The 15 Top-Paying IT Certifications for 2020 by Global Knowledge
And All of them CertWizard.com can PASS for you!
The overall average IT salary is $136,185 for certifications
included in the survey, with the highest salary eclipsing $175,000. The top
three cloud providers -- Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google
Cloud --account for five of the top-paying credentials.
Cloud computing and cybersecurity account for the top four
information technology (IT) certifications in the United States when it comes
to salaries, according to a new report by IT training company Global Knowledge.
“IT professionals with these skills are in high demand and
command the largest paychecks in the industry,” the Cary, N.C.-based company
said in a report released this week.
Seven new
certifications made Global Knowledge’s “15 Top-Paying IT Certifications for
2020” report, which is based on survey responses from the Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Survey that
will be released this spring.
The overall average IT salary is $136,185 for certifications included
in the survey, with the highest salary eclipsing $175,000. The top three cloud
providers -- Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud --
account for five of the top-paying credentials.
Global Knowledge for the first time provided a look at the
average certification-holder for each of the credentials, with information
about how many current certifications those IT professionals possess, their
ages and most likely job roles.
“We offer this new information to provide a more representative
picture of each certification,” Global Knowledge said. “The salaries…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.”
Here’s a look at the top 15 certifications that made the list.
15. Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization (CCP-V)
Average
annual salary: $117,069
The Citrix Certified Professional - Virtualization (CCP-V)
certification validates skills needed by experienced IT solution builders --
engineers and consultants -- to install, configure and roll out common
XenDesktop solutions.
The Citrix Certified Associate - Virtualization (CCA-V)
certification is a prerequisite for the certification, and IT workers also must
pass exam 1Y0-311, which covers topics such as intermediate FlexCast management
architecture, Workspace Environment Management, Virtual Desktop Agent, app
layering, user environment and other topics.
The average holder of CCP-V certification is 42.4 years of age,
has 6.2 certifications in total and most likely is a systems administrator,
according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the
credential is CompTIA Security+.
14. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching
 |
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Average
annual salary: $119,178
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and
Switching credential is a professional-level Cisco Systems certification
recognizes that holders can plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and
wide-area enterprise networks. It’s designed for network engineers and
administrators who collaborate with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless
and video solutions.
Cisco is launching a new certification framework on Feb. 23, and
CCNP Enterprise will replace this certification, which no longer will be
offered.
“Those already holding Cisco certifications have an
easy-to-follow migration plan to ensure they receive credit for work completed
and credentials earned,” Global Knowledge said.
Candidates for all new CCNP certifications must pass two exams:
a core exam and one concentration exam within the technology area.
The average holder of this certification is 42.3 years of age,
has 5.4 certifications in total and most likely is a network engineer/analyst,
according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the
credential is CompTIA A+.
13. Citrix Certified Associate – Networking (CCA-N)
 |
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Average
annual salary: $125,264
The Citrix Certified Associate – Networking (CCA-N)
certification covers the basics of a NetScaler implementation, a specialization
in traffic management or the NetScaler Unified Gateway -- including integration
with XenDesktop and XenApp -- and troubleshooting issues with NetScaler in
those areas.
Prerequisites for the certification, which is valid for three
years, include passing the Citrix CCA-N 1Y0-230 exam or Citrix CCA-N 1Y0-240
exam.
The average holder of this certification is 41.6 years of age,
has 6.7 certifications in total and most likely is a solutions engineer,
according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the
credential is CompTIA A+.
12. Microsoft Certified: Azure
Administrator Associate
 |
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Average
annual salary: $125,993
Microsoft’s Azure Administrator Associate certification
validates required skills to be a successful Azure cloud administrator who
manages cloud services including storage, security and networking.
It’s slated to be the most popular Microsoft credential this
year, with more than 21 percent of Microsoft-certified professionals planning
to pursue it, according to Global Knowledge.
“It is one of Microsoft’s role-based certifications, which means
it aligns directly with sought-after job roles,” it said. “To achieve this
certification, you’ll require a deep understanding of each service across the
full IT lifecycle and will take requests for infrastructure services,
applications and environments. You will need to be equipped to make
recommendations on services used for optimal performance and scale, as well as
provision, size, monitor and adjust resources as appropriate.”
The average holder of this certification is 41.2 years of age,
has 6.2 certifications in total and most likely is a cloud engineer, according
to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the credential is
CompTIA Network+.
