15 Highest Paying IT Certifications of 2022

IT field is emerging rapidly. It may reach new heights in the next few years. It is estimated that people with IT certification earn 40% more than people without IT Certification. As it comes to IT, new fields are emerging it may be cloud computing, data security, artificial intelligence, data science many more but more trending are cloud computing and data security. Here are the best Highest paying IT certifications

The top 4 highest paying IT certifications are either in the field of cloud computing or data security. more than that, the people with skills in AI&ML, cloud computing, data security get more salary in the entry-level job itself

Highest Paying IT certifications of 2020

Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect -$175,761

This certification was started in 2017. It is similar to AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, this certification demonstrates the ability of individuals to design, develop and secure robust, scalable cloud architecture, these skills are necessary for any organization or company which is working in cloud and Information Technology.

since many companies are struggling to get qualified professionals to cloud jobs, getting this certification improves your demand for this kind of job. Also, this field is in growing demand with huge job opportunities. It ranks first in our list of Highest paying It certifications

The certification exam is similar to that of AWS certified solutions Architect, but it is more difficult to pass google certified professional cloud architect. some experience in the google cloud platform is necessary since the certification is based on google cloud technologies

Average salary: $160,000 USD

Certification cost: $200 USD

Exam pattern:

• Length: 2 hours
• Registration fee: $200
• Exam format: Multiple choice
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: None.
• Total Questions: 50
• Passing score: Google has not officially released it, but it is almost about 70-80%
• Study Guide: Official site(free), Linux Academy

Register Here>> 

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate — $149,446

AWS occupies more than 33% of the cloud service market in the world. This certification is similar to that of google’s certified professional cloud architect. the only difference is that this certification is based on the AWS cloud system. and it is provided by Amazon, this certification is easier when compared to google certification. AWS certification tests your ability to design, develop and secure  cloud architecture and other applications of AWS

Most of the people who have this certification also have google certified professional cloud Architect. AWS Certified Cloud practitioner certification is required to attend this certification exam. Amazon Web series (AWS) recommends exam candidates to have at least a year of experience in AWS

However having these certifications helps to get AWS solutions Architect- professional, which is the most pursued certification of the year according to some sources. The exam timings are about 80 to 130 minutes

Average salary: $149,446 USD

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Registration fee: $150
• Exam format: Multiple choice
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Passing score: 72%
• Total Questions: 55
• Study Guide: Official site(free), udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

Certified Information Security Manager -$148,622

CISM is the highest-paying certification in the field of IT security. As cybersecurity is emerging their need for information security professionals, having this certification will have a good impact on your salary. on Average CISM holder makes about $118,412 per year. Since it is based on Information security its main focus is on information security and its management

Registration for this certification can be done through their official website ISACA, the certification exam consists of 200 questions which will be based on Information security governance, risk management, and incident management .this certification validates your ability to design and manage security protocols as well as manage company or organization’s security. You can also get face to face with stakeholders of that company

This certification is suitable for IT professionals with at least 10 years of experience

The certification consists of four domains namely

• Information Security Governance
• Information Risk Management
• Information Security Program Development and Management
• Information Security Incident Management

Average Salary : $148,662

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 4 hours
• Registration fee: $575 – $760
• Exam format: Multiple choice
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: 3 years of experience in its 3 out of 4 domains.
• Passing score: 56 -60%
• Total Questions: 150 questions
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Official site,

Register Here>> 

Certified In Risk and Information Systems Control -$146,480

since Massive Data breaches are occurring the value for this certification is are increasing. This is the fourth highest-paying IT Certifications also 2nd highest in IT Security. It has an average salary of about USD 117,395 per year.

