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Certifications from AWS, Google, Nutanix and VMware made Global Knowledge’s new 15 Top-Paying Certifications List for 2021 with average salaries ranging from $110,000 to more than $170,000.

15 Top-Paying IT Certifications You Need To Know About

Technology professionals looking to get the most bang of out their certification buck need to know about the 15 top paying IT certifications in the market today, which have average salaries ranging from $110,000 to over $170,000.

Global Knowledge recently released its 15 Top-Paying Certifications List for 2021, revealing the most in-demand skills and technology areas for businesses today, and for employees, the highest average salaries associated with them.

From Google and AWS to Nutanix and VMware, there are several key vendor certifications that IT professionals should have if they are looking to make a higher salary in 2021 and beyond. This year, cybersecurity and cloud certifications lead the way in Global Knowledge’s 15 Top-Paying Certifications List as more organizations focus more on risk management than ever.

Global Knowledge’s IT certifications report is based on data from more than 3,700 U.S. respondents who participated in the company’s IT skills and salary survey.

CRN breaks down the 15 top paying IT certifications that technologists and IT professionals need to know about.

15. CompTIA Security+

Average Salary: $110,974

Most Likely Job Role: Network Engineer or Information Security

With every company across the nation needing to worry about cybersecurity regardless of if they work in security or not, security certifications like CompTIA Security+ are in high demand with an average salary of $110,974.

CompTIA Security+ is vendor-neutral certification with IT professionals needing to demonstrate competency in network security; compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities, application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography.

With organizations’ attack surface always expanding and evolving, IT professionals outside of proper security roles who can articulate cybersecurity risks and know what to look out for can increase their earning-potential, Global Knowledge says.

14. Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (CCA-V)

Average Salary: $115,308

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Engineer

The Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization, known as CCA-V, validates the skills IT operators and administrators need to install, configure and manage highly available environments. The average salary for a Citrix CCA-V certification is $115,308.

These environments are comprised of virtual apps and desktop delivery controllers, cloud connectors, StoreFront, the Citrix Workspace app, and more that reside either on-premises or in the Citrix Cloud.

To achieve the CCA-V certification, IT professionals must pass the exam 1Y0-204: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Administration.

13. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Enterprise

Average Salary: $118,911

Most Likely Job Role: Network Engineer, Analyst or Technician

With Cisco being the longtime dominant networking world leader, it comes as little surprise that the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise certification is one of the highest paying certs in the IT market with an average salary of early $119,000.

Cisco’s CCNP is an advanced certification that requires deep knowledge and understanding of the Cisco technology used in modern complex networks. The enterprise certification is designed for network engineers and administrators who collaborate with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions.

In order to earn a CCNP Enterprise certification, candidates must pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam within the specific technology segment.

12. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Average Salary: $121,420

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect or Cloud Engineer

The world’s largest software company is currently the No. 2 public cloud player in the world thanks to its growing Azure business, which is why the Azure Administrator Associate certification holds an average salary of $121,420.

Owning an Azure Administrator Associate certification validates a cloud administrator’s ability to manage an Azure instance — from storage to security and networking. It is one of Microsoft’s role-based certifications, which means it aligns directly with sought-after job roles.

To achieve this certification, Microsoft requires a deep understanding of each service across the full IT lifecycle. Technologists in an administrative role will take requests for infrastructure services, applications and environments. IT professionals will be equipped to make recommendations on services used for optimal performance and scale, as well as provision and size. They must monitor and adjust resources as appropriate.

Candidates must pass one exam: the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator.

11. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Window Server

Average Salary: $125,980

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Administrator

With Microsoft shifting to role-based certifications, the company’s popular MCSA, MCSD and MCSE certifications were retired on Jan. 31, 2021. However, Microsoft still recognizes them in the market during the transition with a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert still generating an top-notch average salary of $125,980.

Microsoft’s Certified Solutions Expert: Windows Server certification validates a professional’s ability to run a highly efficient and modern data center as well as identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage and networking environments.

Microsoft’s replacement certification opportunities for Windows Server are included in role-based certifications in the Azure Apps and Infrastructure and Data and AI solution areas. People who hold an MCSE: Window Server certification can choose from three options during Microsoft’s transition including Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert and Azure Security Engineer Associate.

10. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization 2020

Average Salary: $132,947

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Architect or Enterprise Architect

VMware is the dominant world leader in virtualization while also a top-notch hybrid cloud software player, which is why someone who holds a VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization 2020 certification generates an average salary of $132,947.

The VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) certification validates a technologist skill to implement, manage and troubleshoot a vSphere infrastructure -- VMware’s server virtualization software -- as well as use best practices to provide a flexible and secure foundation for business agility that can accelerate the transformation to the cloud.

This certification continues to rank highly each year given VMware’s ability to help organizations transition to digital environments, Strengthen experiences and streamline operations and workflows, says Global Knowledge.

In order to achieve this VCP-DCV 2020 certification, VMware requires candidates to attend at least one course offered by an authorized training provider or reseller. In addition to attending a class, candidates should have at least six months of experience working with the latest version of vSphere.

9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Average Salary: $134,460

Most Likely Job Role: IT Auditor

Simply put, employing a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certified professional helps organizations implement policies to secure critical business assets with certainty. This important role and certification generate an average salary of $134,460 per year.

The CISA certification has been around since 1978, making it one of the oldest and most respected credentials on this Global Knowledge’s list. International professional association ISACA offers an CISA certification validates audit, risk and cybersecurity skills.

To achieve the certification, technology professionals must pass the CISA exam that consists of five domains including Auditing Information Systems and Governance and Management of IT. The remaining three domains are Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation; Information Systems Operation, Maintenance, and Service Management; and Protection of Information Assets.

8. Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI)

Average Salary: $142,810

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Architect

Nutanix and VMware dominant the hyperconverged infrastructure software market on a global basis, with Nutanix constantly expanding its IT portfolio with a variety of software offerings for hybrid cloud.

The Nutanix Certified Professional - Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) certification recognizes a professional’s skills and abilities to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot Nutanix AOS in the Enterprise Cloud. The average salary for an IT professional who achieves Nutanix’s NCP-MCI certification is $142,810.

Earning Nutanix’s certification validates a professional’s ability to guide an organization through the next phase of its enterprise cloud journey. During exam preparation and training for the NCP-MCI, technologists gain the essential knowledge and skill to deploy and manage a Nutanix environment.

To earn this certification, candidates must pass Nutanix’ Multicloud Infrastructure exam.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Average Salary: $148,906

Most Likely Job Role: Program Manager

Projects live and die by how they’re managed, which is why skilled project managers are critical to any organization because they define, organize and manage projects from start to finish.

The Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the most highly regarded project management certifications in the world, with PMP’s generating an average salary of nearly $149,000.

A PMP provides employers and customers with a level of assurance that a project manager has both the experience and knowledge.

To earn the PMP, candidates must meet the Project Management Institute’s requirements including owning a four-year degree, having three years of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM Certification.

6. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Average Salary: $149,246

Most Likely Job Role: Information Security

The international professional association ISACA provides a highly sought-after Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification that is for professionals who are pursuing IT leadership positions. It confirms a high level of technical competence and qualification for leadership and management roles, which is why the average salary for this certification nearly hits the $150,000 mark.

CISM validates a professional’s ability to manage, design and assess an enterprise’s information security.

In order to earn ISACA’s certification, candidates must meet the real-world experience requirement and pass the CISM exam, which covers four domains: Information Security Governance; Information Risk Management; Information Security Program Development and Management; and Information Security Incident Management.

To achieve the CISM certification, IT professionals must have at least five cumulative years of paid, relevant work experience in two or more of the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) domains. CISSP is an independent information security certification granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)².

5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Average Salary: $151,853

Most Likely Job Role: Information Security

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)², provides a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification that cracks into Global Knowledge’s top five with an average salary of $151,853.

Earning the CISSP certification has been compared to earning a master’s degree in IT security.

This (ISC)² credential denotes cybersecurity expertise and years of experience. It proves professionals have what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a cybersecurity program.

The CISSP exam is based around eight domains in information security: Security and Risk Management; Asset Security; Security Architecture and Engineering; Communication and Network Security; Identity and Access Management; Security Assessment and Testing; and Software Development Security.

To achieve this certification, candidates also need at least five years of paid, relevant work experience in two or more of the (ISC)² domains.