11. Microsoft Certified: Azure
Fundamentals
 |
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Average
annual salary: $126,653
Azure Fundamentals, the initial certification for those looking
to earn Microsoft’s role-based certifications, is a high-level overview of
Azure, providing foundational knowledge about basic cloud concepts and core
Azure services including security, privacy, compliance, Azure pricing and support.
The one-day course is designed for professionals with
non-technical experience, such as program managers and sales reps who are
responsible for selling or purchasing cloud-based solutions
The average holder of this certification is 41.8 years of age, has
5.9 certifications in total and most likely is a cloud engineer/solutions
architect, according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification
for the credential is ITIL Foundation.
10. ITIL Foundation
 |
| Pass ITIL Foundation with CertWizard. |
Average
annual salary: $129,402
The ITIL Foundation certification introduces ITIL 4 and
validates an understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to
enhance IT service management.
ITIL, previously known as the Information Technology
Infrastructure Library, provides an end-to-end IT operating model for the
delivery and operation of tech-enabled products and services. ITIL 4, the
newest version, debuted last year and covers new IT processes and methods
including DevOps and agile and lean IT development.
“This certification is accepted as a framework for managing the
IT lifecycle,” Global Knowledge said. “As such, it is different from the other
certifications on this list and is one of the few that focuses on the
intersection of IT and the needs of the business.”
The certification often is associated with higher IT salaries,
because workers who obtain it often go on to earn higher-level credentials,
according to Global Knowledge. Certified IT professionals who don’t have this
certification earn about $8,000 less annually, it said.
There are no prerequisites for the ITIL Foundation exam, but the
certification is a prerequisite for follow-on ITIL Intermediate courses.
The average holder of this certification is 46.6 years of age,
has 5.1 certifications in total and most likely is in an information security
role, according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for
the credential is the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
certification issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association
(ISACA).
9. VMware Certified
Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)
 |
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Average
annual salary: $130,226
The VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization
(VCP6-DCV) credential validates the skills required to build a scalable virtual
infrastructure using VMware vSphere 6, VMware's virtualization platform.
Candidates must know how to deploy, consolidate and administer
virtualization technologies including vSphere High Availability and Distributed
Resource Scheduler clusters.
IT professionals with the VCP6-DCV credential have earned an
average of 7.4 career certifications -- the highest amount on Global
Knowledge’s Top 15 list.
The average holder of this certification is 43.4 years of age
and most likely is a systems architect, according to Global Knowledge. The most
popular cross-certification for the credential is CCNA Routing and Switching,
an IT certification from Cisco Systems.
8. AWS Certified Cloud
Practitioner
 |
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Average
annual salary: $131,465
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner examination is a
fundamental-level certification intended for individuals who want an overall
understanding of the AWS cloud in terms of basic cloud infrastructure and
architectural principles, key AWS services and basic security and compliance
aspects of the platform. It’s an optional, but recommended step toward
achieving an AWS associate-level or specialty certification, such as the
solutions architect, developer, DevOps engineer and SysOps administrator
certifications.
More than 12 percent of U.S. IT professionals plan to pursue
this certification in 2020.
The average holder of this certification is 43 years of age, has
5.4 certifications in total and most likely is a software/solutions architect,
according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the
credential is Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals.
7. ISACA’s Certified
Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
 |
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Average
annual salary: $132,278
ISACA’s
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification validates audit,
risk and cybersecurity skills.
“This certification has been around since 1978, making it one of
the oldest and most respected credentials on our list,” Global Knowledge said.
Exam topics include auditing information systems, governance and
management of IT, information systems acquisition, development and
implementation, information systems operation, maintenance and service
management, and protection of information assets.
The average holder of this certification is 46.9 years of age,
has 3.3 certifications in total and most likely is an IT auditor, according to
Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the credential is
ITIL Foundation.
6. (ISC2) Certified Information
Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
 |
| Pass Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) with CertWizard. |
Average
annual salary: $141,452
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
credential documents an IT professional’s cybersecurity expertise and years of
experience. It’s offered by offered by the International Information System
Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), a nonprofit membership association of
certified cybersecurity professionals,
“Achieving your CISSP has been compared to earning a master’s
degree in IT security, as it proves you have what it takes to effectively
design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program,” Global
Knowledge said.
The CISSP exam is based on eight computer security areas:
security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and
engineering, communication and network security, identity and access
management, security assessment and testing, security operations and software
development security
At least five cumulative years of paid, relevant work experience
in two or more of the CISSP domains is required to earn the certification.
Those who lack that experience still can take the certification exam, and
they’ll then have up to six years to obtain the required experience.
The average holder of this certification is 48.1 years of age,
has 6.1 certifications in total and most likely is a security engineer/analyst,
according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the
credential is CISA.
