10 most popular IT certifications for 2023

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Offered by the Project Management Institute, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is designed for advanced project management professionals. The certification validates that you have the skills and knowledge as a project manager, with a focus on the five main stages of a project’s lifecycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling and closing a project. To qualify for the exam, you’ll need to hold a four-year degree and have three years of experience in project management, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education. For those with a secondary degree, you’ll need five years of experience, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education. According to Dice, 13% of IT professionals report holding a PMP certification, which is a 2% increase from 2021. For more information, see “PMP certification: How to ace the Project Management Professional exam.”

5. IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

The IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification offered by Axelos is a popular certification for IT service management, especially for anyone working at an organization that subscribes to the ITIL methodology. The certification is best suited for IT managers because it has a heavy focus on implementing effective management strategies to improve team efficiency and organizational processes. You can get certified at several levels of expertise, demonstrating your competency in ITIL best practices. According to Dice, 11% of IT pros report holding an ITIL certification, which is a 1% decrease from 2021.

6. Certified ScrumMaster

Offered by the Scrum Alliance, the Certified ScrumMaster certification validates your knowledge of the Scrum framework and your expertise and ability to apply it in the workplace. The certification is designed for project managers, technical project managers, Scrum masters, program managers, project leads, and product developers. Upon passing the certification, you’ll receive a two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance, giving you access to local and online networking events with others in the industry. According to Dice, 11% of IT pros report having a Certified ScrumMaster certification, which is a 1% decrease from 2021.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is best suited for entry-level network engineers, help desk technicians, network administrators, and network support technicians. The certification covers various areas of specialization, including security, wireless, routing and switching, industrial, IoT, data center, cyber operations, collaboration, and cloud. To qualify for the exam, you’ll need at least one year of experience working with Cisco products and services, basic knowledge of IP addressing, and a strong understanding of network fundamentals. According to Dice, 9% of IT pros report having earned a CCNA certification, which is a 2% decrease from 2021.

8. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect offered by Amazon is a popular cloud computing certification for anyone planning to work in a cloud-related IT job. AWS is a widely adopted platform at companies both large and small, making it a smart choice for your resume. The certification covers your knowledge of and ability to design and deploy scalable systems on AWS, with a focus on remaining cost-effective without sacrificing security, reliability, and quality. According to Dice, 8% of IT pros report holding this certification, which is a 1% increase from 2021.  

9. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification offered by the ISC demonstrates your knowledge and abilities around IT security and information assurance. Security is one of the top priorities for businesses these days, and the CISSP certification shows that you understand how to help a company ensure their information systems aren’t at risk. The exam covers topics such as organizational structure, budgeting, managing risk, monitoring and assigning deliverables, communicating with remote teams and executives, and managing complex large-scope projects. According to Dice, 6% of IT pros report holding a CISSP certification, which is a 1% decrease from 2021.