Top-Paying IT certification for 2021

 

These certifications pave the way for a higher salary

In recent years, IT decision-makers have told us conclusively there are two technical areas that demand the most investment—cloud computing and cybersecurity.

So it shouldn’t be a major surprise that the top four IT certifications by salary are in either cloud or security. IT professionals with these skills are in high demand and command the largest paychecks in the industry.

Our list of the top-paying certifications in the United States is based on survey responses from the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Survey (report to be released in the spring). This year saw more turnover than most, as seven new certifications cracked the top 15.

Also new this year, we provide a snapshot of the average certification-holder for each credential. Find out how many current certifications they own, which other certification they’re likely to have, their age and most likely job role. We offer this new information to provide a more representative picture of each certification. The salaries in this article aren’t simply a result of achieving a specified certification—they are a culmination of many factors, including relevant skills, job role, tenure and hard work.

 

Top-paying certifications:

1. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect — $175,761
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate — $149,446
3. CISM – Certified Information Security Manager — $148,622
4. CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control — $146,480
5. PMP® – Project Management Professional — $143,493
6. CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional — $141,452
7. CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor — $132,278
8. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner — $131,465
9. VCP6-DCV: VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization — $130,226
10. ITIL® Foundation — $129,402
11. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals — $126,653
12. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate — $125,993
13. CCA-N: Citrix Certified Associate – Networking — $125,264
14. CCNP Routing and Switching — $119,178
15. CCP-V: Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization — $117,069

What Is MCSE?

 

MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. What is this term, really? While the term sounds like a degree that you would get in Microsoft, it is not really an engineering degree, per say. In fact, that is one of the biggest complaints about this learning process. Nevertheless, MCSE is a training course of sorts that is designed to teach individuals who want to learn how to handle various aspects of Microsoft skills. The goal is to have a group of people who are knowledgeable in the areas that Microsoft is specific. Lets explain.

Microsoft developed this type of training to allow individuals to get a specific training course, or several in various types of skills that pertain to Microsoft. The thing about this training is that it is specific to Microsoft. While you may learn to install a program in another course which would teach a broad range of information about all ways in which to do so, in the MSCE, you will learn strictly how it is done through Microsoft.

So, How Does MSCE Work?

In most cases, the training can be done in several ways. Students can take classes through certified teachers in school or they can study on their own. Some individuals feel that they have enough experience in the various uses of Microsoft to be able to take the test without taking a training class. The test is given at specific areas at specific times. In order to be considered, you must pay a fee of about $125 for each of the tests and certifications that you plan to take. The tests range in knowledge levels and in most cases, it is wise to take the training courses for MSCE prior to taking the test as it can be quite challenging.

You will find more information about MSCE throughout the web.