10 Best IT Management Certifications for Upskilling in 2025
As technology continues to shape the future of business, IT management professionals are expected to lead organizations through increasingly complex digital landscapes.
Whether you want to climb the career ladder or stay current with emerging trends, earning the proper IT management certifications can make all the difference.
This article explores the top 10 IT management certifications you should pursue in 2025 for the skills to manage IT systems effectively. I've summarized the best IT management certifications so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.
Best IT Management Certifications Shortlist
- Certified IT Manager (CITM®) — Best for IT professionals seeking comprehensive management skills
- EXIN EPI Certified Information Technology Manager — Best for aligning IT with business strategies
- Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) — Best for enhancing IT operational efficiency
- Certified IT Manager (CITM) — Best for IT management and leadership development
- Certified Manager of Information Technology (CMIT) — Best for technical management in IT environments
- Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) — Best for IT project management skills
- Information Technology Management Certificate — Best for undergraduate students focusing on IT management
- Graduate Certificate in IT Management — Best for IT professionals advancing their careers
- Information Technology Management Certificate — Best for entry-level IT management roles
- Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Management — Best for strategic IT management competencies
Overview of the Best IT Management Certifications
Below are my detailed summaries of my shortlist's best IT management certifications.
1. Certified IT Manager (CITM®) - Best for IT professionals seeking comprehensive management skills
This certification is designed for senior IT professionals, team leaders, and managers who want to improve their skills in managing IT effectively. It covers important topics like IT strategy, project management, and risk management. After completing the course and passing the certification exam, you will receive a globally recognized CITM® certificate valid for three years.
Issued by: EPI
Focus:
- IT strategy
- Project management
- Vendor management
- Service management
- Business continuity
- Risk management
- Emerging technologies
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Targeted at senior IT professionals, indicating relevant work experience is advantageous
- Exam: Yes
Renewability: Valid for three years
Who It’s For: IT professionals looking to confidently manage IT strategy, lead teams, and negotiate vendor agreements.
2. EXIN EPI Certified Information Technology Manager - Best for aligning IT with business strategies
This certification is designed for experienced IT professionals, especially those in management or leadership roles. It helps develop key skills to manage IT operations and ensure alignment with business goals. It covers important topics like IT governance, project management, and service management, providing the tools to excel in IT management.
Issued by: EXIN
Focus:
- IT strategy
- Project management
- Service management
- Information security management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Completion of training from an EXIN-accredited provider
- Work Experience: 2 to 4 years of relevant IT management experience
- Exam: Yes
Renewability: Yes, requiring ongoing education to maintain
Who It’s For: IT professionals looking to align IT operations with business goals and advance into leadership roles.
3. Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) - Best for enhancing IT operational efficiency
This certification is designed for IT managers who handle technical and managerial challenges. It helps develop skills in important areas like corporate governance, risk management, and finance, which makes it essential for managing complex IT responsibilities in today's fast-paced business world.
Issued by: Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM)
Focus:
- Corporate frameworks
- Software and database management
- Personnel management
- IT's role in business operations
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Does not expire
Price:
- Premium Package (E-Course Version): $270
- Exam Voucher: $170
Who It’s For: IT management professionals looking to strengthen their skills in IT operations' technical and managerial aspects.
4. Certified IT Manager (CITM) - Best for IT management and leadership development
This certification provides IT professionals with essential knowledge and leadership skills for managerial roles in IT. It covers key topics like strategic planning, budgeting, project management, team leadership, and IT governance. After completing the program, participants will be able to lead teams, manage IT projects, and understand governance and compliance standards effectively.
Issued by: American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM)
Focus:
- Strategic Planning
- Budgeting and Resource Allocation
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- IT Governance
Prerequisites:
- Education: Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Who It’s For: Ideal for IT managers, aspiring leaders, and IT security professionals seeking career advancement.
5. Certified Manager of Information Technology (CMIT) - Best for technical management in IT environments
This certification helps IT managers develop a strong mix of technical and management skills. It covers key areas like business frameworks, software technologies, communication systems, and people management, all with a focus on business needs. It is perfect for those wanting to understand IT's strategic role in organizations and improve their management skills in the IT field.
Issued by: Global Institute for Professional Management Certification (GIPMC)
Focus:
- Business frameworks
- Software and database technologies
- Communication systems
- People management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Does not expire
Price: $450
Who It’s For: It is ideal for IT managers seeking to integrate technical expertise with management skills, enhancing their capacity to manage IT functions within complex corporate environments.
6. Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) - Best for IT project management skills
This certification is designed for IT managers who handle both technical and business challenges. It provides knowledge in important areas like corporate governance, risk management, and finance, helping managers effectively manage technology in business. The CITM certification gives IT managers the skills to deliver essential IT services that support business goals.
Issued by: Iverson
Focus:
- Corporate governance
- Risk management
- Finance
- Personnel management
Prerequisites:
- Education: No formal education requirements
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
Renewability: Does not expire
Price: RM4,200.00(+RM336.00 Tax)
Who It’s For: Ideal for IT managers, aspiring leaders, and IT security professionals looking to advance their careers and enhance organizational growth and security.
7. Information Technology Management Certificate - Best for undergraduate students focusing on IT management
This certification is designed to help students connect business challenges with IT solutions. It covers important topics like database design, systems analysis, and data communications. The program is open to all undergraduate students, and they must earn a grade of C or higher in the required courses to complete the certificate.
Issued by: Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business
Focus:
- Database Design
- Systems Analysis
- Data Communications
- Information Systems & Digital Transformation
- Business Programming
- Database Management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Must take the required courses
- Work Experience: Not required
- Exam: Yes
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Does not expire
Who It’s For: For students pursuing careers in IT management, focusing on integrating IT solutions with business needs.
8. Graduate Certificate in IT Management - Best for IT professionals advancing their careers
This certification helps you build skills in managing IT systems within organizations. It covers topics like IT innovation, information systems management, and project management. The program is designed for professionals from all industries who want to grow their knowledge in IT.
Issued by: UNC Greensboro's Bryan School of Business & Economics
Focus:
- IT Disruptive Innovation Management
- Information Systems Management
- Project Management
Prerequisites:
- Education: Bachelor's degree
- For U.S. degrees, submit one official transcript from all previous academic institutions
- For international degrees, provide a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES®-recognized service, verifying U.S. bachelor's degree equivalency, credit hours, and GPA
Renewability: Does not expire
Price:
- In-state: $6,500
- Outside-of-NC: $10,000
- Out-of-State: $16,500
Who It’s For: Ideal for professionals aiming to enhance their IT management skills, preparing them for roles such as Product Managers, Project Managers, or IT Managers.
9. Information Technology Management Certificate - Best for entry-level IT management roles
This certification helps you develop skills for IT management roles. It covers topics like database design, data management with SQL, programming, and understanding computer hardware and networking. The program is available both on-campus and online and allows you to transfer credits to other technology degrees at Dakota State University.
Issued by: Dakota State University
Focus:
- Relational database design
- Data management using SQL
- Programming
- Computer hardware and networking
Prerequisites:
- Education: High School diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Not required
Renewability: Does not expire
Price: $8,956.50 per semester
Who It’s For: Ideal for individuals aiming to begin a career in IT management, enabling them to take on roles such as computer technician, network technician, and computer support specialist.
10. Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Management - Best for strategic IT management competencies
This certification helps you gain essential skills in IT management. It covers topics like data management, project management, and strategic planning in IT. The program is designed for professionals looking to grow their careers in the fast-changing field of information technology.
Issued by: Empire State University
Focus:
- Integrated corporate systems
- E-business technologies
- IT architecture
- Information management
- Strategic IT planning
Prerequisites:
- Education: Bachelor's degree transcript
- Work Experience: Not required
- Other Certifications Required: Foundational knowledge in management information systems
Renewability: Does not expire
Price:
- New York state resident: $7,904.00
- Out-of-states resident: $9,429.00
Who It’s For: Ideal for professionals aiming to align technology with business strategies and manage IT resources effectively within organizations.
FAQs about IT Management Certifications
What is IT management certification?
IT management certification is a credential that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in overseeing and managing IT systems and teams. These certifications are often pursued by IT professionals looking to advance their careers into managerial roles.
Why should I pursue IT management certification?
Pursuing IT management certification can enhance your career prospects by demonstrating your expertise in managing IT projects, teams, and resources. It can also increase your earning potential and improve your understanding of best practices in IT management.
How long does it typically take to earn an IT management certification?
The time required to earn an IT management certification varies depending on the specific certification and the individual's prior experience. Some certifications may take a few months to complete, while others might require a year or more of study and preparation.
What are some popular IT management certifications?
Some popular IT management certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certifications. Each caters to different aspects of IT management and offers various levels of expertise.
Can IT management certifications be earned online?
Many IT management certifications can be earned online through accredited training providers. This flexibility allows professionals to study independently and balance their learning with work and personal commitments.
Other Useful Resources
Here are a few other useful resources to check out:
- Best IT management books
- Best IT management software
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