Best Tech Certifications For Upskilling In 2025
You'll learn about the best tech certifications for your goals and challenges, covering pricing, prerequisites, and focus. This guide is designed to help you make informed decisions about your or your team's professional development.
Consider the following certifications to boost your team's capabilities and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.
Best Tech Certifications Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best tech certifications I think are worth looking into:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate - Best for cloud architecture expertise
- Google Professional Cloud Architect - Best for cloud solution design
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert - Best for Azure solutions mastery
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Best for security management
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Best for ethical hacking skills
- CompTIA Security+ - Best for foundational security knowledge
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Best for network fundamentals
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Best for advanced networking skills
- CompTIA Network+ - Best for network troubleshooting basics
- Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) - Best for IT expertise recognition
- Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate - Best for data visualization skills
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate - Best for entry-level data analytics
- ITIL® Foundation - Best for IT service management basics
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - Best for IT auditing skills
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) - Best for risk management
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate - Best for Azure development skills
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer - Best for Java programming expertise
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate - Best for AWS development skills
- CompTIA Cloud+ - Best for cloud technology fundamentals
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) - Best for Linux system administration
- IBM Certified Database Administrator - Best for database management
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) - Best for IT basics understanding
Overviews of the Best Tech Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of the best tech certifications on my shortlist.
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate - Best for cloud architecture expertise
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification validates your ability to design distributed systems on AWS. It covers high availability, security, and cost optimization, helping you build effective cloud solutions.
Issued by: Amazon Web Services
Focus:
- High availability
- Security
- Cost optimization
- Distributed systems design
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: IT work experience
- Exam: Completion of module exams
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam.
Price: $150
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals, cloud architects, and developers who want to validate their AWS architecture skills and enhance their career prospects.
2. Google Professional Cloud Architect - Best for cloud solution design
The Google Professional Cloud Architect certification demonstrates your ability to design and manage robust, secure, scalable, and dynamic solutions on Google Cloud. It ensures you can leverage Google Cloud technologies effectively to meet business objectives.
Issued by: Google Cloud
Focus:
- Solution design
- Security and compliance
- Cloud architecture
- Data management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by retaking the exam.
Price: $200
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals and cloud architects who want to validate their skills in designing and managing solutions on Google Cloud, enhancing their career and team capabilities.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert - Best for Azure solutions mastery
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification validates your skills in designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure. It ensures you can translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions.
Issued by: Microsoft
Focus:
- Solution architecture
- Networking
- Security
- Identity management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: Required to earn Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate Certification
Renewability: The certification is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Price: $165 per exam
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals and solution architects who want to validate their expertise in Azure architecture and enhance their ability to lead cloud projects effectively.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Best for security management
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. It covers various security practices and principles, ensuring you can protect organizations from complex threats.
Issued by: ISC²
Focus:
- Security operations
- Risk management
- Asset security
- Identity management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Minimum of five years in security
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing professional education credits.
Price: $749
Who It’s For: This certification is for security professionals and IT managers who want to validate their expertise in cybersecurity and enhance their ability to safeguard their organization's assets and data.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Best for ethical hacking skills
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is designed to teach you how to think and act like a hacker to protect systems and networks better. It covers the latest tools and techniques hackers use and teaches you how to use them ethically to safeguard your organization's digital assets.
Issued by: EC-Council
Focus:
- Network scanning
- System hacking
- Social engineering
- Session hijacking
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: 2 years experience in IT security
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education credits.
Price: Information not publicly available
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals and security experts who want to understand hacking techniques and apply them ethically to protect their organizations from cyber threats.
6. CompTIA Security+ - Best for foundational security knowledge
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates your ability to perform core security functions and pursue a career in IT security. It covers essential principles for securing networks and managing risk, providing a solid foundation in cybersecurity.
Issued by: CompTIA
Focus:
- Network security
- Threat management
- Cryptography
- Identity management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: 2 years experience in a security systems administrator job role
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The tech certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education.
Price: $404
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals looking to establish a career in cybersecurity, equipping you with the essential skills to protect and manage your organization's security infrastructure.
7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Best for network fundamentals
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks. It provides foundational knowledge in networking, including IP connectivity, security fundamentals, and automation.
Issued by: Cisco
Focus:
- Network fundamentals
- IP connectivity
- Security fundamentals
- Automation
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: 9-12 months in a junior networking role
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The tech certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by earning continuing education credits or retaking the exam.
