Tech Certifications that Pay

Certifications combined with in-demand skill sets can yield better pay at all experience levels, according to a recent survey of 17,000 IT professionals conducted by Dice Learning. Here they are, from lowest to highest paying.

The Project Management Professional certification shows that technology professionals have the knowledge and skills to manage projects to a successful conclusion, on-time and on-budget. It requires a combination of experience and education, plus a four-hour exam, priced at $555 for non-members of the Project Management Institute. There are currently 1,400 available jobs with PMP certification requested, according to Dice Learning.

Microsoft’s Certified Systems Engineer can design, implement and administer technology infrastructures using Microsoft 2000 Windows Server and other Windows server platforms. These certifications are held by systems engineers, technical support engineers, system analysts, network analysts and technical consultants. Currently nearly 1,000 available career opportunities request this certification, according to Dice Learning.

Available from CompTIA, this certification is for tech-support professionals. It shows expertise in network installation, preventative maintenance, security and troubleshooting. The certification requires passing two exams.

Cisco Certified Network Associates have shown their ability to install, configure, run and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. They can also work with security and wireless networks as well as a number of protocols. and Dice learning says that a little more than 650 job opportunities requesting the CCNA designation are currently availabile.

Microsoft Certified Professionals include developers, trainer, system architects and other tech professionals who specialize in a range of Microsoft technologies. The MCP certification encompasses Microsoft’s other certifications such as MCSA and MCSE, which are also on the list separately.

Offered by CompTIA, the Network+ proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructures. It’s included in certification programs of Microsoft, Novell, Cisco and HP.

This security certification is governed the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC), and considered by many to be the top security certification. It requires five years of experience in the field, but Dice Learning notes that currently nearly 750 open available career opportunities request this certification. Other requirements include passing an exam and having your qualifications endorsed by another ISC professional in good standing. These professionals can make in excess of $100,000.

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification focuses on systems administration and troubleshooting networks that use the Windows Server operating environment. It requires passing two networking exam, one client operating system exam and one exam on an elective topic.

The three-tier ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) certification demonstrates the expertise of professionals in tech management. Public and private organizations use ITIL as compendium of IT operational best practices. There are three certifications: Foundation, Practitioner and Manager. Training is available through many third-party organizations, with tuition starting at just under $2,000.

This CompTIA cetification holder has knowledge of system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security. To get the certification, IT professionals must pass the Security+ exam. Training is available but not required, according to CompTIA.