Deciding if an IT certification is worth the money can be tricky. IT certifications can cost thousands, and there are many to choose from. While passing an IT course, like the ITIL 4 foundation course, can help you stand out to tech recruiters, there may be times when an IT course isn’t worth the expense.
When IT certifications are worth the money
In Linux Foundation’s 2021 Open Source Jobs Report, 72% of hiring managers said they would be more likely to hire a candidate with a certification, implying that IT certifications are worth the money, at least most of the time.
In most circumstances, it is wise to opt for certification, though there are rare exceptions when an IT certification might not be worth the cost.
You’re starting your career
If you’re brand new to IT, certifications are a great idea. You might not have any work experience or a personal project you can point to on your resume so an IT certification will go a long way.
You’ll learn a lot during the certification process, and prospective employers will appreciate your base level of experience. Look for a certification course with industry recognition covering a range of IT fundamentals to stand out to employers.
You’re self-taught
If you decided to skip college in favor of a self-led education, you’re not alone. Many in IT forgo a college degree. But, in that case, an IT certification is a must.
You’ll need to show recruiters that you understand what you’re doing. At the same time, certification shows that you have the discipline to apply yourself towards a goal and are serious about IT.
Your dream job requires a certification
Certification may be a requirement depending on the tech job you want and the company you want to work for. Some companies and government organizations, like the Department of Defense, have particular certifications required for their employees.
If you have a dream job in mind, it’s a good idea to research and see if the company requires any certifications for their IT employees.
You want a boost in salary
Getting a certification doesn’t guarantee a raise, but it can help. You will likely receive a salary boost if your certificate is in a skill area your employer needs or values. If getting a raise is your aim, you should look for certifications that align with your employer’s wants and needs.
For example, many organizations are looking for ways to effectively approach IT service management (ITSM). As a result, they might see value in an employee that understands the IT infrastructure library (ITIL).
With an understanding of ITIL, you’ll gain a systematic understanding of IT service management that can benefit the entire company by reducing risk, cutting costs, and enhancing customer relationships. So, in many cases, an ITIL certification leads to a bump in salary.
You want to specialize
If you have a computer science degree or the equivalent but want to specialize in a specific area of IT like cybersecurity, a certification in that area can help. A certificate won’t replace practical experience but can help you bridge knowledge gaps.
Then, with the certification in hand, you can find a position that allows you to gain on-the-job practice, enabling you to become a full-blown specialist.
When you might be able to skip an IT certification
In some cases, an IT certification doesn’t make as much sense. After all, they cost a significant amount and take time to attain. If you have a ton of experience or are already in a senior-level position, you might be able to skip an IT certification.
You’re advanced in your career
A new certification might not be necessary if you’ve already progressed in your career and are in a senior-level position. You probably don’t need it to advance your career or earn a raise.
Then again, IT is an ever-changing field, so a new certification is still valuable if you have the resources. You’ll gain knowledge that you might not have otherwise. And, new IT certifications show recruiters that you’re still motivated to learn and succeed.
You have plenty of examples of work
Many IT professionals are good at teaching themselves, and you may have already attained the skills that a certification course offers to teach. However, you can’t ask an employer to believe you have those skills on your word alone.
Certification is one way to prove to an employer that you have specific IT skills. Alternatively, you can let your body of work speak for itself.
If you have plenty of example work that shows an in-depth understanding of the area a certification course is covering, the course may not be worth your time.
That said, some employers will still want you to have the certification. So, taking a certification course may be a good decision if you have the time and can cover the costs.
Do I need a certification if I already have a degree?
If you invested time and money in a formal computer science degree or the equivalent, you might think you can skip IT certifications. However, that would be a mistake.
IT isn’t a static field. Things are constantly changing. While a degree provides a solid foundation in core concepts, certifications are more likely to teach up-to-date information and practices.
So, in most cases, even with a college degree, you’ll also want a few IT certification courses under your belt. They’ll show employers you’re well-versed in the latest technology. They also prove that you’re willing to further your education when necessary.
Plus, IT certifications can help you stand out from the pack. Listing a certificate on your resume shows that you have skills that others, even others with your same degree, don’t have. That can lead to more interviews and a wider variety of jobs from which to choose.
Final Thoughts
More often than not, IT certifications are worth the money. IT certifications in ITIL show employers that you have the knowledge they need. So, gaining an IT certification is almost sure to help you succeed.