This certification Demonstrates one’s ability to identify and engineer the IT risk or threat. Security manager and security director are the main job roles for this certification. however, you can also work as a security engineer, analyst, or security architect, etc. These skills are validated by ISACA’s through its certification. this certification consists of Four areas namely identification, assessment, response, and controlling as well as monitoring and reporting

The test consists of  150 questions and the time period is about 4 hours

This certification also consists of four domains, namely:

• IT Risk Identification
• IT Risk Assessment
• Risk Response and Mitigation
• Risk Control, Monitoring and Reporting

Average salary: $117,395 per year

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 4 hours
• Registration fee: $575-750
• Exam format: Multiple choice
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: None.
• Passing score: 450/800
• total questions: 150
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Official site(free), udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

Project Management Professional -$143,493

This certification is created and controlled by PMI (Project Management Institute) .and This is the Highly Recognized certification in the field of project management. This certification is suitable for project managers.

You need to complete at least 35 hours of training before taking this certification. If you have a degree or higher level of education you need about 4500 hours of experience in project management. you can still take this certification without a bachelor’s degree but you have to complete 7,500 hours of experience in project management

However, to get this certification you need to have experience in project management and need to pass the PMP exam

You will be tested in five areas:

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring 
• Controlling and Closing.

Average salary: $146,480

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 4 hours
• Registration fee: $405-555 
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: click here for more details
• Total Questions:200
• Passing score: 61-70% changes every time
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Official site(free), udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional -$141,452

  This is also one of the highly valued IT certifications in the field of cybersecurity. Getting this certification is equal to earning a Master’s degree in Information Security. It is good for those who work in analysis, auditing, and system in engineering or any field that is related to Information security. CISSP validates your skill in designing, managing, and controlling the security of the company.

However to get this certification you need to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in 2 or more domains. It has 8 domains namely:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security

One of the cons of this certification is you need to earn credits to renew your certification.

Average Salary: $141,452

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 6 hours
• Registration fee: $699
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: 5 years experience is required but however you could take the exam and get experience within the specified time
• Passing score: 700/1000
• Total Questions: 225+25
• Experience: More than 5 years of experience in more than 2 domains.
• Study Guide: Guide(free), udemy, Coursera, etc

Register Here>> 

Certified Information Systems Auditor -$132,278

 This Certification is provided by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The main focus of this certification is on securing critical information and assets. this certification is one of the oldest certifications on our list, which was launched in 1978. It is good for those who are well versed in IT security audit and control

This certification consists of 5 domains, namely:

• Auditing Information Systems
• Governance and Management of IT
• Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
• Information Systems Operation, Maintenance, and Service Management
• protection of Information and technology assets

Average Salary : $132,278

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 4 hours
• Registration fee: $575-750
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: None.
• Total questions:150
• Passing score: 450/800
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Official site(free), udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner -$131,465

One good thing about this Certification is that it is free and also you can get training for free of cost. It is the starting certification and also starting point for many cloud certifications like AWS developer, architect, etc. Most people skip this certification .only some plan to pursue it.

This certification allows IT professionals to understand the overall operating of the AWS cloud. It covers all the basics of AWS which are required for entry-level jobs

Average Salary : $131,465

Exam Pattern :

• Length:90 minutes
• Registration fee: $100
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: None.
• Total Questions:65.
• Passing score: 700/1000
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Official site(free), udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

VMware Certified Professional 6 -Data Center Virtualization -$130,226

VMware creates virtualization Softwares. It is the leader in the virtualization space.  This certification evaluates the skills required to build a scalable virtual infrastructure. The skills may include installation, configuration, and optimization of network and storage assets.

 VMware certifications fall into six categories:

• Cloud Management and Automation
• Digital Workspace
• Desktop and Mobility
• Network Virtualization
• Data Center Virtualization
• Digital Business Transformation

You can get associate certification by passing a single exam. But to get professional certification either you need to complete their training or need to earn a prerequisite certification such as VCP6-DCV (2V0-621) or VCP6-DCV Delta (2V0-621D).

Average salary : $130,226

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 70 minutes
• Registration fee: $125
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location, review the online testing requirements.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Total Questions:50
• Passing score: 300/500
• prerequisites: VMware has some specific prerequisites based on current certification, however, you need to pass two exams
• Study Guide: Official site, udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

ITIL Foundation -$129,402

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation is the entry-level certification providing basic concepts of ITIL. ITIL version 4 was launched a year ago and it is the most widely used Framework in Information Technology management. ITIL 4 is updated for modern IT methods and processes, it uses end to end operating model.

