Top Data Center Certifications of 2022

Acquiring certifications is one of the best ways for data center professionals to gain new knowledge and skills, increase their value, advance their careers, and earn more money.

93% of HR professionals say they value IT certifications
91% of employers believe IT certifications are a reliable predictor of a successful employee
80% of IT professionals saw an improvement in their work performance after getting certified
The average raise attributed to new certifications is $13,000

Three out of four IT decision-makers report gaps in IT staff skills. That’s a 145% increase since 2016. Certifications allow data center managers and decision-makers to find and retain talent that can bridge the IT skills gap.

However, with so many certifications available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Familiarize yourself with today’s top data center certifications to better understand your options and select the one(s) that best meet the needs of yourself and your organization.

Why Get a Data Center Certification?

Boost credibility. 92% of employers believe IT certifications help prove the credibility of IT employees. If you don’t have a lot of hands-on data center experience, getting a certification from an objective organization provides external validation that you have demonstrable skills and knowledge that will benefit an IT organization.
Fast track career advancement. 90% of employers agree that IT certified individuals are more likely to be promoted than those without IT certifications. Whether you are job hunting or have your eyes on a new role within your organization, the right certification proves you can do the job and makes you stand out from the crowd.
Personal and professional development. After getting certified, 49% of IT professionals saw the quality of their work improve, 32% were more engaged with their work, and 27% were faster at performing their job. If you haven’t been able to keep up with the latest industry trends or need a confidence boost at work, a data center certification will ensure you know the most current technologies and best practices so you can provide more value to your organization.
Make more money. 92% of employers said IT certified individuals receive higher starting salaries than those without certifications, and 88% say that employees are rewarded with bonuses and/or raises for obtaining IT certifications. If your goal is to increase your income, acquiring certifications in your area of expertise makes you more marketable and provides more opportunities for promotions and raises.
Fill the skills gap. 54% of IT decision-makers report they’ve been unable to fill at least one position due to a lack of skills, and 38% report having three or more unfilled positions. For positions that are filled, 67% of IT decision-makers believe skills gaps cost their employees between three and nine hours of work per week. 12% say the cost is more than 10 hours per employee per week. Certifications help you fill that gap and can boost your productivity.
Stay competitive in your field. 92% of IT professionals hold at least one certification. That’s a 5% increase over last year. By not getting certifications in your field, you will quickly fall behind your peers and appear less fit for the job.
More certifications often equals more income. In North America, someone with 6 or more certifications earns $13,000 more than someone with only one certification. If there are multiple certifications available for your area of expertise, don’t get complacent after getting just one.
It’s often cost-free for you. 80% of IT decision-makers authorize formal training when it’s available. Expanding your knowledge and skills to be a better and more valuable employee at your company’s expense is just one of the many reasons to get a certification.