Top IT Certifications To Watch Out For This Year

In the fast-paced digital landscape of today, employers seek not just knowledge but verified expertise. That’s where IT certifications step in. They validate a candidate’s ability to perform specific tasks and give them a competitive edge in a saturated market. For individuals wondering what certification should I get for IT in 2025, the answer lies in aligning skills with industry demand.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to specialize in high-paying domains like cybersecurity or cloud computing, the best IT certifications offer a structured pathway to skill development, better job prospects, and higher pay. This guide dives deep into the top IT certifications in-demand today, helping you choose wisely and upskill effectively.

Why Pursue an IT Certification?

Before exploring the best IT certification options, it’s important to understand why certifications are still highly relevant:

• Validation of Skills: They serve as an independent proof of your abilities and knowledge.
  
• Higher Earning Potential: Professionals with certifications often earn 20–40% more than their uncertified peers.
  
• Career Advancement: Certifications open doors to promotions, leadership roles, and cross-functional positions.
  
• Stay Current: Tech evolves rapidly. Certifications help you stay ahead in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud. 

According to Global Knowledge’s 2024 IT Skills and Salary Report, 90% of IT decision-makersbelieve certifications lead to better employee performance.

Certifications for Beginners: The Smart Starting Point

If you're searching for the best IT certifications for beginners, these entry-level programs build a strong foundation:

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

This certification is ideal for individuals exploring a career in IT. It covers basics like computing, networking, databases, and security.

• Who it's for: Career switchers, students
  
• Why it matters: Helps understand IT career paths and prepares you for higher-level courses

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Offered on Coursera, this beginner-friendly program has helped thousands kickstart their IT careers.

• Duration: 6 months (at 10 hours/week)
  
• Highlight: One of the best courses on Coursera for IT newcomers

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Cloud computing is integral to modern IT. Microsoft’s entry-level certificate familiarizes you with cloud services, Azure pricing, and governance.

Cybersecurity Certifications: The Rising Demand

In 2025, cyber threats continue to grow in complexity. So do the opportunities in this domain. If you're seeking top certifications for cyber security, the following programs top the list.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is globally recognized and suitable for seasoned professionals managing enterprise security.

• Prerequisites: 5 years of experience in 2 or more of the 8 CISSP domains
  
• Why pursue: It’s among the most valuable certifications IT professionals can hold.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

If penetration testing and red teaming intrigue you, CEH could be your ideal path.

• Topics covered: Reconnaissance, malware, cloud attacks
  
• Job roles: Ethical Hacker, Security Analyst

CompTIA Security

An excellent choice for those seeking good IT certifications to break into cybersecurity.

• Focus: Risk management, network security, and identity access management
  
• Related keywords: security IT certifications, free cyber security certification options exist via scholarship programs

Most In-Demand Certifications in Cloud and DevOps

Cloud and DevOps skills are now essential in modern IT infrastructures. Here are some top IT certifications in-demand today in this area:

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

One of the best IT certifications for professionals working in or moving into cloud architecture.

• Skills learned: Designing scalable, fault-tolerant AWS systems
  
• Job titles: Cloud Architect, Solutions Engineer

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Azure is making huge strides. This certification is part of most information technology certification programs in enterprise IT.

• Skills learned: Azure storage, compute, governance, networking
  
• Prerequisite: Azure Fundamentals (optional)

Google Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud is gaining adoption rapidly. This certifies you to design and manage secure, robust, and scalable cloud solutions.

AI and Data Certifications: The Modern Goldmine

If you're exploring certifications for computer science fields in AI or data analytics, these are worth your attention:

TensorFlow Developer Certificate

With AI adoption surging, proving your TensorFlow proficiency can land you data-centric roles.

• Skills covered: Neural networks, image classification, NLP models

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

• Use cases: NLP, speech, computer vision
  
• Why it’s valuable: Bridges the gap between data science and app development

IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (Coursera)

• Format: Online, self-paced
  
• Why choose: One of the best online information technology certifications for data-related roles

Networking Certifications: Still in Demand

For professionals aiming at traditional or cloud networking roles, these types of certifications remain relevant:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• Relevance: One of the most desired IT certifications globally
  
• Why pursue: Answers the query – what Cisco certifications are most in-demand right now?

CompTIA Network+

• For whom: Early-career IT professionals
  
• Focus: Networking concepts, troubleshooting, and tools

Specialized IT Certifications by Role

If you're wondering what certifications can I get online for niche IT roles, here’s a breakdown by specialization.

For System Administrators

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
  
• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate

For Project Managers

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
  
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

For Business Analysts

• IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
  
• Business certificates in data analytics and IT strategy on platforms like edX or Harvard Online

Best IT Certification Platforms and Learning Hubs

The rise of IT certifications online courses has transformed how people learn. Here are trusted platforms:

• Coursera: Partnered with top universities and corporations
  
• edX: Offers micro-degrees and certificate in IT programs
  
• Udemy: Affordable, practical courses for specific tools or languages
  
• Pluralsight: Great for intermediate-to-advanced professionals

Many of these platforms offer what certifications can I get online without prior experience, making them attractive for career switchers.

Choosing the Right Certification: Key Considerations

To figure out what certification should I get for IT, consider:

• Career goals: Want to specialize in cybersecurity, cloud, AI, or management?
  
• Experience level: Entry-level vs. professional vs. expert
  
• Time commitment: Some certs require months of study and real-world practice
  
• Cost and ROI: Free options exist, but paid certifications often yield higher salaries

Future-Proofing with Multi-Certification Stacks

Instead of relying on one certificate, many professionals build IT certificate stacks, combining core IT knowledge with niche specialties. For instance:

• Start with CompTIA A+ → progress to Network+ → then move into Security+ or CISSP
  
• Combine AWS Solutions Architect with Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

This layered approach ensures adaptability and opens doors across industries.

Success Stories: Real-World Impact of IT Certifications

Case Study 1: A Non-Tech Graduate to Cybersecurity Pro

Priya, a literature graduate, completed Google IT Support followed by CompTIA Security+ and landed a cybersecurity analyst role within a year. She utilized free cyber security certification resources and self-paced learning from YouTube and Coursera.

Case Study 2: Career Pivot to Cloud Engineering

Rahul, once a support technician, pursued AWS Solutions Architect and Azure Fundamentals, later transitioning into a cloud engineering role with a 65% salary increase.

Conclusion: Make 2025 the Year of Career Growth

The world of IT is dynamic and filled with opportunity. Whether you're aiming to enter the field or elevate your position, the best IT certifications act as accelerators. They demonstrate your expertise, boost confidence, and open doors to high-paying roles.

If you're asking yourself what certification should I get for IT, now is the time to take action. Explore programs that align with your goals and start your learning journey today.

At Vasundhara Infotech, we help businesses and individuals stay ahead with tech innovation, consulting, and training. Let us guide your journey through custom solutions or certification support to fuel your career growth. Get in touch with us