26 Technology Certifications That Can 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?
Examples of skills that command higher salary premiums
Foundational and core IT
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.*
Cloud computing and security
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.*
ISC2 (for CCSP)
CNCF and Linux Foundation (for CKA)
Enterprise systems and IT modernization
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.
Security and risk management
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.
ISC2 (for CISSP)
ISACA (for CISM, CISA and CRISC)
AI, data and emerging technology
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.
ICCP (for CDP)
Networking and infrastructure
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.)