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

Average Salary: $151,995

Most Likely Job Role: CISO, CSO or ISO

With a drastic increase in security breaches and ransomware worldwide, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand IT risk and how it relates to a specific industry or organization. ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification helps professionals develop these in-demand skills which generate an average salary of roughly $152,000.

CRISC provides IT professionals with the knowledge to identify, evaluate and manage IT risk and to plan and implement control measures and frameworks. It also helps individuals establish a common language to communicate within IT and across the organization about security and systems control.

Security managers and directors are the most common job roles for a CRISC-certified professional, but a large percentage also work in information security, as a security engineer or analyst, or as a security architect, according to Global Knowledge.

To achieve the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control certification, candidates must pass the CRISC exam that consists of four domains: IT Risk Identification; IT Risk Assessment; Risk Response and Mitigation; and Risk Control, Monitoring and Reporting.

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Average Salary: $159,033

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect

Amazon Web Services most highly sought-after and highest paying certification is the AWS Solutions Architect which has a long-standing presence on Global Knowledge’s list. This AWS expert generates an average salary of $159,033 as the public cloud titan continues to be worldwide market.

The AWS certification validates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying scalable systems on the AWS platform. It’s ideal for those who design cloud infrastructures, reference architectures or deploy systems and applications.

To achieve this certification, candidates must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02) exam.

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a recommended prerequisite. AWS recommends a year of hands-on experience designing systems on its platform before taking its exam.

2. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

Average Salary: $169,029

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect

Two Google certifications rank No. 2 and No. 1 on Global Knowledge’s 15 Top-Paying Certifications List for 2021.

The second most top paying certification in 2021 is the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification which demonstrates an architect’s ability to design, develop and manage secure, scalable and reliable cloud architectures. The average salary for an IT professional holding a Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification is $169,029.

IT decision-makers are having a hard time finding qualified candidates for cloud roles which is among their greatest struggles behind cybersecurity. Google’s certification helps professionals stand out from the crowd, while proving to employers they have the skills to excel in a Google Cloud environment.

In order to achieve this high paying certification, candidates must pass the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect exam.

1. Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer

Average Salary: $171,749

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect

The Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer certification is associated with the highest paying salary in the IT industry, generating a whopping $171,749 on average.

This highly sought-after Google Cloud certification stems from the demand for data engineers being one of the most in-demand disciplines in the industry. Data engineers analyze information to gain insight into business outcomes, build statistical models to support decision-making and create machine learning models to automate and simplify key business processes.

Google’s Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer certification enables data-driven decision making by collecting, transforming and visualizing data.

To achieve Google’s certification, candidates must pass the Google Certified Professional – Data Engineer exam.

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) credential demonstrates mastery of developing and overseeing large-scale cybersecurity programs. When it comes to the best cybersecurity certifications, many consider CISSP the industry’s gold standard. Individuals who meet CISSP requirements can earn the certification and qualify to take on more professional responsibility in their cybersecurity jobs.

This guide offers information on CISSP certification requirements, including experience, suggested preparation times and CISSP certification exam costs.

What Is CISSP Certification?

CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², is an advanced credential for information systems and cybersecurity professionals. This certification highlights an individual’s ability to create, deploy and manage cybersecurity efforts for large organizations.

CISSP certification requirements include a significant amount of professional experience and passing a lengthy exam. This credential suits experienced workers over entry-level and mid-level professionals.

Though this certification is not required by employers, it can boost candidates’ earning power and help them qualify for advanced roles in information security. CISSPs often work in positions like chief information security officer (CISO), network architect, security auditor and security manager, among others.

CISSP Certification Requirements

Aspiring CISSPs should familiarize themselves with the certification’s requirements before pursuing this credential.

Gain Experience

CISSP certification requirements stipulate that each candidate must have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. (ISC)² specifies eight security domains:

• Domain 1: Security and risk management
• Domain 2: Asset security
• Domain 3: Security architecture and engineering
• Domain 4: Communication and network security
• Domain 5: Identity and access management
• Domain 6: Security assessment and testing
• Domain 7: Security operations
• Domain 8: Software development security

Prospective CISSPs must accumulate experience in two of the eight domains to meet CISSP certification requirements. They can also apply (ISC)²-approved four-year college degrees and other credentials, which may qualify as a year of experience. Paid and unpaid internships also count toward the CISSP requirement.

