globally and their certifications carry validation anywhere.The average salary for an A+ certified professional is $72,546. A+ can be a great starting point for someone entering the field. Additionally, the Security+ exam can be a stepping stone for someone to grow their experience into the expansive security field.
Olivia Lynch (@Cybrary_Olivia) is the Marketing Manager at Cybrary. Like many of you, she is just getting her toes wet in the infosec field and is working to make cyber security news more interesting. A firm believer that the pen is mightier than the sword, Olivia considers corny puns and an honest voice essential to any worthwhile blog. 