In the information technology (IT) world, certifications can be a good way to signal to hiring managers what you know how to do, and may give your career the small boost that you’re looking for. By getting a certification, you can learn new skills, and may become qualified for new jobs or promotions.

IT certification paths

Here’s a breakdown of some popular IT certifications by different roles. 

Bear in mind that the certifications you get don’t all need to be from the same organization. It’s possible to obtain certifications from different providers, depending on what you want your career to look like, and what skills you’re trying to obtain. This list is meant to be a guide to help you get a sense of what certifications are out there, and isn’t a list of all certifications that exist. There also may be other unlisted certifications that better fit your needs.

• Foundational certifications: Certifications listed as foundational are generally those labeled by providers as entry-level or for early career professionals.

• Professional certifications: These are certifications that are designed for those who have some experience under their belt and are looking to move into the next stage of their career.

• Advanced certifications: Advanced certifications will show a high-level or mastery of the field, or mastery of a specific area within the field.

Help desk certifications

A starting point for many IT careers, help desk support positions support a company’s employees by providing technical assistance and troubleshooting a variety of computer issues. These positions might be called IT support technicians, help desk technicians, IT associates, or something similar. An entry-level certification can make you eligible for one of these roles. From there, you can go on to get a more advanced help desk certificate, but many choose to move into a more specialized field in IT.

Note: The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is not a certification by itself—though you’ll receive a professional certificate from Google upon completion—but the course will prepare you for the CompTIA A+ exam should you choose to go on and take it.

Read more: 9 Entry-Level IT Jobs (and What You Need to Get Hired)

Server and network certifications

Troubleshooting and maintaining computer systems, servers, and networks are key to IT work. These certifications can bring you the credentials to get started or further your career in one of these areas.

Cloud certifications

Cloud computing, according to a survey conducted by Global Knowledge, is one of the most in-demand IT skills of recent years. The following certifications can get you acquainted with the basics, and prepare you for more advanced roles in cloud computing.

Security certifications

Cybersecurity, along with cloud computing, is marked by Global Knowledge as one of the most in-demand fields in IT. Certifications can come from vendor-neutral organizations like CompTIA or ISACA—meaning what you’re being tested on for a certification exam can be applied to different operating systems. They can also be vendor-specific, like the Microsoft certifications.

Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

Database certifications

Data professionals in the IT realm can be database administrators, database developers, database engineers, data warehousing specialists, or similar roles. Which database certification you pursue will probably depend on which vendor’s database technology you expect to use most heavily.

If you’re looking for certifications that will show your competency more specifically in SQL, take a look at a list of SQL certifications.

What certification should I get?

The certification you pursue will likely depend on your area of interest in IT,  your experience level, and what the jobs you’re interested in require. If you’re currently in an IT role, you can ask your employer what skills will be most useful for you to learn.

If you’re just starting out in IT, a credential that will teach you the basics in a variety of IT fields can be helpful, such as the CompTIA A+ certification or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

Related articles

• What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification? What You Need to Know

• 9 Entry-Level IT Jobs (and What You Need to Get Hired)

• 5 Essential IT Certifications: Entry-Level and Beginner