
Are IT Certifications Worth It? When to Get Certified in Your IT Career
IT certifications can boost skills, salary, and job prospects—but they also require time and money. This guide explores when certifications are worth it, when they’re not, and highlights popular options along with their career and salary benefits.
June 24, 2021
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![[Featured Image]: An IT professional works at a computer after learning how to get IT certifications to qualify for a new job.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1325ETF1UHYm1hcGvdx4zk/18e63bdd03a8c200b88609af4f09119c/GettyImages-2156162213.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
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![[Featured Image] A person on an IT career path starts a job in an IT role at a new company.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/JkM4I7DChKhFKhUmwCMdV/e2a5415bd26a2071c5120e15a91e8a59/iStock-1176251115.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)

![[Featured image] A learner in a striped sweater researches computer science vs. information technology majors on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/XrVNLS2SJTQO30eisx5eU/de30c59f4d19c98ace9f30a4db18d0a7/iStock-1134444079.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] An IT professional reviews content to prepare for a network certification exam.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3HuQrISg0qagzyGnFWefyw/1b20cc65a54dec139b33763e7e45817e/GettyImages-1500285927.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A person sitting in a cafe, looking up IT certifications on their laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/DOg9EFuhsjFFcMD8fPsAe/03a63b1912e27b69e8f599043dfb21ba/iStock-1148394694.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
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