5. Project Management
Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP)
 |
| Pass Project Management Professional (PMP) with CertWizard. |
Average annual salary: $143,493
The Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional
(PMP) certification is the most important industry-recognized certification for
project managers, according to Global Knowledge.
“It provides employers and customers with a level of assurance
that a project manager has both the experience and knowledge to effectively
define, plan and deliver their projects,” it said. “The PMP credential is often
the key differentiator in decisions on who to entrust with important
organizational project initiatives."
Forty-nine percent of IT professionals planning to earn a
project management certification this year are pursuing the PMP, according to
Global Knowledge.
The certification requires 35 hours of PMP-related training.
Exam takers with a bachelor’s degree or higher need 4,500 hours of project
management experience, while others must have 7,500 hours.
The average holder of this certification is 48.7 years of age,
has 4.5 certifications in total and most likely is a program manager, according
to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the credential is
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager.
4. ISACA Certified In Risk and
Information Systems Control (CRISC)
 |
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Average
annual salary: $146,480
ISACA’s certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
(CRISC) certification recognizes IT professionals who can identify and evaluate
aspects of IT that are a threat to business objectives.
“Standard IT professionals often lack the skills to conduct a
valid risk analysis,” Global Knowledge said. “Having a CRISC-certified
individual on staff is vital to ensure risk is properly scrutinized and
business objectives are met.”
The most common job roles for CRISC-certified professionals
are security manager and director, but a large percentage also work in
information security as a security engineer or analyst, or security architect.
The CRISC exam covers IT risk identification, IT risk
assessment, risk response and mitigation, and risk control, monitoring and
reporting.
The average holder of this certification is 49.3 years of age
and has 4 certifications, according to Global Knowledge. The most popular
cross-certification for the credential is ITIL Foundation.
3. ISACA’s Certified
Information Security Manager (CISM)
 |
| Pass Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) with CertWizard. |
Average
annual salary: $148,622
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) -- this
year’s top-paying cybersecurity certification -- validates the skills needed to
manage, design and assess an enterprise’s information security.
“CISM is an essential certification for individuals looking to
make the move from security technologist to security manager,” Global Knowledge
said. “It confirms a high level of technical competence and qualification for
top-caliber leadership and management roles.”
CISM is the third most popular certification amongst IT
professionals with more than 20 years of career experience. The exam covers
information security governance, information risk management,
Information security program development and management, and
information security incident management.
The average holder of this certification is 50 years of age, has
4.8 certifications in total and most likely is a security manager/director,
according to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the
credential is ITIL Foundation.
2. AWS Certified Solutions
Architect – Associate
 |
| Pass AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate with CertWizard. |
Average
annual salary: $149,446
The AWS
Solutions Architect – Associate certification moved up two spots from Global Knowledge’s 2019 list to be among the top two
most popular and lucrative cloud IT certifications.
The designation is geared toward those who design cloud
infrastructures, reference architectures or deploy systems and applications on
AWS. It’s a prerequisite for the AWS Solutions Architect – Professional
certification, which is projected to be this year’s most pursued cloud
credential, according to respondents to Global Knowledge’s survey.
Three out of every four cloud architects have earned this
certification or the No. 1 certification that follows, and 28 percent have
both, according to Global Knowledge.
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a
prerequisite, and AWS also recommends one year of hands-on experience designing
systems on AWS before taking the exam.
The average holder of this certification is 41.4 years of age,
has 5.8 certifications in total and most likely is a cloud architect, according
to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the credential is
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect.
1. Google Cloud Certified
Professional Cloud Architect
 |
| Pass Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect with CertWizard. |
Average
annual salary: $175,761
The Google Cloud Certified Cloud Architect certification is
associated with the highest salaries in IT, according to Global Knowledge.
Launched in 2017, the credential is designed for IT
professionals with a thorough understanding of cloud architecture and the
Google Cloud Platform who can design, develop and manage robust, secure,
scalable, highly available and dynamic solutions to drive business objectives.
“IT decision-makers are struggling to find qualified candidates
for cloud job openings,” Global Knowledge said. “They’re in such demand, the
average cloud computing professional in the U.S. makes over $160,000 a year.”
Candidates must pass the Google Certified Professional - Cloud
Architect exam to earn the certification.
The average holder of this certification is 38.9 years of age,
has 3.8 certifications in total and most likely is a cloud architect, according
to Global Knowledge. The most popular cross-certification for the credential is
the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.
By Donna Goodison
February 11, 2020
Article: crn.com
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