What Can You Do With an IT Certification in 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

In 2025, IT certifications are more than résumé boosters—they’re career accelerators. The Pearson VUE Candidate Report shows that 32% of certified professionals saw a salary increase, with nearly one-third of those raises above 20%. Certifications validate skills in fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics, often in months instead of years.

In this article, you’ll discover which credentials open the most doors, how they impact pay, what employers think, and the smartest strategies for stacking them—so you can move from aspiration to achievement faster.

Key Things You Should Know About IT Certification

Certifications can deliver fast returns — 32% of candidates reported pay raises after earning a credential, and 31% of those raises were over 20%.
Continuous learning is the norm — 84% of certified pros plan to earn another certification within 12 months.
Employers link certs to performance — Certified employees are often more productive and contribute more to problem-solving.

What can you do with an IT certification in 2025? Career Path
Which IT certifications open doors for beginners right now? Entry-Level Picks
Is an IT certification worth it if I don’t have a degree? Cert vs Degree
How much can an IT certification actually raise my salary or job chances? Pay & Prospects
Which certification should I choose for help desk, cybersecurity, cloud, or data roles? Pick by Role
How hard are these exams, and how long should I study to pass? Difficulty & Prep
What do IT certs really cost—including training, exam fees, retakes, and renewals? Total Costs
Do employers care more about certifications or real-world experience—and how do I prove skills? Employer Preference
What’s the fastest path to get hired with an IT certification? What’s the fastest path to get hired with an IT certification?
Which certifications should I stack first, and in what order, to grow my career? Which certifications should I stack first, and in what order, to grow my career?
What common mistakes do first-timers make when chasing IT certifications? What common mistakes do first-timers make when chasing IT certifications?
Other Things You Should Know About IT Certification Programs Other Things You Should Know About IT Certification Programs

What can you do with an IT certification in 2025?

An IT certification can open the door to promotions, pay raises, and entirely new career paths. According to Pearson VUE, 23% of certified individuals received a promotion after certification, while 32% saw higher pay—often exceeding a 20% bump. For example, someone earning $60,000 could see that jump to $72,000 or more in a single year.

Beyond salary, certifications boost credibility. Employers view them as proof of expertise, particularly in fast-growing areas like cybersecurity and cloud. Many IT professionals also combine certs with degree programs such as the fastest online bachelor's in software engineering to broaden their skill set.

These credentials are portable across industries—from healthcare IT to fintech—and they keep pace with evolving tech trends. In an industry where job functions change rapidly, certifications give you the agility to pivot roles without starting over from scratch.

Which IT certifications open doors for beginners right now?

For newcomers, the goal is to choose certifications that are both attainable and in demand. CompTIA A+ remains the classic starting point, covering hardware, software, and troubleshooting basics. Building on that, Network+ offers foundational networking knowledge, while Security+ provides entry-level cybersecurity expertise—commanding an average salary of $84,000, according to Global Knowledge.

Many employers also look for cloud fundamentals, making AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and Google Associate Cloud Engineer solid early picks. Programs such as the fastest online bachelor's programs in cybersecurity can also support exam readiness for those aiming at security careers.

The Pearson VUE report highlights a growing interest in AI and data analytics certifications, with cloud and security still leading the pack in hiring demand. Choosing a versatile first certification makes it easier to stack additional credentials and quickly expand into more specialized roles.

Entry-level IT certification salary benefits.

Is an IT certification worth it if I don’t have a degree?

Yes—certifications can be career-changing even without a college degree. In fact, Pearson VUE reports that 82% of certified professionals gained the confidence to pursue new job opportunities, many of them without formal higher education. Employers often prioritize proven skills over academic credentials, especially in tech sectors where roles evolve quickly.

Certifications like CompTIA Network+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or even advanced bootcamps such as the fastest online bachelor's in computer science programs can demonstrate capability and commitment. These credentials often lead directly to entry-level or mid-tier roles, bypassing the years of study a traditional degree might require.

For career changers, this is a major advantage. Certification programs are typically shorter, less expensive, and more targeted to specific job skills. This makes them a practical, results-oriented pathway into IT for those without the time or resources for a four-year degree. Furthermore, combining certifications with higher education, such as a master’s in organizational leadership, can broaden career prospects and prepare graduates for masters in organizational leadership jobs that involve leading teams, managing projects, and shaping organizational strategy across industries.

