In the fast-paced world of IT, staying up to date with the latest certifications can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. We caught up with Justin Nadelman, Director on our IT team, who shared insights on the most valuable certifications to pursue in 2025. Here are five of the recommendations:
CompTIA A+ CompTIA A+ remains a foundational certification for those entering the IT field. It covers essential IT skills, including operating systems, networking, and security. According to Uninets, “CompTIA A+ is a perfect starting point for those looking to enter the IT industry, as it provides the fundamental knowledge necessary for technical support and IT operational roles.”
The second key certification, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Networking is a critical aspect of IT, and the CCNA certification is highly valued. It focuses on networking fundamentals, including network access, IP connectivity, and IP services. As noted by Uninets, “The CCNA certification is often the first step for individuals aspiring to build a career in network engineering, network administration, or systems administration.”
With cybersecurity being a top priority in almost all industries, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is essential for professionals aiming to specialize in this field. It validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program. Workday highlights that “CISSP is a globally recognized certification…that is ideal for IT security managers, analysts, architects, and consultants who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs.”
Justin noted, “Tackling industry recognized certifications while you are still completing your formal education is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates on the market. Adding those with some practical internship experience can set you up for an easy segway into your first role.”
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Cloud computing continues to dominate the IT landscape, and AWS certifications are among the most sought-after. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification validates the ability to design and deploy scalable systems on AWS. According to Workday, “This certification is intended for individuals with deep technical knowledge of AWS security services and a strong understanding of security practices for production environments. It is particularly suited for cloud security engineers, architects, and operations professionals managing secure workloads on AWS.”
Microsoft Azure certifications are another essential certificate for professionals looking to excel in cloud computing. With certifications ranging from Azure Fundamentals to Azure Solutions Architect Expert, these credentials validate skills in various aspects of Azure, including development, administration, and security. Additionally, according CloudKeeda.com, “As Azure’s popularity soars, organizations are actively seeking professionals who possess the skills and expertise to maximize the benefits of this cloud platform. Azure professionals are responsible for tasks such as designing and implementing cloud architectures, managing virtual machines and data storage, ensuring data security, and optimizing cloud performance. With the complexity of Azure’s offerings, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively utilize and manage these services has grown exponentially.”
Lastly, as organizations strive to protect their systems from cyber threats, the demand for ethical hackers is on the rise. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification equips professionals with the skills to identify and address vulnerabilities in systems. ITTA notes that “The CEH certification is essential for those looking to specialize in cybersecurity as ethical hackers. It covers various types of attacks, including reconnaissance, scanning, and intrusion detection, allowing professionals to develop practical skills for countering threats. Previous training or two years of cybersecurity experience is required to obtain this certification.”
In conclusion, pursuing these certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects and ensure you remain relevant in the ever-changing IT industry. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize, these certifications offer valuable opportunities for growth and advancement. Justin emphasizes, “The market is very competitive these days, staying current with certifications not only boosts your resume but also equips you with the book knowledge that we are seeing clients ask during technical interviews.”
Ready to take the next step in your IT career? Check out our latest IT job openings and find the perfect opportunity to apply your skills and certifications!