27 technology certifications that can boost your career and salary in 2027

Access the salary guide

Are you a technology professional planning a job search in the year ahead? You may not need to look long. Even amid continued economic uncertainty, companies remain laser-focused on hiring skilled tech talent to keep critical initiatives on track, including projects designed to increase resilience and competitive advantage. Robert Half’s research reveals technology leaders’ top priorities:

Security of IT systems and information

AI integration

Data science, analytics and governance

To achieve these goals, many tech departments are hiring both contract and permanent staff for roles that require specialized skills and credentials, and they’re paying more for it. According to the 2027 Salary Guide from Robert Half, 72% of technology leaders are making more competitive offers, especially for business-critical roles with limited talent pools. AI-related expertise is in particular demand, with 92% of survey respondents offering higher pay for candidates with these skills.

Boost your career and salary in 2027

Do certifications benefit technology professionals?
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 2027

Do certifications benefit technology professionals?

The short answer is yes. After all, every organization is pursuing technology advancements at some level, whether to modernize legacy systems, automate workflows or use data to make faster, more informed decisions. What’s more, these projects often require cross-departmental collaboration with finance, operations, human resources, marketing and others working alongside IT. This makes demand strong across industries for professionals who understand the connection between technology modernization, innovation and business strategy.

Relevant certifications help validate that expertise. For example, business professionals with tech credentials in areas like project management, data analytics and enterprise systems are well positioned to help their organization advance digital projects, manage change and make the most of new technology investments.

Skills that command higher salary premiums

Robert Half’s Salary Guide research shows that 65% of tech and IT leaders are offering salaries above their planned range, citing the need to secure candidates with specialized skills as a top reason. The Salary Guide also lists certain high-impact skills that may warrant higher pay in data science and engineering, enterprise systems, cloud and systems, security, and software and applications development.

With these areas in mind, we assembled a list of 27 certifications that can help give technology professionals an edge in the job market in 2027, depending on area of specialization. It’s worth noting that pairing certifications to optimize expertise in AI will be particularly useful in the year ahead.

Foundational and core IT

Successful technology careers are built on strong foundational skills. These five certifications help professionals build core competencies in hardware, networking, troubleshooting and operating systems. They keep modern IT environments running and pave the way for more advanced specializations. AI literacy layered on top of these skills can take you even further.

CompTIA A+: 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 listings 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): Confirms proficiency in supporting and protecting Linux systems, which are critical for cloud platforms, DevOps and AI infrastructure. (V8 is the current version of CompTIA Linux+.)

CompTIA Network+: Covers essential networking tools and concepts to prepare professionals for jobs in technical support, network operation and system administration. It 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.*

Discover more about these credentials:

CompTIA

Linux Foundation

*This credential is listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications that can boost your pay in our 2027 Salary Guide.

Cloud computing and security

The cloud is now the backbone of digital operations, enabling transformation as organizations modernize. 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: The most broadly requested AWS certification on the market, it serves as a baseline standard for cloud engineers and architects, validating the ability to design secure, reliable and cost-efficient solutions on AWS. For a more advanced-tier credential, consider AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional.

AWS Certified Security – Specialty: Provides hands-on expertise for securing AWS environments, including identity and access management, encryption, threat detection, and automated incident response.

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

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

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

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

Learn more about these credentials:

AWS

Google Cloud

ISC2 (for CCSP)

CNCF and Linux Foundation (for CKA)

Microsoft

*This credential is listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications that can boost your pay in our 2027 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 give professionals the ability to help organizations upgrade legacy apps, migrate to the cloud and modernize operations.

Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate: A functional role that verifies your ability to set up, configure, and manage core application processes for small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Oracle NetSuite ERP Consultant and Administrator: In demand for midmarket ERP projects, particularly among cloud-first organizations. Demonstrates expertise in implementing, managing and optimizing NetSuite systems for high-growth businesses typically in the $10M–$500M revenue range.

Oracle Fusion Cloud Financials Implementation Professional: Built for large, multinational organizations with complex global compliance, supply chain, and finance requirements. A step up in scale from NetSuite, it offers expertise in implementation and administration of Oracle's enterprise-grade ERP suite.

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.* 

Find out more about these credentials:

Microsoft

Oracle NetSuite

PMI

*This credential is listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications that can boost your pay in our 2027 Salary Guide.

Security and risk management

With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, companies need skilled cybersecurity professionals to help fortify defenses as well as anticipate and mitigate risk. The following certifications offer advanced knowledge to safeguard information assets and help business operations remain secure and compliant.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): The most-requested cybersecurity certification across job listings, this certification demonstrates deep knowledge of information security principles, architecture and management, and can open the door to leadership roles such as chief information officer.

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

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): 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.

Discover more about these credentials:

ISC2 (for CISSP)

ISACA (for CISM, CISA and CRISC) 

*This credential is listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications that can boost your pay in our 2027 Salary Guide.

AI, data and emerging technology

AI and data analytics are rapidly 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 Engineer – Associate: Set to replace the retiring AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification, this credential demonstrates advanced machine learning engineering and data modeling skills to build and deploy ML models on AWS.

Certified Data Professional (CDP): Offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), this certification validates expertise in data management, analytics, and data governance across industries.* 

IBM AI Engineering Professional 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: Provides a foundational understanding of AI concepts, machine learning and intelligent cloud services within the Azure ecosystem. It is valuable not only for developers and other technology professionals, but also for business analysts, project managers, and others.

Learn more about these credentials:

AWS

IBM

ICCP (for CDP)

Microsoft

*This credential is listed among the hottest tech and IT certifications that can boost your pay in our 2027 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 understanding of advanced concepts like automation and programmability, including a February 2026 syllabus refresh that covers AI, cloud, and SDN principles. 

Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS): Vendor-neutral and globally recognized, this certification 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.)

Discover more about these credentials:

Cisco

Red Hat

Linux Foundation

Learn more about in-demand technology skills and certifications for 2027

No matter your area of specialization within the technology field, expanding your tech skills and certifications can lead to new opportunities and increase your pay. Explore the 2027 Salary Guide from Robert Half for insights into the most sought-after certifications and salary trends for the year ahead.

Access the salary guide