Professional certification is a testament to your proficiency in a particular field or industry. Certifications are usually obtained through taking examinations that evaluate the individual’s skills and knowledge, thereby demonstrating an individual’s capability of performing a certain job. With this regard, having certificates can greatly boost one’s chances of employability even if they may not necessarily guarantee someone a job. Although not the only way to enter employment, these credentials are important because they enable individuals to learn new things systematically and become recognized in their respective careers. Going for certification in finance, project management, healthcare or other fields can result in real or concrete advantages, for instance, more jobs and greater chances of earning higher incomes.
Getting certified sets you apart from competitors as it reveals your dedication and proficiency in a stiff market.
You stand to benefit from the latest tools and strategies that come with advanced training hence enhancing how projects are undertaken and work is managed generally.
Proficient individuals with certificates are usually paid more money because on average they earn a lot of money than other industry players with equally similar credentials.
Being certified on a regular basis does not only enhance what has been already learned but also enables one to learn new methods that are crucial in professional growth among other things.
Having recognized certifications improves one’s reputation among customers and gives you a chance to work on different projects beyond your current position according to standards set by the industry.
In this article, we will discuss about top 10 professional certifications that you must bag to excel in your professional career.
Top 10 IT Certificates in Demand Today 2024
CompTIA A+
When it comes to starting out in IT, barely any other certification like the CompTIA A+ is recognized due to its ability to equip learners with skills in troubleshooting basic issues in operating systems and networks as well as mobile devices or even security; Therefore, before getting into any other specific area within this sector one needs to take it first thus acquiring foundational knowledge across the board on how things work here before advancing into any specialization areas within same field. This in turn will enable you to serve other positions like service desk analyst, technical support specialist, and desktop support administrator among others. To become CompTIA A+ certified, one must pass two exams. There are no prerequisites, but it is recommended that candidates have 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience. Each exam costs around ₹20,366.46 (approximately $246). Procuring a CompTIA A+ paves one’s way for further specialization options such as Network+ or CCNA in cloud computing among others, cyber security (Security+), or systems administration by specializing in networking that are offered by different providers.
CCNA is pertinent to the foundation of IT networking such as network access, IP connectivity, and IP services. It is popular among the network specialists based on the sole test of the Cisco products and tools despite this. To achieve a CCNA one has to take just a single exam which costs around ₹24,500 (around $300). Cisco recommends that one should have at least one year of training in computer networks; however, there are no prerequisites. After you have done CCNA you can then choose to do advanced certificates such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and/or Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos” (JNCIA-Junos) depending on your interest in networking.
Microsoft Fundamentals
Microsoft Fundamentals certifications certify essential tech skills and are perfect starting points for professionals who may have to use Microsoft products. These certifications completely took over the old Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications and they focus on security, Azure (Microsoft’s cloud solution), AI, data, and software such as Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics. Each certification requires passing one test with no requirements. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification which is worth about ₹8,196 (about $99 USD) per exam offers fundamental knowledge of Microsoft cloud concepts greatly in demand in today’s IT environment. Once an individual receives the Microsoft Fundamentals certification, they are free to choose their career specialization in either Azure Database Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate.
Amazon Web Service(AWS) Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Cloud Practitioner examination imparts a basic cloud comprehension to those who have just entered this sector. Nonetheless, most jobs related to this field normally ask for those who already have associate professional certifications like the AWS Solution’s Architect, SysOps Administrator, or Developer and have been actively working with AWS for at least one year. The exam fee for certification is ₹8,200 (around $100). Although there are no prerequisites, Amazon suggests that candidates have some experience in AWS basics and spend up to six months using the platform. Those who pass the AWS Cloud Practitioner stage can go on to do more complex certificates such as AWS Certified Developer or AWS Certified Solutions Architect which will help them gain expertise in cloud-related topics.
Google Cloud’s Digital Leader certification introduces learners to the basic principles of the Google Cloud environment. Even though many Google Cloud job openings need a higher rank credential like the Google Associate Cloud Engineer, passing the Cloud Digital Leader exam offers comprehensive knowledge of Google Cloud essentials. These exams cost around ₹8,100 (about $99 USD), and no special requirements are needed. Upon completing the Cloud Digital Leader, individuals can pursue other certification programs such as the Google Associate Cloud Engineer which provides them with skills essential for any job at the introductory level within Google Cloud Technologies.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
CAPM Certification is specially designed for people who desire to start jobs in Project Management. This certification costs around ₹24,500 ($300 USD) if you are not a member of PMI while it goes for about ₹18,400 ($225 USD) when you are a member of PMI. CAPM ensures that you gain basic management skills concerning projects although it doesn’t have specific formal requirements for one to take the test. Upon acquisition of the CAPM, experts who want to boost their project management careers are in a position to start pursuing a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) Certification
The Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification teaches practical finance and costs from $497-$847. You need to have a bachelor’s degree for it, but you don’t necessarily need to have worked before. It is less respected compared to the CFA; however, the FMVA course provides basics on how to make practical financial models and apply theoretical concepts. It is especially good for finance newbies who are looking for formal training in developing skills that are necessary for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Equity Research, and other corporate finance functions.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA certification costs between $1,500 and $1,700 and it focuses on internal financial strategy and costs. It requires an undergraduate degree of study finance and an experience of two years worth regarding full-time financial management or management accounting background. Cost Management Accountants use detailed analysis to enhance growth mechanisms which are influential in strategic plans and educate strategic decisions. The CMA has become a top priority for finance managers or CFOs aspiring to assume responsibility for financial functions from a strategic point of perspective since an increasing number of firms prefer to delegate strategic duties to their CFOs.
Established in 1988, the Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) certification costs anywhere from $999 to $1,395. It requires an undergraduate degree or the completion of an equivalent associate’s program if you have no prior experience in the financial services sector. The CFS was developed to address some of the shortcomings of existing certified financial planning programs including those related to mutual funds, ETFs, REITs, or advanced investment analysis. Due to this beneficial characteristic, professionals who plan to embark on careers as bank managers, stock brokers, or asset managers find it helpful.
Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
Licensing the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) costs from $600-$1200 and entails two years of working in a risk management position full-time within five years of passing its exams. This certification was developed by GARP in the light of the financial crisis that followed after 2008 thereby underscoring risk management as an independent career. Banks and investment companies everywhere acknowledge how important financial risk management is when it comes to career advancements, particularly for those professionals who have specialized in this field in large financial organizations.
In 2024, there are many different types of professional certifications available in various sectors including computer science, cloud infrastructure operation or storage management, capital risk assessment skills & IT project execution management practices that were developed according to international industrial needs. These are significant in improving your skills while also validating your expertise or adding value to your career-related areas of specialization like finance. This will help you to continue being ahead of others, acquiring more knowledge, and coping with difficult times in the labor market.
