26 Technology Certifications That Can Boost Your Career and Salary in 2026

Technology professionals planning a job search in the year ahead may not need to look long for an opportunity. Even amid economic uncertainty and a cooling labor market, many companies remain laser-focused on hiring skilled tech talent to keep critical initiatives on track, including projects designed to increase resilience and competitive advantage.

Research for Robert Half’s Building Future-Forward Tech Teams report and the latest Demand for Skilled Talent report shows the top priorities for technology leaders include:

Security of IT systems and information

AI, machine learning and automation initiatives

Technology modernization

To achieve these goals, many tech departments are hiring both contract and permanent staff for roles that require specialized skills and credentials. According to the 2026 Salary Guide From Robert Half, 87% of tech and IT leaders also typically offer higher salaries to candidates with advanced skills in areas such as AI, machine learning and data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. And more than half (52%) of leaders say they’re willing to negotiate pay for candidates whose skills support critical business needs.

Boost Your Career and Salary in 2026

Is it valuable for business professionals to earn technology certifications?
Examples of skills that command higher salary premiums
Foundational and core IT
Cloud computing and security
Enterprise systems and IT modernization
Security and risk management
AI, data and emerging technology
Networking and infrastructure
Learn more about in-demand technology skills and certifications for 2026

Is it valuable for business professionals to earn technology certifications?

The short answer is yes, and here’s why: Every modern business is pursuing digital transformation at some level, whether they’re modernizing legacy systems, automating workflows or using data to make faster, more informed decisions. Digital projects often require cross-departmental collaboration, with finance, operations, human resources, marketing and other teams working side by side with IT.

Demand is strong across industries for professionals who understand the connection between digital transformation and business strategy. Relevant certifications help validate that expertise. For example, business professionals with credentials in areas like project management, data analytics and enterprise systems are well positioned to help the organization advance digital projects, manage change related to those initiatives, and make the most of new technology investments.

Examples of skills that command higher salary premiums

So, which tech skills and certifications do employers want most? Robert Half’s Salary Guide research shows many tech and IT leaders are willing to pay more for these top skills in the year ahead:

AI, machine learning and data science

Cybersecurity

Cloud computing, security and architecture

Software and applications development

Data analytics, business intelligence and reporting

With those in-demand skills in mind, we’ve assembled a list of 26 credentials that can help provide technology professionals an edge in the job market in 2026, depending on their area of specialization and the specific role they’re targeting. Business pros may also want to consider earning some of these credentials if they can help them advance their career goals and provide value to their employer.

Foundational and core IT

Successful technology careers are built on strong foundational skills. Below are five examples of certifications that can help professionals build core competencies in hardware, networking, troubleshooting and operating system. These are the types of skills that keep modern IT environments running and pave the way for more advanced specializations.

CompTIA A+: This certification is a tech career launchpad that validates foundational IT and troubleshooting skills across devices and operating systems.* (According to CompTIA, it also appears in more tech support job listing than any other credential.)

CompTIA Cloud+: This vendor-neutral certification demonstrates knowledge of cloud infrastructure essentials, from deployment to optimization.*

CompTIA Linux+ or Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA): These credentials confirm proficiency in supporting and protecting Linux systems, which are critical for cloud platforms, DevOps and AI infrastructure. (Note that V8 is the new version of the CompTIA Linux+ credential.)

CompTIA Network+: This credential covers essential networking tools and concepts. It prepares professionals for jobs in technical support, network operation and system administration and can serve as a stepping stone to cloud and security roles.

CompTIA Security+: This global certification is widely requested by employers and verifies baseline cybersecurity knowledge, including how to secure networks, apps and devices.*

Where to find more information about these credentials:

CompTIA

Linux Foundation

*These credentials are listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications in our 2026 Salary Guide.

Cloud computing and security

As organizations modernize, the cloud has become the backbone of digital operations and an enabler of digital transformation. Certifications in cloud architecture and security demonstrate the ability to design, manage and protect systems that power today’s distributed, data-driven workplaces.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: This entry-level credential demonstrates a high-level understanding of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud concepts, services, security and more.*

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: This entry-level certification validates a professional’s ability to design secure, reliable and cost-efficient solutions on AWS.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): This globally recognized credential proves advanced knowledge of cloud security architecture and operations.*

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): This credential confirms mastery of containerization and orchestration, which are foundational for cloud-native deployments.

