In the tech world, demonstrating that your skills and knowledge are continuously evolving and never static is crucial to stand out in this highly competitive field. IT certifications represent an effective way to do just that. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to some recognized and sought-after certifications in the IT sector, providing an overview of the available options and the career benefits they can offer.
From Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certifications that validate your Linux and open-source skills to Microsoft Azure that prepare you for a software engineering career, we will explore the various options at your disposal. You’ll discover the required skills for each certification, their costs, and the added value they can bring to your resume. Keep in mind that prices may vary by country/region.
Regardless of where you are in your IT career, whether you’re just starting out or an expert, this guide will help you plan your certification journey and make informed decisions about them that align with your professional goals.
European IT Certification Institute
The European IT Certification Academy provides access to the European standard for IT certification, recognizing digital and IT skills and competencies. It is available online from Brussels, EU, under the governance of the European IT Certification Institute (EITCI), a non-profit certification and accreditation authority that develops and disseminates the program internationally.
The EITCA/AI Artificial Intelligence certificates certify that individuals are experts in cutting-edge machine learning, including pioneering fields like Deep Learning using neural networks and Reinforcement Learning. This certification provides students with a range of skills, from theoretical understanding to practical competence in programming with languages and libraries such as Python, TensorFlow, Keras, and PyTorch. It extends to real-world AI applications, including natural language processing and computer vision, often using cloud technologies like Google Cloud.
Cost: €110 to €1,200
FreeCodeCamp Certification
In the world of free certifications, FreeCodeCamp is an excellent starting point. The site is completely free and offers 11 certifications ranging from frontend and backend to data analysis and machine learning. Although they are free, these certifications are curated by top developers and require hundreds of hours of programming to complete. The site also offers hundreds of other courses and minor challenges.
Cost: Free
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is a fundamental IT certification, globally recognized, that validates basic skills in technical support, system management, and troubleshooting. It is particularly suitable for those looking to enter the world of IT support, network operations, or hardware management.
The CompTIA A+ certification covers various technical support aspects, including:
- Computer hardware
- Software
- Networking
- Security
- Support and assistance
Cost: $265 per exam
JavaScript Certification (International JavaScript Institute)
The JavaScript Institute offers a meticulously designed JavaScript certification program by JavaScript experts. This program provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript technology and serves as a means to assess their programming skills while confirming their expertise.
JavaScript holds the distinction of being the most widely used programming language in the world, making it a highly sought-after skill among IT professionals.
The certification exam requires a higher level of JavaScript proficiency, but the certification program welcomes both programmers and web developers. It is open to those who are JavaScript experts and those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this dynamic field.
The certification exam evaluates critical aspects of JavaScript Core and JavaScript Client-Side. Candidates seeking certification should demonstrate competent knowledge in the following areas:
- Fundamental programming principles
- JavaScript basics: syntax, keywords, data types, control structures, expressions, and operators
- Numbers, strings, arrays, and indexed collections
- Functions
- Objects, prototype-based object-oriented programming, and classes
- JavaScript in the web browser, DOM, browser environment, events, and JavaScript web APIs.
Cost: $79 (Prices may vary by country/region)
CISCO
Cisco IT certifications are among the most recognized in the networking technology industry. Cisco is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of network hardware, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking devices. Cisco certifications are highly sought after in the IT world, especially for those working in networking, security, and network infrastructure management.
Cisco offers several certifications, divided by skill levels and specialized areas. Cisco certifications are widely used by professionals worldwide to enhance their skills and advance their IT careers.
Cost: $200 to $400
Microsoft IT Certifications
Microsoft IT certifications are globally recognized and essential for those who want to develop skills in various technological areas supported by Microsoft products. Microsoft certifications are divided into different levels, focusing on specific skills in software, infrastructure, cloud computing, and more.
Cost: from 99 to 165 euros
Linux Professional Institute Certifications (Levels 1, 2, 3)
The costs of LPI certifications may vary depending on your location worldwide. There are different levels (LPI1, LPI2, and LPI3).
LPI certifications are globally recognized and often sought after by individuals eager to demonstrate their expertise in Linux and open-source software. There are several levels of LPI certifications, each with its own focus and requirements. Be sure to check them as they are regularly updated.
Cost: $150 to $200 (Prices may vary by country/region)
Linux Web Development Essentials
The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Web Development Essentials program is designed to support your initial foray into the world of software development. This program includes comprehensive educational materials suitable for both guided instruction and independent study. Upon successfully passing the Web Development Essentials exam, you will receive a certificate as tangible proof of your competence.
The Linux Web Development Essentials program delves into the following key areas:
- Software development and web technologies
- HTML document markup
- CSS content styling
- JavaScript Programming
- Node.js server programming
Cost: $110 (Prices may vary by country/region)
Pearson IT Certification
Pearson IT Certification is one of the leading resources for IT training and offers a wide range of certifications and courses for IT professionals. Through its IT Certification branch, Pearson provides high-quality resources to obtain globally recognized certifications, such as those in networking, security, databases, and software development.
Cost: from 100 to 300 euros
PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
The PCEP™ (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer) certificate, provided by the Python Institute, is a testament to their commitment to the growth and development of Python.
Designed for beginners in Python programming, the PCEP certification is your stepping stone to showcase your basic competence in Python. It is the perfect entry point for those wishing to validate their introductory-level programming skills in Python.
Cost: $59
