How to Choose the Right Industry Certification for Your Goals

Earning industry certifications is one of the most productive ways you can work towards a career in IT, cloud, or cybersecurity. Certifications validate your skills and experience, so you can expand your career opportunities, have better job security, and earn more money.  

With our new test prep skill paths, we’re making it easier for Codecademy learners to get ready to ace certification exams and break into this lucrative area of tech. There over 15 new test prep skill paths that ladder up to leading industry certifications, and they’re all included in your Codecademy membership.  

Not sure where to start? Like choosing a programming language, you should have an idea of what you’d like to do before selecting a certification or skill path. Ahead we’ll break down what you should look for in a certification, the best ones for beginners, and the skill paths to take now.  

Research providers and vendors 

The names of industry certifications can be confusing to decipher without context (even for someone who can read complicated computer code). Often, you’ll see the provider or platform, level, specialization, and alphanumeric exam code baked into the certification name. Take a look at some examples of industry certifications

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03   CompTIA Security+ SY0-701  CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ FC0-U61 

Before you dive into a skill path or certification, consider which platform or provider is the most relevant to your goals, career, or industry. For example, the big three cloud providers, Amazon Web Services, Azure, and Google, all offer their own certifications. If your organization primarily uses Azure, that’s a good reason to choose to specialize in Azure. Or say you’re looking for a job in finance — you may want to focus on AWS, which tends to be a popular choice for banks and financial institutions. 

Some other credentialing organizations that you’ll come across in our catalog include CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association), a non-profit trade association that provides vendor-neutral IT certifications, and Cisco, which is known for its networking hardware like routers and switches, as well as cybersecurity solutions.  

Do a little research to determine which route is right for your goals. Our new skill paths align with industry certifications, so once you choose a cert, it’s easy to tell where to start.

Evaluate your level 

There’s a huge range of levels when it comes to industry certifications — from absolute beginner to expert. When you’re just starting out, you’ll want to focus on foundational certifications before doubling down on a specific topic or technology.  

As with all areas of tech, you’re never really done learning in IT. Just like you gradually learn more programming languages or frameworks throughout your coding career, you’ll also pick up more certifications and skills. Some certifications, like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect, are intended for people who have a couple years of hands-on experience working with cloud architecture.  

Even seasoned technologists have to stay on top of current technologies and skills and continue earning certifications. For instance, Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect certification is one of the highest-paying IT certifications in the US. The average certification-holder has 9 certifications, according to data from Skillsoft’s IT Skills & Salary Report, one of the largest studies of IT salaries, skills, and certifications.  

Consider the salary potential 

Certifications boost your qualifications for higher-paying jobs. They validate your skills, making you more productive and valuable to employers, who see certified employees as key to reducing troubleshooting time and closing skills gaps within the organization. 

Depending on where you are in your career, the earning potential of specific certifications might be a big factor in which certification you decide to pursue next. The highest-paying certifications that we offer test prep skill paths for are Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+). To put the value of these certifications in perspective, the average CISSP holder in the US has a salary of $168,060, according to the 2024 IT Skills & Salary report. 

Remember: IT professionals usually have multiple certifications that contribute to their compensation. There are also other factors that impact salaries beyond credentials, like your geographic location, industry, job tasks, and your individual performance.  

Start pursuing industry certifications 

If you’re starting from scratch, our beginner-friendly test prep skill paths are a solid way to kick off your learning journey. Here’s what you need to know about the entry-level certifications, the types of jobs you can get with the certs, and the test prep skill paths to take: 

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (FC0-U61)

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (FC0-U61): Specifically designed for beginners and career switchers, this certification validates your understanding of basic IT concepts, including computer hardware, software applications, networking basics, and cybersecurity principles. If you want to see if IT is right for you, start with this skill path. It’s also a great option for people in tech-adjacent roles who want to upskill.  

Best for: Anyone interested in IT as well as tech-adjacent upskillers and students.   

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101): This is the industry-standard entry-level certification for people who want to break into IT. Our skill path prepares you for CompTIA A+ certification with expert training in hardware, OS, networking, security, and troubleshooting to help you get in the door in IT.  

Best for: Job seekers looking for a role as a Technical Support Specialist, IT Support Technician, or Field Service Technician.  

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02): Get up to speed on AWS Cloud, services, and terminologies with this introductory-level certification. Master AWS Cloud fundamentals, security, and migration strategies. This skill path prepares you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam (CLF-C02). Good to know: This is the most widely held AWS certification, according to new data from the IT Skills & Salary Report.  

Best for: Cloud curious people and upskillers who want to improve their cloud literacy.  

Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900):

Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Get introduced to cloud services and how they’re provided with Microsoft Azure. Explore cloud concepts, core Azure Services, Azure pricing and support, and the fundamentals of cloud security, privacy, compliance, and trust. This skill path prepares you for the AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification exam. 

Best for: Tech professionals (like Software Developers or Database Managers) who want to learn cloud concepts and gain Azure experience.   

Taking the first step toward industry certifications can open doors to exciting and rewarding career opportunities. By following these beginner-friendly test prep skill paths, you’ll gain the foundational knowledge and confidence needed to advance in the IT field. Don’t forget to check out our full catalog of IT, cybersecurity, and cloud courses that can complement your learning journey. Embrace these learning opportunities to build a strong base for your future professional endeavors.