Top 10 Certification that will boost your career

Essowe Abalo
In today's professional world, competition is fiercer than ever. A solid academic background is an asset, but increasingly, employers are looking for candidates who stand out with specialised skills and expertise in specific areas.

This is where professional certifications come into play. They are globally recognised and demonstrate proficiency and in-depth knowledge in specific fields, thereby increasing chances of career advancement and higher pay.
Here are the top ten professional certifications to consider:
Please note that the expected salary range for each certification can vary widely depending on factors like location, years of experience, the size of the employer, and the specific role. The cost of obtaining each certification can also vary, particularly when considering the cost of study materials and potential prep courses.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is recognised worldwide as a standard of project management excellence, with benefits including higher salary potential and better job opportunities.
Eligibility: Minimum of 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education, or a 4-year degree plus 3,000 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.
Expected Salary Range: $85,000 - $135,000
Budget Required: Examination fees are $555 for non-PMI members and $405 for PMI members. It is also necessary to consider the cost of study materials and potential prep courses.
Time Required to Prepare: Typically, 2-4 months of dedicated study is necessary.


2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², is globally recognised in the field of cybersecurity, improving credibility and offering better job opportunities in the information security industry.
Eligibility: At least five years of cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the (ISC)² CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
Expected Salary Range: $70,000 - $155,000
Budget Required: The standard exam registration fee is $699, in addition to study materials and potential training courses.
Time Required to Prepare: Depending on experience and knowledge of the domains, it could take 1-3 months of preparation.


3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA charter, offered by the CFA Institute, is a globally recognised credential in the finance sector, enhancing reputation, career advancement opportunities, and knowledge in the investment field.
Eligibility: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of their bachelor's degree program, or have four years of professional work experience or a combination of professional work and university experience totaling at least four years.
Expected Salary Range: $50,000 - $230,000
Budget Required: Program enrollment fee is $450, and exam registration fees range from $700 to $1,000 depending on when you register. Study materials and prep courses are additional.
Time Required to Prepare: Generally, candidates should plan for 300 hours of study per level, and there are three levels to pass.


4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA certification, recognised globally, showcases expertise in the areas of auditing, business consulting, tax preparation, and financial planning, leading to increased credibility and better job prospects in accounting.
Eligibility: A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university, and typically 150 semester hours of college coursework including certain amounts of business and accounting classes.
Expected Salary Range: $50,000 - $110,000
Budget Required: Examination costs can range from $800 to $1,000, in addition to prep courses and materials.
Time Required to Prepare: Depending on the individual, it might take 6-18 months to prepare and pass all four parts of the CPA exam.

5. Certified Data Professional (CDP)
The CDP certification, offered by DAMA International, validates expertise in data management and offers benefits such as better job prospects and higher salaries in the data science field.
Eligibility: Two years of full-time work experience in Data Management, or a Bachelor's degree plus one year of full-time work experience in Data management.
Expected Salary Range: $70,000 - $130,000
Budget Required: The exam fee is $300 for DAMA members and $400 for non-members, with additional costs for study materials and potential prep courses.
Time Required to Prepare: Preparation times can vary, but typically it could take 1-2 months of study.

6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
This certification validates knowledge of how to design systems on AWS and can open up opportunities for positions like AWS Solutions Architect, partner solutions architect, and technology architect.
Eligibility: Recommended at least one year of hands-on experience designing available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.
Expected Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000
Budget Required: The exam costs $150, and additional study materials or training may also be required.
Time Required to Prepare: Depending on prior AWS experience, studying might take 1-3 months.

7. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
This certification validates one's expertise in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), allowing individuals to stand out to employers and enhancing opportunities for roles such as Cloud Architect or Solutions Engineer.
Eligibility: No prerequisites, but understanding of industry operations, familiarity with the GCP and hands-on experience with Google Cloud products and solutions are recommended.
Expected Salary Range: $90,000 - $160,000
Budget Required: The exam costs $200, with additional costs for study materials and possible courses.
Time Required to Prepare: Depending on prior GCP experience, it might take 1-2 months of study.

8. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
This certification confirms expertise in Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, and can improve job prospects and potential salaries in roles like Cloud Solutions Architect or Azure Cloud Architect.
Eligibility: Familiarity with Azure administration and development, and expert-level skills in at least one of those domains.
Expected Salary Range: $90,000 - $150,000
Budget Required: Each exam costs $165, and there may be additional costs for study materials or training.
Time Required to Prepare: Depending on prior Azure experience, studying could take 1-3 months.

9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The CSM certification, offered by Scrum Alliance, showcases a clear understanding of Scrum methodology and principles, improving job prospects in roles like Scrum Master, Project Manager, or Team Leader.
Eligibility: No specific work experience is required, but attendees must complete a CSM course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer.
Expected Salary Range: $70,000 - $130,000
Budget Required: The cost of the course and exam is typically around $1,000 to $1,400.
Time Required to Prepare: The preparation includes a two-day course, with some additional study recommended.

10. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
The CSSBB certification, offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), validates your expertise in Six Sigma methodology, enhancing career opportunities and salary potential in fields like quality management and process improvement.
Eligibility: Three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Black Belt Body of Knowledge, with work being done within a full-time role.
Expected Salary Range: $75,000 - $130,000
Budget Required: The exam costs $438 for ASQ members and $538 for non-members, with additional costs for study materials and potential prep courses.
Time Required to Prepare: Depending on prior knowledge and experience with Six Sigma methodologies, it may take 1-3 months of study.

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