10 Certifications That Really Mean Something in 2022

How do you measure the experience and knowledge of an IT professional? One way is through certifications. Earning any certification is a notable achievement, though not all certifications carry the same perceived worth. This is not to say that the effort put forth to earn a certain certification is somehow less than it is for others. They are just viewed differently. For example, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) has been perceived as a valuable -- and difficult -- certification since it was first released.

What makes a certification valuable? Of course, this is difficult to state, because each certification is valuable for certain specializations. In addition, it also depends on the organization and the technologies that are used. However, from research it does appear that there a few certifications worth pursuing. Based on the 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report, we've mapped out the most popular, lucrative and achieved certifications for you.

These are the ten certifications that will really help you in 2022 and in further years. Note that this list is in no particular order.

1. ITIL®4-Foundation (ITIL)

The ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certification enables you to contribute to the IT service and the professionalization of the (IT) organization. You learn about concepts such as Service Value System and Service Value Chain. You will also learn about the ITIL® Guiding Principles and the 15 Practices (formerly known as the processes). This is one of the most achieved certifications according to the 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report and therefore deserves a spot on this list.

2. Project Management: Agile, Scrum and Prince2®.

Project management is a valuable skill that is always in demand - a demand that continues to grow. Agile, Scrum and Prince2® are recognized project management methods. An important certification for the business professional is project management. In these certifications, you learn how to set up, track and complete a project. You learn to identify pitfalls in advance and you learn to allocate time and resources efficiently. Project managers are also indispensable outside the IT world. Global Knowledge offers several certifications. These are Agile, Scrum and Prince2®.

3. AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is known as a secure cloud services platform that guarantees the delivery of computing power, network functionality, database storage and content to help organizations scale and grow. Millions of customers worldwide are now using the AWS cloud products and solutions. As such, IT professionals with knowledge of AWS are in high demand. According to the IT Skills and Salary Survey, an AWS certification is also lucrative, although of course this also depends very much on various circumstances, for example experience.

4. Google Cloud Architect

Also ranking high in the 2021 IT Skills & Salary Report is the Google Cloud Architect certification. A Google Cloud Architect helps organizations get everything out of Google Cloud. Through their understanding of Google Cloud architecture and Google technology, the Cloud Architect can design, develop and manage flexible solutions. The flexible solutions in Google Cloud help achieve the organization's goals.

5. Microsoft Azure Solutions

Microsoft Azure certifications are highly valued and in demand. This is for good reason as Azure is one of the largest cloud computing (IaaS and PaaS) provider. It is secure, scalable, cost-effective and has high availability. The IT Skills & Salary report shows that the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification is the most lucrative and the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals is one of the most achieved certifications.

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP is a well-paying and in-demand certification according to the 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report. This certification is a must for any security specialist and can be a requirement for all kinds of positions within IT security. The CISSP certification is the current gold standard in information security certifications. It is designed for security managers and security professionals who develop policies and procedures for information security. Earning and maintaining a CISSP certification is required for many government, military and civilian security positions.

7. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

With a Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification from security vendor ISACA, you become a true expert in risk identification and response. The CRISC certification is designed for IT professionals who work with security risks: from analyzing to identifying, evaluating and managing. ISACA stands for Information Systems Audit and Control Association. It is an international professional association for IT governance, IT auditing, information security and automation risk management. Security training from ISACA is a must for every security manager. The numbers prove it: already more than 7000 IT professionals obtained their Certified Information Security Management (CISM) certification. Are you next?

8. Citrix Certified Professional (CCP-V)

Also on the list of highest paying certifications in the IT Skills and Salary report is the Citrix Certified Professional for Virtualization (CCP-V). The certification demonstrates the skills you need to install, configure and deploy Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops solutions (Provisioning Services).

9. Business Architecture: TOGAF

Despite that only 52 respondents in the EMEA region have earned this certification, it is one of the most best paying ones according to the report. Business Architecture is part of Enterprise Architecture. At Global Knowledge, you can earn a TOGAF Enterprise Architecture certification, making you one of the few who can apply the methodology, models, frameworks and best practice methods to achieve desired objectives.

10. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

The Red Hat certification program is one of the most prominent Linux certification programs. What sets the Red Hat certification program apart from others is that it is performance-based. That is, candidates must perform specific hands-on tasks on a live system and not just pass a computer-based multiple-choice exam. Within the Red Hat certification program, the RHCA is considered the most comprehensive certification among the seven major Red Hat certifications. The program provides an enterprise-level focus on Red Hat technology solutions.

In conclusion

These are the ten major certifications to get you started in 2022. This list is based on the 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report and according to income, demand and popularity.

In short, ITIL and project management certifications remain fundamental for the IT professional to deliver valuable IT service and to manage projects. Cloud certifications are currently incredibly popular and in demand. Specifically the Cloud Administrator and Cloud Architect are popular and well-paying certifications. In addition, security certifications remain important, as the demand for security professionals is still high and will remain high.

Many certifications have not made the list, but the value of a certification also depends on your own area of expertise and the technologies and methods an organization uses. Take a look at your organization's needs and see the full list of available certifications and courses. With more than 1500 training courses, you will always find one that fits your needs.