Nowadays Information Technology is a highly dynamic and ever changing field.  As the industry evolves, so do the required skills needed for strong employees. In order to stay up-to-date with these new technologies, as well as competitive in general, it is important to regularly continue your education. One of the best ways to do this is by getting an IT certification.IT certifications can offer many benefits throughout your career, especially if you are searching for a new position or vying for a promotion.

What is an IT certification?

An IT certification is a designation that demonstrates specific competency in a certain field of technology. IT certifications are typically obtained following an assessment, educational courses, or a review and prove that you met rigorous standards set forth by a governing body. They cover a wide range of topics, including infrastructure, and development, to name a few.

Why should You consider an IT certification?

According to survey, the largest vendor-neutral certifying group, 91% of employers believe IT certification  play a key role in the hiring process and that IT certifications are a reliable predictor of a successful employee.

In fact, according to another study, 98% of HR professionals use certifications to confirm a candidate’s subject-matter knowledge and expertise, while 97% use them to differentiate between otherwise equally qualified candidates.

While getting hired is obviously the first step in the process, and a huge benefit of an IT certification, there are many other advantages to them throughout the entire course of your career.

Stay Relevant

Continuing education is important in any industry, but it’s crucial in a field like technology. IT certifications help professionals stay relevant in their specialty, requiring you to attend conferences, participate in webinars, take classes, or write for publications sharing your subject matter expertise.

Ramp Up Your Skills

Whether you are looking for a new position entirely, or are looking at moving up through promotions, many people apply for jobs that allow them to further their growth, typically without having the necessary skills required at the time of hire. By obtaining an IT certification through classes and online training modules, it allows you to gain the skills needed in order to meet your career goals. This knowledge can be immediately applied on the job and provides instant advantages.

Invest in Yourself

New knowledge and education are never wasted. By getting a certification, it not only shows to your employer (current or future) that you are invested in your career, but it also proves that you are a lifelong learner that never wants to stop improving. Obtaining an IT certification only furthers your knowledge and could move you in a different direction that you are passionate about.

How do I get an IT certification?

The first step in getting certified is to decide which certification is right for you. SPOTOCLUB  whichTraining – SPOTOCLUB and otherwise – align with which career paths. So, if you work in information security and want to grow in your career, you can see which certifications can help you get to the intermediate, advanced or expert level.

You’ll also want to choose a certification that’s right for your level of experience. Some certifications are designed to help people get into IT careers while others are meant for those with several years of hands-on experience in the field. You don’t want to sit for an exam that is well beyond your abilities and not be able to pass.

Once you choose the certification you want to earn, it’s time to prepare.

Learn all about the certification process – for example, where and how will you take the test, how much will it cost, how do you register, are there prerequisites and will you need any special supplies or equipment.

Choose your training option. Will you take a class, use a self-paced e-learning tool or study on your own? Decide which makes the most sense for you based on your learning style and timeline.

Become familiar with the exam by downloading official exam objectives and sample questions and by reading what other IT pros have said about the exams.

Register and pay for your exam and mark your calendar! Give yourself ample time to study so you can go in confidently and ace your test.

Getting an IT certification can validate your skills to employers and help you stay up to date on the latest developments in your field. Whether you’re a new IT pro or a seasoned veteran, there’s a certification out there for you.