IT, known as information technology, is the present and “the future” in this ever evolving era. IT and its related fields are booming with a lot of impacts and effects. One can never say it’s enough when it comes to IT, it is growing daily and its demand is never gonna stop anyway. As there are various fields and streams in IT, there are various types of certifications according to them. Getting one certificate does not denote expertise in the whole IT  field. According to the nature of the field and requirements of positions, different types of certifications are asked. Every certification has its own importance in its own field. Here are some top certifications that are especially for your career in IT fields are:

Advanced/Expert Level

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)
3. ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor
4. Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)

Intermediate/Professional Level

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect
6. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect
7. Google Professional Cloud Architect
8. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Foundation/Entry Level

10. CompTIA Security+
11. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
12. CompTIA A+

This hierarchy is structured based on the following considerations:

1. The CISSP is placed at the top due to its comprehensive coverage of information security and its high regard in the industry1.
2. PMP, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and CISA are grouped at the advanced level due to their specialized nature and the experience typically required to obtain them.
3. Cloud architect certifications (AWS, Azure, Google) are placed at the professional level, as they represent specialized expertise in cloud platforms.
4. CEH and CCNA are also at the professional level, representing specialized skills in ethical hacking and networking respectively.
5. CompTIA Security+ is considered a foundation-level security certification, while CompTIA A+ is an entry-level IT certification.
6. The Certified ScrumMaster is placed at the foundation level as it’s often an entry point into agile project management.

Remember that the value and relevance of these certifications can vary depending on specific job roles and industry sectors. This hierarchy is a general guide and may need to be adjusted based on individual career goals and organizational needs.

AWS certified Solutions Architect

This certificate is provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) which mainly focuses on cloud computing, AWS architecture, cloud deployment, and cost optimization. Nowadays, as businesses continue migrating to the cloud, AWS remains the leader in the market, making this certification highly desirable for cloud architects and engineers. 

Exam fee for the certification exam for AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate is  ~  150(USD). 

What are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

Many of us are scared to fill up for the exam registration because we are unaware about  prerequisites for the process. So for this examination it is recommended to have one year of experience designing systems on AWS and familiarity with core AWS services. 

Certified Ethical Hacker(CEH)

This certificate is provided by EC-Council which mainly focuses on Ethical hacking, penetration testing, and network security. As cyber threats continue to grow, ethical hackers are in high demand to protect systems and data from malicious attacks. This certificate demonstrates skills in identifying and fixing vulnerabilities. 

Exam fee for the certification exam for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is   ~  $950 (USD). 

Let’s see what are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification. One should have two years of work experience in information security or completion of an official EC-Council training course. First you have to take the CEH exam for CEH practicals for hands-on testing and after that you can also pursue CEH Master or specialize further in penetration testing or forensic investigation. 

Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)

This certification is provided by ISACA (Information System Audit and Control Association) which focuses to support IT governance, risk management, and assurance practices for IT professionals in areas like cybersecurity, auditing, risk, and information security. CISA exam covers sux primary domain i.e. Information system auditing process, Governance and Management of IT, Information system Acquisition, Development and implementation, Information Systems Operations and BUsiness Resilience, and Protection of Information Assets. 

The CISA exam costs around $575 (USD) for ISACA members and $760 (USD) for non-CISA members. 

Talking about the requirements to gain CISA certification, candidates must pass a 150-question exam and should demonstrate a minimum of five years of professional experiences in information system auditing, control, or security. They may receive experience (up to three years) by fulfilling certain educational or other certification requirements. 

Jobs like IT Auditor, AUdit Manager, SEcurity Analyst, Compliance Officer, and IT Risk Manager are made possible with a CISA certification. Companies, governmental organizations, and consulting forms highly value professionals with CISAs because they can control risk, guarantee compliance, and fortify cybersecurity frameworks. Moreover, a lot of CISA-certified experts can become senior executives, using their knowledge to influence an organization’s information security and risk management plans. To stay applicable in rapid;y changing sector of IT auditing, certification needed to be updated every three years through the completion of continuing professional education (CPE) credits. 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

This certificate is provided by (ISC)² which mainly focuses on cybersecurity, risk management, and information security. CISSP is a globally recognized and ideal for experienced security professionals which validates expertise in managing security operations and is required for any senior cybersecurity roles. 

Exam fee for the certification exam for Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) is  ~   $749 (USD). 

Wanna know what are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? Okey lets know that CISSP certification examination requires at least five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains (which includes security and risk management, asset security and many more). In CISSP, a degree or other related certifications may substitute for one year of experience. So you need to be a well prepared working professional to sit for the examination. 

Certified ScrumMaster(CSM)

This certificate is provided by Scrum Alliance which majorly focuses on agile project management, scrum methodology, team leadership, and process improvement. CSM certification is a great tool for IT professionals working in agile environments, especially those leading software development teams. This demonstrates proficiency in managing agile projects and scrum frameworks. 

The estimated examination cost for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is  ~ $495-  $1,500 (USD) which is for a mandatory training course that includes the exam as well. 

Let’s see the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

Firstly, you had to attend a two-day training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and pass the exam. If you want to gain expertise in this field you can also prepare and get Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) or Certified Scrum Professional- ScrumMaster(CSP-SM)

Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA)

This certificate is provided by cisco which mainly focuses on networking, routing, switching, and network security. As IT related people should know that Cisco is a major player in networking, and CCNA is an essential certification for those looking to work in networking roles. This is recognized globally and opens doors to networking and IT infrastructure careers. 

