Are IT Certifications Worth It?
Because technology is advancing at the speed of light, most degrees become absolute within a few years of graduation. Plus, IT specialists are predominantly self-taught. IT certifications are the middle ground and the only way to keep up-to-date with the latest advancement. Are they worth it?
IT certifications are worth every penny when you do the work. They give you vital skills, experience, and credentials. IT certifications are more than a badge that you attach to your name, and they demonstrate that you’re knowledgeable about the subject and have passed the exam to prove it.
When you’re considering obtaining an IT certification, there might be a few obstacles. Rightly so, IT certifications are expensive when you’re a student. Some of them cost thousands of dollars in training material and exam fees. They’re a huge commitment as you invest your time and effort into study.
Despite these obstacles, you gain a lot in return. Here’s why IT certifications are worth it.
What’s In A Professional Certificate?
A professional certificate is more than a piece of paper that you frame and hang on your wall. It’s a testimonial by an established institute in your industry that you studied a standardized course and passed the exam.
It’s evidence that you have demonstrable skills and experience in a specific field, so potential employers can determine whether you fit the bill.
IT certifications serve a vital role in getting a job when your desired career path has no official training. A certificate helps you get the knowledge and skills that you can’t get on your own through self-learning or governmental education.
Certifications vs. Degrees
An advanced degree from a prestigious university can boost your career.
Certificates are more up-to-date because the course creator keeps updating them as the IT field is growing fast. You’ll need to keep up with these changes with a certificate that meets the newest standards more than a degree.
Certificates also teach you specific skills that are in demand when you’re taking the course. As for degrees, they contain outdated material that won’t help you in the real world. That way, you can save more time and money with a certificate. Plus, employers are already looking for these specific skills when they’re hiring you.
The university standing will determine the quality of your degree. Certificates follow a universal standard. Your certificate will always have the same value wherever you go.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your IT Certification
IT certifications pave the way to a promising career, but you still have to put in the work. Here are some points for attaining an IT certification.
Career Upgrade
IT certifications help you cut the waiting line when you want to switch your career. Most IT jobs are inter-related. The skills you learn from one job can be employable in another. But to make the switch, you’ll need some training.
The certification can connect these dots and make the transition smoother.
Free* Education
*While you still need to study and pass the exam, your employer might pay for the certificate in full or in part. When you’re working for a large company that requires highly-trained employees, they might want to train you for a specific job.
That way, you can focus on studying and passing the exam without worrying about the tuition fees.
Better Salary
In IT, when you have rare skills, you stand a better chance of getting a higher-paid job. Some companies are willing to pay more for trained employees because it’ll save them money on training inexperienced employees.
Certification to your name means you know more about the field and can get you a higher position with higher pay.
More Opportunities
When you’re applying to a new job, and the company has similar applicants with similar experience, a certificate will make the difference. When the company is looking for specific skills, the certificate can show you have what it takes.
Other candidates without certifications will seem less qualified for the job. So, you stand a better chance at landing the job.
Why Get Certified
In some cases, IT certifications are nice to have. Some IT specialists advance to the highest positions in their field without credentials. It all depends on your goals. So, here are some reasons to take into consideration.
What’s Your Future Plan For Your Career?
If you want to become a legal translator, you’ll need certification. In this case, certification isn’t optional. In IT, you can teach yourself the basics, get an internship and climb your way to the top.
But the problem with self-learning is the time it takes due to its trial and nature. The “hierarchy” of pre-planned IT certifications provides an educational structure.
Furthermore, the path is clear from beginning to finish. You can know in advance what certification leads to which career.
They also build on each other. It’s hard to get “stuck” because you get what you put into it.
What The Market Is Looking For?
The fast-paced nature of IT dictates constant education.
IT certifications are relatively quick to obtain, which helps you adjust to the demanded skills at the time.
It’ll be advantageous when looking for trending jobs to have an ounce of preparation in advance.
So, you can adapt quickly when job requirements change, as they often do.
Conclusion
A certificate is a credential you earn through studying and passing an exam. Most IT certifications are standardized and recognized worldwide. They help you get formal training and help you to get a job.
The most advanced IT certifications cost thousands of dollars and years to complete. But you can still find affordable certificates to obtain in a few weeks.
The benefits of obtaining an IT certificate are upgrading your career, increase your salary, and find unique positions.
Furthermore, they prepare you for one of the fastest-growing fields on the planet by giving you the skills and experiences required to secure your future.
IT certifications are worth it because they give you the tools and credibility to plan your future career.
