6 IT certifications that can help you stand out to employers

The information technology (IT) field has come a long way since the days of dial-up internet and floppy disks. Organizations in all industries have come to depend on technology networks, applications and software to operate, which is why the demand for qualified IT professionals continues to rise.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in this field are projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031 — a rate three times faster than the average for all occupations. It’s clear that it’s a great time to pursue a technology career, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have the time to earn a new degree.

That’s where IT certifications come in. These fast-track programs are efficient and informative, allowing you to build an in-demand skill set on top of your existing education and experience. It’s the perfect way to become one of the coveted tech professionals employers are searching for without committing to a long-term degree program.

Consider these 6 IT certifications in demand

Working in technology requires a combination of hard and soft skills. Perhaps you’ve already acquired many of the transferable skills employers value, such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. Now all that’s missing are the technical skills needed to get the job done.

That’s why certifications for IT professionals exist — so you can gain the precise skills needed to fulfill the roles employers are struggling to fill. Learn more about six IT certifications offered by UMass Global.

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA stands for the Computing Technology Industry Association — a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of IT certs and other training options. If you’re looking for an entry-level job in the IT field, UMass Global’s CompTIA A+ certification courses can prepare you to take the Core 1 exam and Core 2 exam. In these courses, you’ll learn the basics of computer systems architecture and how to troubleshoot and utilize modern operating systems in various business settings.

Jobs related to this IT certification:

• IT support specialist
• Field service technician
• Desktop analyst
• Help desk support

2. CompTIA Cloud+ Certification

Cloud computing has become a staple in our digitally saturated society. It allows us to host medical records and back up our smartphones.

With this CompTIA Cloud+ certification program, you’ll learn the skills needed to configure, manage, troubleshoot and protect information on the cloud for a variety of industries. Gaining these competencies is a great way to increase your value and pursue a career in data management.

Jobs related to this certification:

• System administrator
• Cloud developer
• Cloud project manager
• Cloud engineer
• Business analyst in cloud computing

3. Cisco CCNA Certification

Become an expert in digital communications building blocks — from the switches that connect devices to the routers that connect networks — by earning the Cisco CCNA certification. UMass Global offers this four-course program, which includes the following:

• Networking Essentials
• Introduction to Networks
• Switching, Routine & Wireless Essentials
• Enterprise Networking Security & Automation

After finishing the four courses, you will be well-versed in identifying, navigating and maintaining Cisco routing and switching products. Though this certification is vendor-specific, Cisco products are so widely used that your career options will remain diverse.

Jobs related to this IT certification:

• Network engineer
• Systems administrator
• Network administrator
• Systems engineer

4. Cisco CCNP Security Certification

IT security is one of the fastest-growing areas in this field. UMass Global offers a two-course program that will prepare students to sit for the Cisco CCNP Security certification exam.

Together, the Implementing Security Core Technologies course and the Securing Networks with Firewalls course provide students a deep understanding of network security principles and the tools and configurations required to secure a network. This hands-on, career-focused training can qualify you for entry-level security specialist careers.

Jobs related to this IT certification:

• IT security specialist
• Network security analyst
• Systems engineer
• Network specialist
• VoIP engineer

5. MTA HTML5

Want to work on the next big app? With the Microsoft Technology Associate certification (MTA) course, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of mobile design and app development using HTML5 — a programming language that combines HTML, CSS and JavaScript. If you have experience with those languages, you’re already on your way to acing this course and, possibly, the corresponding exam. 

Jobs related to this IT certification:

• Application developer
• UI designer
• Web developer
• Quality assurance engineer
• Front-end developer
• Software engineer 

6. Network+ Certification

The Network+ certification program uses hands-on labs and practical experience to help students build an in-depth knowledge of networking principles. This includes procedural and troubleshooting labs, skills integration challenges and model building. Upon completion, students will be prepared to fill a variety of in-demand IT positions.

Jobs related to this IT certification:

• Network technician
• Network engineer
• Network administrator
• Server administrator
• IT manager

Level up your skills with an IT certification

There are so many ways to specialize in the IT field. Whether you want to organize, analyze or protect data, there are IT certs and other training options to arm you with the skills you’ll need. The list above is just a taste of the many training options out there.

Explore more of the IT certifications, courses and bootcamps offered by UMass Global.