Top 15 Highest Paying IT Professional Certifications In 2021: Report

Certifications from AWS, Google, Nutanix and VMware made Global Knowledge’s new 15 Top-Paying Certifications List for 2021 with average salaries ranging from $110,000 to more than $170,000.

15 Top-Paying IT Certifications You Need To Know About

Technology professionals looking to get the most bang of out their certification buck need to know about the 15 top paying IT certifications in the market today, which have average salaries ranging from $110,000 to over $170,000.

Global Knowledge recently released its 15 Top-Paying Certifications List for 2021, revealing the most in-demand skills and technology areas for businesses today, and for employees, the highest average salaries associated with them.

From Google and AWS to Nutanix and VMware, there are several key vendor certifications that IT professionals should have if they are looking to make a higher salary in 2021 and beyond. This year, cybersecurity and cloud certifications lead the way in Global Knowledge’s 15 Top-Paying Certifications List as more organizations focus more on risk management than ever.

Global Knowledge’s IT certifications report is based on data from more than 3,700 U.S. respondents who participated in the company’s IT skills and salary survey.

CRN breaks down the 15 top paying IT certifications that technologists and IT professionals need to know about.

15. CompTIA Security+

Average Salary: $110,974

Most Likely Job Role: Network Engineer or Information Security

With every company across the nation needing to worry about cybersecurity regardless of if they work in security or not, security certifications like CompTIA Security+ are in high demand with an average salary of $110,974.

CompTIA Security+ is vendor-neutral certification with IT professionals needing to demonstrate competency in network security; compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities, application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography.

With organizations’ attack surface always expanding and evolving, IT professionals outside of proper security roles who can articulate cybersecurity risks and know what to look out for can increase their earning-potential, Global Knowledge says.

14. Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization (CCA-V)

Average Salary: $115,308

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Engineer

The Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization, known as CCA-V, validates the skills IT operators and administrators need to install, configure and manage highly available environments. The average salary for a Citrix CCA-V certification is $115,308.

These environments are comprised of virtual apps and desktop delivery controllers, cloud connectors, StoreFront, the Citrix Workspace app, and more that reside either on-premises or in the Citrix Cloud.

To achieve the CCA-V certification, IT professionals must pass the exam 1Y0-204: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Administration.

13. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Enterprise

Average Salary: $118,911

Most Likely Job Role: Network Engineer, Analyst or Technician

With Cisco being the longtime dominant networking world leader, it comes as little surprise that the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise certification is one of the highest paying certs in the IT market with an average salary of early $119,000.

Cisco’s CCNP is an advanced certification that requires deep knowledge and understanding of the Cisco technology used in modern complex networks. The enterprise certification is designed for network engineers and administrators who collaborate with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions.

In order to earn a CCNP Enterprise certification, candidates must pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam within the specific technology segment.

12. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Average Salary: $121,420

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect or Cloud Engineer

The world’s largest software company is currently the No. 2 public cloud player in the world thanks to its growing Azure business, which is why the Azure Administrator Associate certification holds an average salary of $121,420.

Owning an Azure Administrator Associate certification validates a cloud administrator’s ability to manage an Azure instance — from storage to security and networking. It is one of Microsoft’s role-based certifications, which means it aligns directly with sought-after job roles.

To achieve this certification, Microsoft requires a deep understanding of each service across the full IT lifecycle. Technologists in an administrative role will take requests for infrastructure services, applications and environments. IT professionals will be equipped to make recommendations on services used for optimal performance and scale, as well as provision and size. They must monitor and adjust resources as appropriate.

Candidates must pass one exam: the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator.

11. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Window Server

Average Salary: $125,980

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Administrator

With Microsoft shifting to role-based certifications, the company’s popular MCSA, MCSD and MCSE certifications were retired on Jan. 31, 2021. However, Microsoft still recognizes them in the market during the transition with a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert still generating an top-notch average salary of $125,980.

Microsoft’s Certified Solutions Expert: Windows Server certification validates a professional’s ability to run a highly efficient and modern data center as well as identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage and networking environments.

Microsoft’s replacement certification opportunities for Windows Server are included in role-based certifications in the Azure Apps and Infrastructure and Data and AI solution areas. People who hold an MCSE: Window Server certification can choose from three options during Microsoft’s transition including Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert and Azure Security Engineer Associate.

10. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization 2020

Average Salary: $132,947

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Architect or Enterprise Architect

VMware is the dominant world leader in virtualization while also a top-notch hybrid cloud software player, which is why someone who holds a VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization 2020 certification generates an average salary of $132,947.

The VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) certification validates a technologist skill to implement, manage and troubleshoot a vSphere infrastructure -- VMware’s server virtualization software -- as well as use best practices to provide a flexible and secure foundation for business agility that can accelerate the transformation to the cloud.

This certification continues to rank highly each year given VMware’s ability to help organizations transition to digital environments, improve experiences and streamline operations and workflows, says Global Knowledge.

In order to achieve this VCP-DCV 2020 certification, VMware requires candidates to attend at least one course offered by an authorized training provider or reseller. In addition to attending a class, candidates should have at least six months of experience working with the latest version of vSphere.

9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Average Salary: $134,460

Most Likely Job Role: IT Auditor

Simply put, employing a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certified professional helps organizations implement policies to secure critical business assets with certainty. This important role and certification generate an average salary of $134,460 per year.

The CISA certification has been around since 1978, making it one of the oldest and most respected credentials on this Global Knowledge’s list. International professional association ISACA offers an CISA certification validates audit, risk and cybersecurity skills.

To achieve the certification, technology professionals must pass the CISA exam that consists of five domains including Auditing Information Systems and Governance and Management of IT. The remaining three domains are Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation; Information Systems Operation, Maintenance, and Service Management; and Protection of Information Assets.

8. Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI)

Average Salary: $142,810

Most Likely Job Role: Systems Architect

Nutanix and VMware dominant the hyperconverged infrastructure software market on a global basis, with Nutanix constantly expanding its IT portfolio with a variety of software offerings for hybrid cloud.

The Nutanix Certified Professional - Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) certification recognizes a professional’s skills and abilities to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot Nutanix AOS in the Enterprise Cloud. The average salary for an IT professional who achieves Nutanix’s NCP-MCI certification is $142,810.

Earning Nutanix’s certification validates a professional’s ability to guide an organization through the next phase of its enterprise cloud journey. During exam preparation and training for the NCP-MCI, technologists gain the essential knowledge and skill to deploy and manage a Nutanix environment.

To earn this certification, candidates must pass Nutanix’ Multicloud Infrastructure exam.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Average Salary: $148,906

Most Likely Job Role: Program Manager

Projects live and die by how they’re managed, which is why skilled project managers are critical to any organization because they define, organize and manage projects from start to finish.

The Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the most highly regarded project management certifications in the world, with PMP’s generating an average salary of nearly $149,000.

A PMP provides employers and customers with a level of assurance that a project manager has both the experience and knowledge.

To earn the PMP, candidates must meet the Project Management Institute’s requirements including owning a four-year degree, having three years of experience leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM Certification.

6. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Average Salary: $149,246

Most Likely Job Role: Information Security

The international professional association ISACA provides a highly sought-after Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification that is for professionals who are pursuing IT leadership positions. It confirms a high level of technical competence and qualification for leadership and management roles, which is why the average salary for this certification nearly hits the $150,000 mark.

CISM validates a professional’s ability to manage, design and assess an enterprise’s information security.

In order to earn ISACA’s certification, candidates must meet the real-world experience requirement and pass the CISM exam, which covers four domains: Information Security Governance; Information Risk Management; Information Security Program Development and Management; and Information Security Incident Management.

To achieve the CISM certification, IT professionals must have at least five cumulative years of paid, relevant work experience in two or more of the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) domains. CISSP is an independent information security certification granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)².

5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Average Salary: $151,853

Most Likely Job Role: Information Security

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)², provides a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification that cracks into Global Knowledge’s top five with an average salary of $151,853.

Earning the CISSP certification has been compared to earning a master’s degree in IT security.

This (ISC)² credential denotes cybersecurity expertise and years of experience. It proves professionals have what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a cybersecurity program.

The CISSP exam is based around eight domains in information security: Security and Risk Management; Asset Security; Security Architecture and Engineering; Communication and Network Security; Identity and Access Management; Security Assessment and Testing; and Software Development Security.

To achieve this certification, candidates also need at least five years of paid, relevant work experience in two or more of the (ISC)² domains.

4. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Average Salary: $151,995

Most Likely Job Role: CISO, CSO or ISO

With a drastic increase in security breaches and ransomware worldwide, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand IT risk and how it relates to a specific industry or organization. ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification helps professionals develop these in-demand skills which generate an average salary of roughly $152,000.

