Certification topics

Cybersecurity certifications cover foundations, defensive operations, penetration testing and security management. Choose the work you want to do first: Security+ is a common starting point, while CySA+, OSCP, CISSP and CISM each lead to a different kind of role.

Cloud certifications cover foundations, architecture, operations and development on a specific platform. Start with the platform your current or target employer uses (AWS, Azure or Google Cloud), then choose between design and operations work.

AI credentials cover three kinds of work: using AI tools in everyday jobs, building and running AI systems, and governing AI risk. Choose the kind of work first, then the platform.

Data credentials cover analysis, business intelligence, data engineering and data management. Choose by the work you want to do and the tools your team uses: analysis and reporting, building pipelines or governing data.

IT infrastructure certifications cover IT support, networking, Linux and endpoint administration. Start with the systems you need to support: A+ for support roles, Network+ or CCNA for networking, RHCSA for Linux and Endpoint Administrator for managing company devices.

Software engineering credentials cover testing, cloud development, Kubernetes and delivery automation. Choose the one that matches your work and technology stack.

Enterprise software credentials cover the platforms organizations run on, such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft 365 and SAP. Choose the platform your current or target employer uses, then the role: administration, development or functional implementation.

Enterprise architecture credentials cover aligning business goals, capabilities and systems across an organization. Cloud architecture certifications cover designing systems on one platform instead. TOGAF is the main framework here, with two levels: Foundation and Practitioner.

UX credentials are learning programs rather than licenses. Google UX Design is a beginner course that ends with portfolio projects; NN/g UX Certification is professional development for working designers and researchers. Pair either with a portfolio that shows your research and design decisions.

IT service management covers how technology services are planned, delivered, supported and improved. ITIL Foundation is the starting point here. It teaches the service management framework; platform certifications such as ServiceNow CSA cover running a specific tool.

Project management credentials match different career stages and methods. CAPM is for people starting out, PMP for experienced project managers, PRINCE2 Foundation for the PRINCE2 method and PMI-ACP for agile delivery. Choose by your experience and how your target employers run projects.

Agile credentials cover Scrum roles, broader agile practice and scaled frameworks such as SAFe. Choose by the role you have or want (Scrum Master, Product Owner or a wider delivery role) and by the framework your organization uses.

Audit, risk and compliance credentials cover internal audit, IT audit, technology risk, fraud examination and anti-money laundering. Choose the function you work in; each credential is built around one of them.

Quality credentials cover process improvement, quality engineering, auditing and quality leadership. Six Sigma belts are one part of the field. Choose by your work: improving processes, engineering quality into products, auditing quality systems or leading a quality function.

Finance and accounting credentials include licenses, accounting qualifications, investment charters and specialist certifications. Choose by the work you want to do and where you will do it: public accounting, management accounting, investment analysis and personal financial planning each have their own route.

HR credentials differ by career stage and country. HRCI and SHRM are US organizations, and PHR tests US employment law; the CIPD Associate Diploma is a UK taught qualification. Choose by your current responsibilities and where you work.

Digital marketing certifications are usually tied to one platform, such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, HubSpot or Meta. Start with the channels and tools you use. The Google and HubSpot certifications are free; Meta charges an exam fee.

Privacy credentials cover three kinds of work: privacy law, running a privacy program and building privacy into technology. Choose the one you do and, for law, the jurisdiction you work under.

Product management credentials range from Scrum product ownership to broader training in customer discovery, market analysis and product planning. Choose a Scrum or SAFe product owner credential if you manage a team's backlog, and broader product management training if you decide what to build and why.

Supply chain credentials cover end-to-end supply chain management, planning and inventory, procurement and logistics. Choose by the part of the operation you work in. CSCP is the broad option; CPIM, CPSM and CLTD are specialist routes.

Business analysis credentials cover understanding needs, defining requirements and working with stakeholders. IIBA's three levels follow experience: ECBA for newcomers, CCBA for practicing analysts and CBAP for experienced analysts. PMI-PBA covers analysis within project work.