Price: $300
Who It’s For: This certification is for network engineers and IT professionals who want to validate their networking skills, allowing you to manage and troubleshoot network infrastructures effectively.
8. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Best for advanced networking skills
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification demonstrates your ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. It covers advanced networking concepts and equips you with the skills needed for complex network solutions.
Issued by: Cisco
Focus:
- Advanced routing
- Network security
- Infrastructure services
- Network troubleshooting
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education or retaking the exam.
Price: $400 per exam
Who It’s For: This certification is for network professionals and engineers looking to validate their advanced networking skills, enabling you to effectively manage and optimize enterprise network infrastructures.
9. CompTIA Network+ - Best for network troubleshooting basics
The CompTIA Network+ certification validates your ability to design, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. It provides foundational knowledge essential for networking, including network configuration, management, and security.
Issued by: CompTIA
Focus:
- Network architecture
- Troubleshooting
- Network operations
- Security
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: 9-12 months in the IT networking field
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The tech certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education.
Price: $369
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals seeking to validate their networking skills, enabling them to effectively manage and troubleshoot network systems.
10. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) - Best for IT expertise recognition
The Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential recognizes your expertise in leveraging technology to manage and grow business operations. This tech certification focuses on integrating IT and accounting, ensuring you can effectively use technology to enhance business performance.
Issued by: AICPA
Focus:
- IT management
- Business analytics
- Risk management
- Data management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must pass ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA®) certification
- Work Experience: Minimum of 1,000 hours in CITP
- Exam: No exam required
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The credential must be renewed every three years through continuing professional development.
Price: Information not publicly available
Who It’s For: This credential is for CPAs and accounting professionals wanting to demonstrate their IT expertise, enhancing their ability to integrate technology with business strategy.
11. Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate - Best for data visualization skills
The Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification validates your ability to design and build scalable data models, clean and transform data, and create meaningful visualizations. It ensures you can effectively use Power BI to provide actionable insights.
Issued by: Microsoft
Focus:
- Data modeling
- Data visualization
- Data analysis
- Power BI service
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Price: $165
Who It’s For: This certification is for data analysts and business intelligence professionals looking to enhance their skills in Power BI, enabling you to provide valuable insights and drive data-informed decisions in your organization.
12. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate - Best for entry-level data analytics
The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate gives you the skills to analyze data and make data-driven decisions. It covers essential tools and techniques fundamental to data analytics, helping you process and interpret data effectively.
Issued by: Google
Focus:
- Data cleaning
- Data visualization
- Data analysis
- Spreadsheet tools
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: No official exam is required
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certificate does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $39 per month on Coursera
Who It’s For: This certificate is for individuals looking to start a career in data analytics, equipping them with the foundational skills to analyze and interpret data effectively in their work.
13. ITIL® Foundation - Best for IT service management basics
The ITIL® Foundation certification introduces you to the key elements, concepts, and terminology in the ITIL service lifecycle. It provides a foundational understanding of IT service management, helping you enhance service delivery and efficiency.
Issued by: AXELOS
Focus:
- Service management
- ITIL framework
- Value creation
- Service lifecycle
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: Varies depending on the training provider
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals and service managers seeking to understand ITIL principles, enabling you to effectively improve your team's service management practices.
14. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - Best for IT auditing skills
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification demonstrates your skills in assessing, controlling, and auditing IT systems. It ensures you can manage vulnerabilities and implement IT governance, providing assurance that your organization’s IT and business systems are protected and compliant.
Issued by: ISACA
Focus:
- IT governance
- Risk management
- Information systems auditing
- Security assessment
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Minimum of five years in IS auditing
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing professional education.
Price: $575 for members, $760 for non-members
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT auditors and security professionals who want to validate their expertise in auditing and controlling IT systems, enhancing their ability to ensure compliance and manage risks effectively.
15. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) - Best for risk management
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification validates your skills in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk and implementing and maintaining information systems controls. It ensures you can effectively manage risks to achieve business objectives.
Issued by: ISACA
Focus:
- Risk identification
- Risk assessment
- Risk response
- Information systems control
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Minimum of three years in risk management
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing professional education.
Price: $575 for members, $760 for non-members
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals and risk managers who want to validate their expertise in risk management and information systems control. It enhances their ability to safeguard their organization's information assets.
16. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate - Best for Azure development skills
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification validates your skills in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on Microsoft Azure. It ensures you can use Azure's tools and services effectively to develop scalable and secure applications.