The chart below shows how certifications impact professionals’ careers, from salary boosts to promotion opportunities and ongoing learning plans.

How much can an IT certification actually raise my salary or job chances?

The earning potential after certification can be significant. According to Global Knowledge, certified professionals in the U.S. earn an average of $12,000 more per year than their non-certified peers. CompTIA’s data puts that bump as high as $20,000 for certain credentials. Pearson VUE’s 2025 report echoes this, noting that 32% of certified workers saw a pay raise, with nearly one-third of those exceeding 20%.

This isn’t just about money—it’s about opportunity. Certifications help candidates stand out in competitive markets, improving interview callbacks and promotion chances. In fields like network engineering, adding a credential such as CompTIA Network+—potentially through one of the best online CompTIA Network+ training bootcamps—can make you a top contender for positions that might otherwise require years of experience.

Whether your goal is to jump from help desk to systems administrator or from junior analyst to security specialist, certifications give you the documented skill proof that hiring managers want to see.

Which certification should I choose for help desk, cybersecurity, cloud, or data roles?

The best certification depends on your intended career path. For help desk roles, CompTIA A+ remains the industry standard. Pairing it with Network+ can create a solid launchpad into technical support or junior network positions.

For cybersecurity, Security+ is often the first step, followed by Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CISSP for advanced work. Security+ alone can open doors to roles paying an average of $84,000.

If cloud computing is your focus, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, or even specialized programs like fastest online data analytics degree programs for data-heavy cloud roles can be strong choices.

For data roles, CompTIA Data+ or Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate build in-demand skills for analytics and visualization. Pearson VUE notes that interest in AI and data-related certifications jumped from 17% to 35% in one year, signaling rapid growth in these fields.

Choosing based on role ensures your certification aligns with employer needs and increases job-readiness right after you pass the exam.

How hard are these exams, and how long should I study to pass?

The difficulty of IT certification exams varies, but preparation is always a major factor. Pearson VUE’s findings show that candidates often invest months of focused study: 3–4 months for entry-level credentials like A+, 4–6 months for mid-tier ones like Security+ or AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and 6–12 months for advanced certifications such as CISSP.

Many professionals choose blended learning, combining self-study with structured training. In fact, 33% now rely on self-directed methods—an increase from previous years—while others use online bootcamps such as fastest online Microsoft Azure dual certification bootcamps to accelerate preparation.

Hands-on labs, practice exams, and peer study groups can raise pass rates substantially. The time you’ll need also depends on your starting point: seasoned IT staff may progress faster, while career changers might require extra time to master core concepts.

Estimated study times for different IT certification levels.

What do IT certs really cost—including training, exam fees, retakes, and renewals?

The total cost of certification can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the credential and your chosen study path. Exam fees for entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+ are typically $200–$350, while advanced exams like CISSP can exceed $1,000.

Training adds to this figure—especially if you opt for instructor-led courses, bootcamps, or subscription-based lab platforms. Retakes and required continuing education units (CEUs) for renewal also increase the long-term investment. Still, the ROI can be substantial. Skillsoft estimates that certified employees add $30,000 in value to their organizations, and Global Knowledge reports $12,000–$20,000 in average annual salary gains.

Budgeting wisely means factoring in both the upfront and recurring costs. For example, combining a budget-friendly self-study path with a targeted program like the fastest online Bachelor's in Computer Science programs can spread costs while boosting long-term career prospects.

Do employers care more about certifications or real-world experience—and how do I prove skills?

Employers value both certifications and hands-on experience, but their importance can shift depending on the role. Your research file shows that certifications are often used as hiring benchmarks—particularly for security, cloud, and network roles—because they standardize skills across candidates. This is critical in industries like finance or healthcare, where compliance and best practices are non-negotiable.

However, proving you can apply that knowledge is equally important. Many hiring managers look for a blend of formal credentials and demonstrable experience, such as internship projects, volunteer IT work, or contributions to open-source software. For example, pairing a CompTIA Network+ credential from one of the best online CompTIA Network+ training bootcamps with a completed network deployment project can make you stand out.

Certifications open the door, but showcasing real-world application during interviews—through portfolios, lab work, or client references—often seals the deal. In gaming-related fields, understanding trends like game business and esports salary can also help candidates evaluate potential earnings and negotiate competitive compensation while demonstrating industry awareness.

What’s the fastest path to get hired with an IT certification?