CRISC provides IT professionals with the knowledge to identify, evaluate and manage IT risk and to plan and implement control measures and frameworks. It also helps individuals establish a common language to communicate within IT and across the organization about security and systems control.

Security managers and directors are the most common job roles for a CRISC-certified professional, but a large percentage also work in information security, as a security engineer or analyst, or as a security architect, according to Global Knowledge.

To achieve the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control certification, candidates must pass the CRISC exam that consists of four domains: IT Risk Identification; IT Risk Assessment; Risk Response and Mitigation; and Risk Control, Monitoring and Reporting.

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Average Salary: $159,033

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect

Amazon Web Services most highly sought-after and highest paying certification is the AWS Solutions Architect which has a long-standing presence on Global Knowledge’s list. This AWS expert generates an average salary of $159,033 as the public cloud titan continues to be worldwide market.

The AWS certification validates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying scalable systems on the AWS platform. It’s ideal for those who design cloud infrastructures, reference architectures or deploy systems and applications.

To achieve this certification, candidates must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02) exam.

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a recommended prerequisite. AWS recommends a year of hands-on experience designing systems on its platform before taking its exam.

2. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

Average Salary: $169,029

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect

Two Google certifications rank No. 2 and No. 1 on Global Knowledge’s 15 Top-Paying Certifications List for 2021.

The second most top paying certification in 2021 is the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification which demonstrates an architect’s ability to design, develop and manage secure, scalable and reliable cloud architectures. The average salary for an IT professional holding a Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification is $169,029.

IT decision-makers are having a hard time finding qualified candidates for cloud roles which is among their greatest struggles behind cybersecurity. Google’s certification helps professionals stand out from the crowd, while proving to employers they have the skills to excel in a Google Cloud environment.

In order to achieve this high paying certification, candidates must pass the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect exam.

1. Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer

Average Salary: $171,749

Most Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect

The Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer certification is associated with the highest paying salary in the IT industry, generating a whopping $171,749 on average.

This highly sought-after Google Cloud certification stems from the demand for data engineers being one of the most in-demand disciplines in the industry. Data engineers analyze information to gain insight into business outcomes, build statistical models to support decision-making and create machine learning models to automate and simplify key business processes.

Google’s Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer certification enables data-driven decision making by collecting, transforming and visualizing data.

To achieve Google’s certification, candidates must pass the Google Certified Professional – Data Engineer exam.

Nursing Exam Pass Rates Appear to Be Rising. Why?

In January 2023, we reported on the reasons why nursing exam pass rates fell in 2020 and 2021. In this report, we follow up on what has happened since.

During the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the share of candidates who passed the national licensure exam to work as a registered nurse fell sharply, from 88.2% to 82.5%, for first-time U.S.-educated candidates, with a smaller decline -- from 72.8% to 68.9% -- for all candidates, including internationally educated and repeat test-takers.

In 2022, pass rates continued to drop, averaging 79.9% (8 percentage points lower than in 2019) for first-time U.S.-educated candidates, and 63.4% for all candidates, the lowest point in the last decade.

In 2023, to most experts' surprise, that spiral appears to be turning around.

Things Are Looking Up

The reason for this reversal depends on whom you ask. Test developers have argued that rates improved due to radical transparency and massive outreach to stakeholders, while some online critics have suggested the test simply got easier. Other nurse educators agreed that the increased transparency and outreach impacted rates, but worry those same measures exacerbated a culture of "teaching to the test."

Understanding trends in exam pass rates also requires context.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) produces the exam that aspiring nurses take to gain licensure: the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). This exam uses computerized adaptive testing, which means each test-taker gets virtually a different exam, the difficulty of which changes based on the response given.

Every 3 years, the NCSBN assesses the pass rates for the exam and determines whether the current passing standard is appropriate. If the NCSBN's board of directors decides that the level of clinical judgment required of nurses in practice has increased, it can vote to raise the passing standard.

In December 2022, the NCSBN's board voted to keep the current passing standard on the NCLEX through March 31, 2026. Months later, on April 1, the NCSBN launched the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), a new version of the NCLEX that aims to more effectively measure test-takers' clinical judgment.

Anytime a new exam is introduced, pass rates tend to dip by a few percentage points in the first two to three quarters, explained Philip Dickison, PhD, RN, CEO of the NCSBN. He said he was naturally a bit concerned about a new exam compounding the "drastic drop in the ability curve" seen during the pandemic, "but it was still the right thing to do."