Pass the Certification Exam

The CISSP exam covers the eight domains of security in a four-hour test comprising 125 to 175 required responses. These appear as multiple-choice questions and advanced innovative items. Test-takers must earn a 700 out of 1,000 to pass. Candidates register to take the exam with Pearson VUE.

Get Endorsed

After passing the exam, individuals can apply for endorsement online. The endorsement must come from an (ISC)²-certified professional who can advocate for your professional experience as a credential-holder in good standing. Individuals must receive endorsements within nine months of passing the exam.

Cost of Becoming a CISSP

Earning CISSP certification can deliver many professional benefits, but individuals should also understand the costs associated with pursuing the credential. Along with the required time investment, consider the following CISSP certification exam costs and any required payments relating to preparation and recertification.

CISSP Certification exam Prep

Many organizations offer prep courses for the CISSP certification exam, and their costs vary drastically. Make sure to include exam prep costs, which may range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, in your CISSP budget. (ISC)² offers several exam prep methods, including self-paced, instructor-led and team-based options.

CISSP Certification exam Cost

The CISSP certification exam costs $749. Individuals can receive vouchers from partner organizations after completing CISSP exam training courses.

Recertification Cost

Individuals must meet CISSP recertification requirements every three years to maintain their credentials. Each certification holder must earn 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over this three-year period. Costs relating to CPEs can vary significantly, but each certified individual must pay an annual $125 fee to (ISC)².

Common Careers for CISSPs

Individuals who have met CISSP requirements and earned their credentials can pursue work in many information security and cybersecurity roles. As of 2023, the number of open cybersecurity roles far outpaces the number of qualified professionals, indicating strong continued demand in the sector.

We sourced salary information for this section from Payscale.

Data from Cyberseek.org indicates that among current cybersecurity openings requiring certification, CISSP ranks as the most in-demand credential. The following section explores roles for CISSP certification-holders.

Chief Information Security Officer

Average Annual Salary: Around $173,500
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information security or a related field; master’s preferred
Job Description: CISOs rank among the top positions in information security for responsibility and salary. This C-suite role reports directly to the CEO and requires significant experience, practical skills and expertise in information security.

CISOs oversee their organizations’ information security efforts. Often referred to as “chief security officers,” they supervise teams of infosec workers, set organizational directives, establish company-wide best practices and manage resource allotment. CISOs working in large, international businesses may interact with government agencies and congresspeople to ensure compliance with legal standards for information security.

Information Technology Director

Average Annual Salary: Around $125,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, MBA degree often preferred
Job Description: IT directors oversee departments of IT workers and manage organizations’ computer systems operations. They provide solutions to companies’ computer-related issues, including software upgrades, security concerns and general technical issues. IT directors communicate with executives to ensure company-wide directives are carried out successfully.

These directors research new IT software and hardware to keep their organizations up to date and safe. They track metrics for managing IT professionals, along with storage, hardware and software. IT directors also handle employee schedules and budget planning. As department heads, they must possess strong communication skills to interact with mid-level professionals and C-suite executives.

Security Analyst

Average Annual Salary: Around $73,500
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer and information technology or a related field
Job Description: Security analysts work in computer systems, networks and information security departments to prevent, monitor and respond to security breaches. This broad professional title refers to workers who handle a variety of tasks in computer and network security.

These professionals work in many industries as “first responders” for cyberattacks. They must demonstrate deep knowledge of hardware, software and data storage to understand potential vulnerabilities and security solutions. Security analysts may help design security systems and handle encryption efforts for businesses to protect sensitive information.

Network Architect

Average Annual Salary: Around $126,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in network engineering or a related field; master’s in cybersecurity or a related field often preferred
Job Description: Network architects design and implement organizations’ security infrastructures. These professionals test and analyze existing safety structures to identify vulnerabilities and improvements. They install and maintain computer systems, including interconnected devices like firewalls and routers.

Before deploying any updates or upgrades, these information security professionals create models to test their networks in a controlled environment. Modeling allows network architects to forecast security and traffic issues before implementing their infrastructures in the real world. They also train and educate IT workers on organizational best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About CISSP Requirements