2021 has been a turbulent year for employees and employers alike due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the iMPact 2021 Salary Survey, 81% said that they are either open to hearing about new job opportunities or already actively seeking out new opportunities. 60% of those currently working full-time have been sending out applications for new jobs within the past 90 days. One of the best ways to improve your chances of landing a new, better paying, career opportunity is by getting a new or updating your professional certifications. With so many people expressing an interest in making a career move in 2021, we wanted to share with you the professional certifications that our recruiters are hearing the most about from the employers we work with.
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Top Engineering and Supply Chain Certifications
PMP (Project Management Professional) – $107,621/year
Project Management Professional is an internationally recognized professional designation offered by the Project Management Institute. With a PMP you can work as a project manager in various fields and industries such as Information Technology, Engineering, and more. If you are looking for an entry-level certification with fewer requirements to pass, the CAPM (Certified Associate Project Manager) is available.
Six Sigma Green Belt – $75,634/year
Someone who is a Certified Green Belt professional is well versed in the core to advanced elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology. They lead improvement projects and/or serves as a team member as a part of more complex improvement projects lead by a Certified Black Belt, usually part-time.
They have a comprehensive understanding of the phases of:
- Define
- Measure
- Analyze
- Improve and control
Six Sigma Black Belt – $101,634/year
A certified Black Belt professional has the knowledge of a Green Belt but at a more advanced level. They typically work in a full-time capacity and understand how to implement, perform, interpret, and apply Lean Six Sigma at an advanced level of proficiency.
Certified Controls Engineer – $77,127/year
Certified Senior Controls Engineer (CSCE) is the higher-level “senior” status Eligible CCE applicants with three years of post-graduate professional experience who have completed 30 PDUs of continuing education activity before their initial application for CSCE certification can apply.
Top IT Certifications
CompTIA A+, Network+ – $62,486/year
A+ is an entry-level computer certification for PC Computer service technicians, help desk support, and other similar entry-level IT positions. Â The exam certified the competency of entry-level PC computer service professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating a PC. Â Network+ is a mid-level certification for network technicians and covers the ability of a network technician to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and support a network and understand various aspects of networking technologies, including TCO/IP. Anyone considering an IT career, these two certifications will put you on the right path.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) – $79,039/year
A CCNA tests a technician’s ability to install, set up, configure, and operate a medium-sized routed and switched network. With a CCNA certification, you will be in a good position to obtain Network Engineering roles.
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) – $96,157/year
A CCNP will help anyone looking for jobs such as Network Engineering, Network Architect, and other more senior-level IT Networking roles. A CCNP is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and resolving issues relating to local (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN). They also work with specialists in areas such as security, voice, and video.
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) – $126,855/year
This is the most advanced Cisco Networking certification and has rigorous requirements to pass. Certification holders have deep technical networking knowledge and are deployed in the most technically challenging network assignments. Typical job titles include Sr. Network Engineer, Network Architects, and other high-level specialist jobs.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – $114,636/year
CISSP is an independent information security certification granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. it trains a candidate to become an information assurance professional. Taking up the CISSP certification will help you define the design, architecture, controls, and management of highly secure business environments.
Top Accounting & Finance Certifications
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – $67, 909/year
A CPA is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals. To become a CPA you must pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – $94,875/year
A Chartered Financial Analyst charter is a designation given to those who have completed the CFA Program and completed acceptable work experience requirements. There is a three-part test to become certified. Common jobs for someone with a CFA certification include Financial Analyst, Accountant, Risk Analyst/Manager.
HR, Sales & Marketing
Human Resources
There are several different Human Resource certifications available that will help candidates stand out when applying for HR jobs. Each certification has different eligibility requirements regarding education and experience.
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management Professional) – $70,475/year
PHR (Professional in Human Resources) – $73,473/year
SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) – $98,258/year
CPSP (Certified Professional Salesperson) – $55,049/year
The CPSP, from the National Association of Sales Professionals, is for sales professionals, executives, business leaders and owners. This certification will help set you apart from other sales candidates and is especially useful when you are looking to advance your sales career into management and leadership roles.
HubSpot certified Digital Marketer – $50,185/year
HubSpot Academy offers a variety of digital marketing certifications such as email marketing, content marketing, and more. Each certification is accompanied by an online course to help prepare, and they are free to take. These certifications will show a potential employer that you have a good understanding of the different areas of digital marketing.
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Salary figures from payscale.com
iMPact Business Group is a staffing agency specializing in Information Technology, Engineering, Finance/Accounting, and Business Administration/Process positions. To connect with one of our professional recruiters, view our job board for all available positions, or submit your resume for consideration here.
