9 Essential IT Certifications for 2026
Whether you’re just starting out or are established in your career, IT certifications have their benefits. Here are 9 prominent IT certifications to consider.
December 16, 2020
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Explore articles about IT support, technical troubleshooting, and IT certifications. Learn about help desk technician and technical support specialist roles, CompTIA A+, networking, and how to start your IT career.

Gain in-demand skills with IT industry leaders
Skills you'll gain: Desktop Support, Package and Software Management, Technical Support and Services, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, System Support, Network Support, General Networking, Help Desk Support, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Software Documentation, Customer Support, End User Training and Support, Computer Networking, Information Technology, Technical Writing, Computer Systems, Linux
★ 4.8 (165K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Skills you'll gain: IT Security Architecture, Computer Networking, Operating System Administration, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Version Control, IT Automation, Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, Network Administration, Information Systems Security, TCP/IP, Git (Version Control System), Chef (Configuration Management Tool), Network Security, General Networking, Ruby (Programming Language), Desktop Support, Web Presence, Interviewing Skills
★ 4.8 (216K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Authorization (Computing), Hardware Architecture, Cloud Services, Computer Networking, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, General Networking, Microsoft Teams, Authentications, Generative Model Architectures, Firewall, Hardening, Data Warehousing, Network Architecture, Data Storage, Security Controls, Problem Management, Computing Platforms, Cloud Computing, Network Protocols
★ 4.8 (1.6K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IT support specialists with the skills to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues efficiently are crucial in every organization. Embarking on a career in IT support offers the opportunity to apply your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise, making a tangible difference in user experiences and operational success. Explore our free resources as you start your IT career:
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Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities and skills in the field.
According to CompTIA*, 21% of IT professionals who obtained a bump in their salary attribute it to new skill development.
*Comptia. "IT Salaries: Where the Money’s At, https://www.comptia.org/blog/it-salaries#:~:text=13%25%20of%20IT%20professionals%20credit,their%20salary%20increase%20nearly%20%2413%2C000." Accessed February 23, 2024.

