Unlock the Top 10 Benefits of an IT Certificate

Career Advice By Peter Krolczyk Published on 10/24/2023

Unlock the Top 10 Benefits of an IT Certificate

Looking to boost your IT career? Consider getting certified. IT certifications are recognized benchmarks that demonstrate your dedication, motivation, and technical knowledge in a specific skill set.

While preparing for certification exams may require time and money, the benefits are worth it. Some certification-issuers may require professional experience before certification is granted. Unsure if it’s worth the effort? Consider the value of an IT certification to both you and your employer. To help you decide, here are 10 benefits of becoming certified for IT professionals and their organizations.

1.Certifications: Strengthening Your Argument for Promotion

Ready to level up your career? Enhance your skills and climb the corporate ladder with new technologies. By earning a certification, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and show management that you’re serious about your career. Plus, having the skills and knowledge that come with certification will make a strong case for a promotion or raise. Invest in yourself and make your career goals a reality.

2.Enhance Your Professional Credibility as an IT Expert

Earning certifications, especially multiple certifications from the same vendor, instantly boosts your professional credibility. It’s hard to dispute the expertise of someone who holds prestigious certifications like Cisco Certified Network Professional – Enterprise (CCNP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) in their respective domains.

By earning certifications, you not only showcase your expertise in a specific skill domain but also establish yourself as a subject matter expert.

Many organizations with a strong focus on learning and development offer financial assistance and additional support to individuals seeking professional growth opportunities. According to the IT Skills and Salary Report, an increasing number of IT decision-makers (63%) state that their organizations provide formal training.

Ultimately, investing in certifications and professional development is beneficial for both individuals and organizations, making it a wise investment.

3.Investing in Certification: A Proven ROI for Organizations

Attention IT Professionals! Stay ahead of the game by meeting your certification requirements. Certification-issuers like Cisco and Red Hat may require you to recertify every two to three years. This could involve earning continuing education credits, taking an exam, or attending training. But don’t worry, it’s not just a box-ticking exercise. By recertifying, you’ll showcase your dedication to improvement and innovation, impressing your customers with your up-to-date expertise. 

Plus, staying current with trends and technology means you can provide better recommendations and services, ultimately impacting your organization’s bottom line. Keep your skills sharp and your certification valid – it’s a win-win situation!

4.Stand Out in the Job Market with Relevant Certifications

Finding a job in the IT field can be challenging due to tough competition. However, having an IT certification that matches the job you want can give you an edge when employers review your resume. In some cases, a certification is even a requirement for certain positions. Without it, getting hired can be much more difficult. At the very least, having a certification can catch the attention of potential employers and give your resume a second glance, which could be exactly what you need to land the job.

5.Unlock Networking Potential with Professional Certification

When you become certified with a specific vendor, you become part of a group of professionals who are also certified and skilled. This presents a great chance to expand your professional network.

Being part of this group can be extremely valuable when you need help solving problems or if you want to share your own solutions to challenging situations. These certified professionals can also offer guidance and advice on how to advance your career or where to find specific technical knowledge.

6.Enhance Your Employees' Experiences with Organization Investment

In an unpredictable economy, businesses are constantly seeking ways to reduce expenses which may lead to job cuts.

Obtaining an IT certification (or multiple certifications) can greatly influence whether you keep your current job or have an opportunity to find a new one. By earning a certification, you prove your commitment to improving your skills and knowledge, benefiting both yourself and your employer.

If you’re unsure about pursuing a certification, think of it as an investment in your future. It’s highly likely to have a positive return.

7.Improve your Service and Consultations with Certification

Many companies need to have a specific number of certified employees to keep a partner certification or status. This requirement is common among major manufacturers and other organizations. Obtaining a certification from a vendor is advantageous for both individuals and their companies. It allows the company to fulfill the necessary number of certified staff and provides clients with a higher level of service that would not be possible without certified associates.

8.Meet all Professional & Corporate Standards

Certification and training are crucial for IT staff to acquire the necessary skills and experience in both existing and emerging technologies. When IT professionals successfully pass a certification exam or a series of exams, they gain specialized knowledge that enables them to efficiently handle departmental issues and overcome challenges. This means that certified IT staff can be more effective in their roles.

Organizations that prioritize staff development by investing in training and certification will benefit from a highly skilled workforce capable of swiftly responding to new challenges.

9.Overcome Challenges and Reach Your Goals

Are you looking to earn a new certification? Whether you’re seeking professional recognition or personal achievement, setting a personal goal can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will you be rewarding yourself for your hard work, but it could also lead to a raise, promotion, and greater recognition. However, it’s important to note that earning certifications this way can be challenging due to the self-motivation and discipline required.

10.Become an Expert in the Latest Technologies

Earn a certification on a new operating system, platform, or application to showcase your achievement of becoming certified on a cutting-edge product.

Obtaining a new certification poses unique challenges as study materials and guidance from experienced certified individuals may be limited. However, securing an IT certification on a new product can position you as the go-to expert in your organization, establishing a positive reputation for your early accomplishments.

 

 Author: Peter Krolczyk

Senior Data Architect with over 25 years of experience leading the design, construction, and delivery of large, complex data solutions supporting transactional, data warehouse systems, including 6 years delivery cloud data solutions in Azure mainly in United States and Western Europe