Since it is cross-certification it is linked with higher salaries. This Certification can benefit those who :

• want to understand the basics of the ITIL framework
• want to understand how ITIL can be used to enhance IT service management
• IT professionals or others working in an organization uses ITIL framework

Average Salary : $129,402

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 1 hours
• Registration fee: $383-450
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:paper-based or online
• Prerequisites: None.
• total Questions: 40
• Passing score: 26/40 (65%)
• Study Guide: Official site(free), udemy, Coursera etc

Register Here>> 

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals -$126,653

This certification is can be considered as an entry-level certification for Microsoft’s role-based certifications. However, it is not mandatory for attaining Higher level certifications.

Azure Fundamentals certification validates your knowledge in Basic cloud concepts and services. It covers Azure Core Services such as privacy, security, and trust. This certification is mainly for non-technical experience professionals. It is good for sales reps and program managers.

Average salary : $126,653

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 85 minutes.
• Registration fee: $99
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location,
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: None.
• Passing score: 70%
• Experience: some experience of using and handling Azure cloud infrastructure
• Study Guide: Official site(free),

Register Here>> 

Register with certiport

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate -$125,264

The Azure Administrator Associate is a highly possed certification among Azure certifications, It has an average salary of about 125,993 USD. It is the most pursued certification of 2020 by Microsoft professionals. This certification validates skills in cloud networking, security, and storage functions.

You need to pass two exams to get Azure Administrator Associate certification: Microsoft Azure Administrator and Azure Developer Associate certification are the prerequisites for this certification

Average salary: $125,993

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 150 minutes
• Registration fee: $165
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method:
  1. Take the online-proctored exam from a remote location.
  2. Take the onsite-proctored exam at a testing center, locate a test center near you.
• Prerequisites: Need to pass two exams.
• Passing score: 70%
• Total questions:40-60
• Study Guide: Official site(free).

Register Here>> 

Citrix Certified Associate -Networking -$125,264

 Citrix Certified Associate – Networking certification validates your skills in network optimization and configuration that are related to Citrix NetScaler 10 App and desktop virtualization technology. It also covers the ability to apply network Optimization for traffic routing, disaster recovery, troubleshooting issues.

To get this certification you need to pass any one of the exams among Citrix CCA-N 1Y0-230 or 240. The certification is valid for only 3 years. the certification is somewhat complex, you should have good knowledge of basic networking.

Average salary: $125,264

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 105 minutes
• Registration fee: $200
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method. paper-based or online
• Prerequisites: None.
• Total questions:68
• Passing score: 68%
• Study Guide: Official site(free), 

Register Here>> 

CCNP Routing and Switching -$119,178

 This certification is replaced by CCNA Certification Program, it is a professional certification provided by cisco. This certification validates one’s ability to plan, implement, and troubleshoot networks.

This certification is good for Network Engineers and administrators who are advanced in security and wireless solutions. To achieve this certification you should pass the core exam and concentration exam. This Certification requires a least one year of experience in industry or training course

Average salary : $119,178

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 120 minutes for each
• Registration fee: $900
• Exam format: Multiple choice 
• Exam Delivery Method: paper-based or online
• Prerequisites: 3 exams.
• Passing score: 65 -78%
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Official site(free),

Register Here>> 

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization -$117,069

This certification is for experienced IT professionals, engineers, and others who use Citrix Virtualization technology. It validates skills that are required for Experienced IT solution Builders.

However to achieve this certification you need to pass Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization ( CCA-V) . which includes topics such as FMA, WEM, virtual desktop Agent, and more

Average Salary: $117,069

Exam Pattern :

• Length: 90 minutes
• Registration fee: $300
• Exam format: Multiple choice
• Exam Delivery Method:paper-based or online
• Prerequisites: None.
• Total Questions: 66
• Passing score: 67%
• Experience: More than 3 years of experience is recommended.
• Study Guide: Guide (free),

Register Here>>