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect: This certification confirms the ability to design, develop and manage secure, scalable and efficient solutions on Google Cloud.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: This credential demonstrates subject matter expertise in designing and implementing cloud and hybrid solutions that run on Azure.*

Where to find more information about these credentials:

AWS

Google Cloud

ISC2 (for CCSP)

CNCF and Linux Foundation (for CKA)

Microsoft

*These credentials are listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications in our 2026 Salary Guide.

Enterprise systems and IT modernization

Large-scale digital transformation efforts depend on effective collaboration between IT and business teams. Certifications in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and related systems enable professionals on both sides to help organizations upgrade legacy apps, migrate to the cloud and modernize operations.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP/CRM modules): These certifications provide a foundational understanding of both CRM and ERP systems, and how these platforms can streamline business operations and be integrated with other apps.

Oracle NetSuite ERP Consultant/Administrator: This credential is in demand for midmarket ERP projects, particularly among cloud-first organizations. It demonstrates expertise in implementing, managing and optimizing NetSuite systems.

Project Management Professional (PMP): This globally recognized credential from the Project Management Institute (PMI) validates expertise in leading complex projects and cross-functional teams. It remains one of the most valuable certifications for IT and business professionals driving transformation and modernization initiatives.*

SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA System Administration: This certification confirms a professional’s ability to manage technical administration tasks like installation, security and monitoring related to the widely used SAP S/4HANA ERP system.

Where to find more information about these credentials:

Security and risk management

With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, companies need skilled cybersecurity professionals to help them fortify their defenses and anticipate and mitigate risk. The following certifications prove advanced knowledge in safeguarding information assets and helping business operations remain secure and compliant.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This globally recognized credential validates expertise in information security governance, risk management and compliance. This credential is crucial for professionals who want to pursue security leadership roles.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): This certification verifies expertise in IT auditing, control and assurance. It is often required for government and industry roles focused on risk, compliance and IT governance, including internal audit.*

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC): This credential demonstrates expertise in managing IT risk and controls, and is often essential for roles such as IT risk manager and compliance officer.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This gold-standard certification demonstrates deep knowledge of information security principles, architecture and management. It can also open the door to leadership roles such as chief information officer.

Where to find more information about these credentials:

ISC2 (for CISSP)

ISACA (for CISM, CISA and CRISC)

*These credentials are listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications in our 2026 Salary Guide.

AI, data and emerging technology

AI and data analytics are reshaping how organizations make decisions, manage resources and serve customers. The following certifications help professionals demonstrate their ability to develop intelligent systems, harness data insights and apply emerging technologies responsibly.

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: This credential demonstrates advanced machine learning engineering and data modeling skills for building and deploying models on AWS.

Certified Data Professional (CDP): This certification validates advanced knowledge in data management, analytics, and global privacy and security practices.*

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate: This certificate demonstrates mastery of deep learning, machine learning and neural network essentials, the ability to work with large language models, proficiency in using tools and frameworks like Python and TensorFlow, and more.*

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals: This certification provides a foundational understanding of AI concepts, machine learning and intelligent cloud services within the Azure ecosystem. This certification is valuable not only for developers and other technology professionals, but also business analysts, project managers, and others.

Where to find more information about these credentials:

AWS

IBM

ICCP (for CDP)

Microsoft

*These credentials are listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications in our 2026 Salary Guide.

Networking and infrastructure

Networks make modern businesses run, and digital innovation possible. Earning certifications in networking and infrastructure demonstrates expertise in building and maintaining the systems that power cloud computing, automation and AI.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This go-to networking credential verifies core routing, switching and security competencies across enterprise networks. It also confirms a professional’s understanding of advanced concepts like automation and programmability.

Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS): This vendor-neutral and globally recognized credential validates hands-on Linux administration and system management skills needed to support infrastructure reliability and scalability. The LFCS is considered a starting point for earning more advanced Linux certifications.

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): This certification confirms advanced Linux administration skills, the ability to work with the open-source IT automation tool, Red Hat Ansible, and skills critical to managing systems in a DevOps environment. (Note: Professionals must earn the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) credential first.)

Where to find more information about these credentials:

Cisco

Red Hat

Linux Foundation

Learn more about in-demand technology skills and certifications for 2026

Whether you work in technology, finance, operations or another business function, expanding your tech skills can lead to new opportunities. Explore the 2026 Salary Guide From Robert Half for insights into the most sought-after certifications, emerging roles and salary trends for the year ahead.

Access the Salary Guide