Are IT Certifications Worth It? An Honest Look
We sell practice tests, so you might expect us to say certifications are always worth it. They are not always, and it is better to decide with open eyes. Here is how we think about it, with a table to help you decide and some real pay data for context.
When a certification helps
- You are changing careers. A recognised exam gives employers evidence of skill when your CV does not yet show it.
- The job ad asks for it. Some roles and employers screen on specific certifications, and some partner programmes require them.
- You need a structured syllabus. The exam guide gives you a map, so you do not wander through random tutorials.
- You work for a vendor or partner. Certifications can count toward partner status.
When it helps less
- You already have several years of direct experience in the exact tool. Your work history may speak louder.
- The credential is not asked for in the roles you want. Read ten job ads before you decide.
- You would be collecting certificates instead of building something. A small project you can show often beats a fifth certificate.
| Your situation | Certification value | Do this too |
|---|---|---|
| Career changer with no IT history | High | Add a small project and write it up |
| Student with no work experience | High | Pair it with an internship or portfolio |
| Working in IT, moving to a new area | Medium to high | Show how your experience transfers |
| Senior person with years in the exact tool | Low to medium | Certify only if the employer or partner needs it |
| Collecting certificates with no plan | Low | Choose a target role first |
A certificate supports your application, it does not guarantee a job
We say this on our own pages because it is true. Employers hire people who can solve problems. The best use of a certification is as proof that you learned the fundamentals, followed by something practical you can talk about in an interview.
What do entry-level IT roles pay?
Pay depends on country, city, experience and employer. As a reference point, here are United States median wages for several common IT occupations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Use them as a guide only, and check your local market.
United States median annual wage, May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook). A guide only: pay in other countries differs.
Entry-level roles usually start below the median for their occupation. The point of a certification is often to help you get through the door of the first role, after which experience matters more. Our job roles pages show the pay range and the certifications for each role.
How to choose a good one
- Check job adsSearch your target titles and note which certifications appear most.
- Read the official pageConfirm objectives, cost and renewal rules.
- Start at entry levelTake the first exam in the area, not the hardest.
- Plan the next stepMake each exam build on the last. Our study paths show the order.
Cost versus value
An exam fee is only part of the cost. Count your study time, practice materials and the cost of a retake. Preparing properly once is usually cheaper than sitting an exam twice. Use the pass score calculator and a countdown plan to avoid going in unprepared.
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