Speed to hire depends on selecting certifications with immediate market demand and short preparation timelines. According to your research file, cloud fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, and help desk credentials are the fastest routes into paid IT work because they align with entry-level job requirements.

Certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, or AWS Cloud Practitioner can often be prepared for in under four months, especially if you use an accelerated learning format such as the fastest online Microsoft Azure dual certification bootcamps. Once earned, these credentials can lead directly to job titles such as help desk technician, junior security analyst, or cloud support associate.

Another shortcut is stacking a core credential with an employer-valued specialization—such as adding a Microsoft Azure Fundamentals badge to Security+. This combination signals both breadth and focus, which can help secure interviews faster.

Similarly, understanding industry compensation trends, like how much do real estate agents make, can guide professionals in IT or other fields to evaluate salary expectations and negotiate effectively once hired.

Which certifications should I stack first, and in what order, to grow my career?

Stacking certifications strategically lets you build both foundational and specialized skills. Your research shows that most professionals start with a broad base—often CompTIA A+ or Network+—before moving into role-specific credentials.

For example, a help desk tech might start with A+, then add Network+, and then move to Security+. Someone pursuing cloud engineering could follow AWS Cloud Practitioner with AWS Solutions Architect, then layer in a data certification like Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate. For those on the analytics path, fastest online data analytics degree programs can run alongside certifications to accelerate learning.

The key is sequencing in a way that each step expands job eligibility. Avoid jumping to advanced certifications too soon; mastery of the basics ensures better long-term retention and performance.

Similarly, for professionals in design, engineering, or architecture, obtaining an AutoCAD certification can open doors. Understanding what jobs you can get with an AutoCAD certification—from CAD drafter to design technician or 3D modeler—helps guide which additional credentials or skills to pursue next, ensuring a coherent and targeted career growth plan.

What common mistakes do first-timers make when chasing IT certifications?

Your research points to several pitfalls:

Choosing the wrong certification for their goal — Some chase the “hottest” cert without checking if it matches the job they want.
Underestimating study time — Even entry-level exams require structured prep; rushing often leads to retakes and extra costs.
Ignoring renewal requirements — Letting a certification lapse can set your career back and force expensive re-exams.
Neglecting hands-on practice — Employers favor candidates who can apply skills, not just pass tests.

Programs like the fastest online bachelor's in software engineering can help fill skill gaps while preparing for certification exams. Combining theory with practice ensures you’re job-ready, not just test-ready.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their IT Certification Program

Rinaldo: "Earning my certification online was the game-changer I didn’t know I needed. The flexibility let me keep my full-time job while studying, and the skills I learned translated directly into my first role as a network support tech. Within months, I landed a 15% pay increase."

Elaine: "I was nervous about switching from retail to IT, but the online format made it manageable. Every concept we covered had a direct link to real-world tasks I now do daily in cybersecurity. The transition was smoother than I ever expected."

Crisanto: "Studying for my IT certification online taught me self-discipline, but also gave me freedom. The course design mirrored actual IT workflows, so I could apply what I learned in my volunteer projects and later in a junior data analyst role."

Key Findings

Certifications aligned with in-demand fields like cybersecurity, cloud, and data lead to the fastest job placement.
Many certifications can be completed in under 4 months with intensive study.
Stacking foundational and specialized certifications improves career growth prospects.
Cost varies widely—entry-level certs may cost a few hundred dollars, advanced ones over $1,000.
Employers value a mix of certifications and hands-on experience for most roles.

Other Things You Should Know About IT Certification Programs

How often do IT certifications need renewal?

Most certifications expire in three years, though some last only two. Your research notes that renewal often involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking the exam. Ignoring this can mean extra costs and career delays. Many professionals plan their certification timeline to keep renewals staggered and manageable.

Can you prepare for multiple certifications at the same time?

It’s possible, but your file suggests most candidates focus on one certification at a time to maximize pass rates. Exceptions are when two certifications share significant overlap in content, like AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals.

Do free resources work for IT certification prep?

Yes—if used strategically. Your research highlights that candidates combining free resources like open courseware and practice exams with structured study materials often succeed without paying for premium programs.

Which certifications are most portable across industries?

Certifications in networking (CompTIA Network+), cloud (AWS Solutions Architect), and security (Security+) are widely recognized across industries from healthcare IT to finance. These “cross-industry” certs make career transitions smoother.