Issued by: Microsoft
Focus:
- Azure development
- Cloud storage
- Security implementation
- Monitoring and troubleshooting
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Price: $165
Who It’s For: This certification is for developers and IT professionals looking to enhance their skills in Azure development, allowing you to build and manage robust cloud applications effectively.
17. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer - Best for Java programming expertise
The Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer certification demonstrates your proficiency in Java programming, covering core language features and concepts. It ensures you can develop robust and efficient Java applications.
Issued by: Oracle
Focus:
- Java syntax and class structure
- Data types and control flow
- Exception handling
- Object-oriented programming
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $245
Who It’s For: This certification is for Java developers and programmers looking to validate their skills and enhance their credibility in Java application development.
18. AWS Certified Developer – Associate - Best for AWS development skills
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification validates your ability to develop and maintain applications on the AWS platform. It covers essential AWS services, ensuring you can write and deploy code that interacts with AWS efficiently.
Issued by: Amazon Web Services
Focus:
- AWS core services
- Application deployment
- Security practices
- Debugging and monitoring
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam.
Price: $150
Who It’s For: This certification is for developers and IT professionals looking to validate their AWS development skills, enabling you to build, deploy, and maintain applications on AWS effectively.
19. CompTIA Cloud+ - Best for cloud technology fundamentals
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification validates your expertise in maintaining and optimizing cloud infrastructure services. It covers many cloud technologies, ensuring you can effectively manage cloud-based environments and workflows.
Issued by: CompTIA
Focus:
- Cloud infrastructure
- Security
- Resource management
- Troubleshooting
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: 2-3 years in IT networking/storage
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: None required
Renewability: The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education.
Price: $369
Who It’s For: This certification is for IT professionals and system administrators looking to validate their skills in cloud technology, enabling you to manage and optimize cloud infrastructure in your organization efficiently.
20. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) - Best for Linux system administration
The Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification validates your skills in managing and operating Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It covers essential Linux system administration tasks, ensuring you can perform core system administration skills in a Red Hat environment.
Issued by: Red Hat
Focus:
- System administration
- User management
- Networking
- Security
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: No
Price: Information not publicly available
Who It’s For: This tech certification is for IT professionals and system administrators looking to validate their Linux system administration skills, enabling you to manage Red Hat environments effectively.
21. IBM Certified Database Administrator - Best for database management
The IBM Certified Database Administrator certification validates your ability to manage and optimize IBM Db2 databases. It covers essential database performance, security, and maintenance skills, ensuring you can handle complex database environments efficiently.
Issued by: IBM
Focus:
- Database performance
- Security management
- Backup and recovery
- SQL optimization
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: Varies depending on the exam location and currency
Who It’s For: This tech certification is for database administrators and IT professionals who want to validate their skills in managing IBM Db2 databases and enhance their ability to ensure database efficiency and security.
22. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) - Best for IT basics understanding
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certification introduces you to the foundational concepts of IT, covering essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in IT. It provides a broad understanding of IT infrastructure, software development, and security basics.
Issued by: CompTIA
Focus:
- IT infrastructure
- Software development
- Security basics
- Database fundamentals
Prerequisites:
- Education: Not required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes, a comprehensive exam
- Other Certifications: Not required
Renewability: The certification does not expire and does not require renewal.
Price: $138
Who It’s For: This certification is for individuals new to IT or considering a career change, providing you with the foundational knowledge to understand and engage with IT concepts effectively.
FAQs About Tech Certifications
What are the benefits of tech certifications for my team?
Tech certifications validate your team's skills and expertise, boosting their credibility. They also update your team with industry standards, which is crucial in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Certified employees can handle complex tasks more efficiently, leading to improved productivity.
How do I choose the proper tech certification for my team?
Identify the skills gaps in your team and align them with your business goals. Consider:
- The specific technologies you use
- The level of expertise required
- The career paths of your team members Consult with your team to understand their interests and career aspirations.
How can tech certifications impact career advancement?
Tech certifications can enhance career prospects by demonstrating a commitment to professional growth. They often lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. Employers value certified professionals' proven expertise and ability to tackle complex challenges.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other valuable resources to check out.
- Best Tech Conferences for Technology Professionals
- Strategic Tech Trends
- Best Tech Communities to join
- List of the Top Tech Podcasts
- Best Tech Startup Books Every Founder Should Read
What's Next?
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