Exam fee for the certification exam for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is   ~  $300 (USD).

What are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

Firstly, there is no such well defined prerequisite to sit for CCNA certification examination but having a foundational networking knowledge will do benefit for our own. First you take the CCNA exam to gain a strong networking foundation and if you want to take a step ahead then CCNA then you can start preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or specialize in security, wireless, or collaboration. This will help you stand out in the networking industry. 

CompTIA+

This certificate is provided by CompTIA which majorly focuses on IT fundamentals, hardware, networking, and troubleshooting. This is an entry-level certification which is ideal for beginners in IT. It covers a broad range of IT topics and provides the foundational skills which are most needed for IT support and technical roles. 

The exam fee for the certification of CompTIA+ is   ~ $246(USD) per exam and two exams are required to claim the certificate. 

What are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

For this certification, having a foundational knowledge of computer hardware and software is recommended for this exam. You had to pass both core 1 (220-1101) and core 2 (220-1102) exams to earn CompTIA A+ for this certification.

CompTIA Security+

This certificate is provided by CompTIA which mainly focuses on cybersecurity basics, risk management, network security, and threat protection. As security+ is a foundational certificate which is widely accepted and often required by employers for entry-level security positions which is ideal for beginners in the field of cybersecurity. 

Exam fee for the certification exam for CompTIA Security+ is   ~  $392 (USD). 

What are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

It is recommended to have two years of experience in IT with a focus on security to sit for the CompTIA Security+ examination. After completing the CompTIA Security+ exam, you may progress to CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) for advanced knowledge. 

Google Professional Cloud Architect 

This certificate is provided by google cloud which mainly focuses on Cloud architecture, Google Cloud platform(GCP), and cloud-based application design. In today’s world, Google cloud is rapidly growing, and this certification is ideal for professionals  who are looking to specialize in GCP. It is the perfect for architects designing scalable and secure cloud solutions. 

The required fee amount for this certification is   ~ $200 (USD). 

What are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

It is recommended three years of industry experience; including one year designing and managing GCP solutions. First you may prepare for the Professional Cloud ARchitect exam with GCP training and after the completion of the exam, you can progress to other Google Cloud certifications, like Google Professional Data Engineer or Professional Cloud Developer. 

ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor

This certification is issued by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which majorly focuses to equip professionals with skills to conduct external and internal audits, assess security risks, and ensure compliance with ISO 27001 requirements. 

The exam fees for ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor generally range from $1000 (USD) to $3000 (USD), which covers training and the exam. 

This certification process typically includes a multi-day training course (commonly four to five days), which covers ISMS fundamentals, audit principles, and audit process execution. To qualify for the exam, candidates are often required to have prior knowledge of ISO 27001 and some experience in auditing or information security management. Having an ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor certifications opens career paths in information security, compliance, and risk management, which majorly leads to roles such as Information Security Manager, Compliance Officer, ISMS Consultant, and Lead Auditor. 

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

This certificate is provided by Microsoft which mainly focuses on designing cloud solutions, Azure infrastructure, security, and migration. As Azure is being one of the leading cloud platforms, this certification is most essential to those people who want to build and manage cloud infrastructure on Microsoft Azure. 

You need to give two exams(AZ-305 and AZ-104) to be certified as Azure Solutions Architecture Expert. Talking about the exam fees, it costs ~ $165 (USD) per exam. 

What are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification? 

It is highly recommended to have experience with Azure administration, governance, and security. Firstly, complete MIcrosoft Certified: Azure ADministrator Associate(AZ-104) as it is a first and supporting step, after that you sit for AZ-305. You had to pass both AZ-305 and AZ-104 exams to earn the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. 

Project Management Professional (PMP)

This certificate is provided by  project management institute (PMI) which solely focuses on project management, process management, and risk management. This certification is recognized across all industries and mostly valuable for IT professionals who want to lead complex IT projects and teams effectively. 

Are you a member of PMI? If yes then you only had to pay   ~ $404 (USD) but if you are non-members of PMI then, you need to pay  ~ $555(USD) for the examination.  

Lets see what are the requirements to be followed before applying for this certification.

A four-year degree with 36 months of project management experience, or high school diploma with 60 months of experience is needed. Either 35 hours of project management education or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a plus point for the certification. You had to complete the required hours of project management training and need to pass the PMP exam to earn the certification. 

Certification exams are offered in both physical and online formats, each with specific guidelines to ensure a secure testing environment. For in-person exams, candidates are typically required to visit a designated testing center, where identification and security checks are conducted before they can enter the exam room. Online exams, on the other hand, allow candidates to take the test remotely, but strict protocols apply to prevent unauthorized assistance. Online test-takers may be monitored via webcam, and a proctor may use screen-sharing software to observe the test environment. In both settings, candidates are prohibited from using unapproved devices, reference materials, or other forms of external help. These measures uphold the integrity of the certification and ensure that each candidate’s knowledge and skills are fairly assessed. These certifications are offered by well-known organizations that are trusted by employers which helps in the career growth in specialized fields like cloud computing, cybersecurity, project management and other related fields. These certifications span a range of IT roles, from network management to security, cloud architecture, and project management, allowing professionals to choose a path that fits their interests and goals.