Keith Rischer, PhD, RN, a nurse educator and owner of KeithRN, a nursing education company, recalled that the last major change to the NCLEX occurred when the passing standard was raised by 0.16 percentage points in 2012. Pass rates fell more than 7 percentage points -- from 90.34% for first-time candidates to 83.04% -- in a single year.

While the NCSBN kept the same passing standard in 2022, the stronger emphasis on clinical judgment and the "unique six-question case studies" in the NGN was predicted to increase the difficulty of the exam in some respects.

"There was an anticipation that this was going to be another precipitous decline in NCLEX pass rates," Rischer said.

Post-Pandemic Rebound

However, that wasn't what happened. Instead, preliminary data showed a jump in pass rates, from 79.9% in 2022 to 88.6% in 2023, for all first-time U.S.-educated candidates. Importantly, the 2023 data exclude the fourth quarter of the calendar year, which typically has the lowest pass rate, experts noted.

Still, Dickison said he was "pretty amazed" at the speed of the recovery. Some viewed the change as a "huge increase," but he stressed that rates were starting from a low baseline following a 3-year period when other variables, namely pandemic-related disruptions, impacted pass rates.

"What I think you're seeing ... is that we have rebounded to pre-pandemic ability levels in our measurements," he said.

Dickison credits the rebound to NCSBN's decision to let educators, regulators, and -- controversially -- preparatory groups "under the hood" of the new exam for several years before the NGN actually launched.

"The idea was to be as transparent as possible to all stakeholders," Dickison said. This meant leveraging opportunities at conferences and during webinars, and sharing what to expect of the new exam -- from case studies and measurement models -- in newsletters. Dickison also credited educators for the big role they played in helping prepare students.

Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, executive director of the Florida Center for Nursing, said that while some nurse educators have noted the exam has gotten "too easy," she suggested that perhaps the NGN is simply "a more logical way to measure what nursing students are being taught."

Similarly, she attributes the rise in pass rates to the focus on increased resources and preparation of candidates, including the implementation of "student success" coaching programs.

Teaching to the Test?

Rischer seemed to have a different view, pointing out that the NGN offers partial credit for certain "select-all-that-apply" multiple-choice questions. He said that he believes the real reason for improved pass rates is a shift in nursing education, though he added that his hypothesis is, at this point, "conjecture."

"What we have in the nursing literature for over almost 50 years ... is this widening gap between how nursing is taught in the university and college settings and how it's actually practiced at the bedside," he said. "We're not preparing our graduates for real-world practice realities."

Rischer said he grew even more concerned when he learned from online discussions that some professors were using NGN sample items to teach first-semester students.

"That's called teaching to the test," he argued. Instead of teaching students "alternative multiple-choice items, we need to be teaching our students the open-ended thinking of clinical practice."

For example, for a patient who had an appendectomy, Rischer said the appropriate steps are to take vital signs and conduct a head-to-toe exam.

"There is not a 'select-all-that apply' multiple-choice item on your forehead that I could say, 'You know what? This is the correct answer,'" he added, noting that the NCSBN "is part of the problem." Currently, the primary mechanism that state nursing boards use to measure a program's performance is their first-time pass rate on the NCLEX, which only "reinforc[es] this unhealthy culture of teaching to the test."

The end result of that, as studies have shown, is that "currently less than 10% [of new nurses] have what practice partners would say is entry-level clinical judgment competency," Rischer said, citing a 2021 study. "Complications develop when a nurse doesn't notice or recognize what's most important until it's too late. So ... clinical judgment competency is a big deal. And teaching to the test ... isn't going to solve that."

He said one solution is to move away from first-time test-taker metrics and potentially allow students to take the exam twice and then average their score.

Another, more dramatic, change would be to include a skills test or what Rischer calls "demonstrable competencies" for essential skills involved in clinical decision making, which could be evaluated by an "objective observer."

"It will take more time. It will take more money, but this is something that we can and should be doing," he said.

'Not the Only Measurement'

For his part, Dickison noted that the NGN, like any exam, has limitations.

While it "measures your cognitive and your thinking ability, our exam does not measure the affective domain, doesn't measure character," he said. For example, the exam cannot assess a "less-than-acceptable social interaction" a student has with a professor, nor does the exam know which student is always late to class.

"If they don't show up to class on time every day, that might be a [sign] that they're not going to show up to a patient when they need to," Dickison explained. "That's why you have a regulatory system. That's why we have an education [system] ... these all have to work together. If you don't pass the NCLEX, you don't go to work, but it is not the only measurement that tells us we have a good nurse."

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