A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Valuable IT Certifications for 2024

In the rapidly evolving field of information technology, staying ahead requires continuous learning and acquiring new IT skills. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate expertise and advance your career is through certifications. This guide will cover the most valuable IT certifications for 2024 in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and data science. We'll also discuss the benefits of each certification and potential career paths.

Cloud Computing

Cybersecurity

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Overview: Offered by (ISC)², CISSP is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals.

Benefits:

• Covers a broad range of security topics, making it versatile.
• Highly valued by employers for its comprehensive coverage of security best practices.

Career Paths: Information Security Analyst, Security Manager, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Overview: This certification by EC-Council focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing skills.

Benefits:

• Provides hands-on experience in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities.
• Widely respected in the cybersecurity industry.
  
  

Career Paths: Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity Consultant 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

Overview: This certification assesses your ability to design, build, and productionize machine learning models using Google Cloud technologies.

Benefits:

• Recognizes advanced skills in machine learning on Google Cloud.
• Provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI projects.

Career Paths: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist

IBM Certified AI Engineer

Overview: Focuses on the use of IBM's AI tools and technologies, including Watson.

Benefits:

• Validates skills in deploying AI solutions across various industries.
• Enhances credibility and job prospects in AI roles.

Career Paths: AI Engineer, Cognitive Solutions Developer, AI Consultant

Data Science

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Overview: This certification is for analytics professionals who can apply insights derived from data to real-world business problems.

Benefits:

• Covers end-to-end analytics process, from data collection to actionable insights.
• Recognized across multiple industries for its rigorous standards.

Career Paths: Data Scientist, Business Analyst, Analytics Manager

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate

Overview: Validates your ability to apply data science and machine learning techniques on the Azure platform.

Benefits:

• Demonstrates proficiency in Azure Machine Learning and other data science tools.
• Enhances job opportunities in data-focused roles.

Benefits of IT Certifications

A career in IT is much more than building a Gaming PC

At SysFix, we receive lots of enquiries for apprentices and work experience placements. Overwhelmingly, most applicants believe that building custom gaming computers is the holy grail of IT. In fact, the majority of our work involves supporting local businesses IT systems under an IT Support Contract or IT Support Package.

Here is a list of the top 50 job roles in IT support:

1. Help Desk Technician
2. IT Support Specialist
3. Technical Support Engineer
4. Desktop Support Technician
5. IT Service Desk Analyst
6. Field Service Technician
7. Systems Administrator
8. Network Support Specialist
9. IT Support Analyst
10. Technical Support Specialist
11. Help Desk Support
12. IT Technician
13. Service Desk Technician
14. Application Support Analyst
15. Computer Support Specialist
16. Customer Support Engineer
17. IT Coordinator
18. IT Operations Support
19. Support Desk Analyst
20. Remote Support Technician
21. Help Desk Analyst
22. IT Help Desk Technician
23. Systems Support Specialist
24. Tech Support Representative
25. IT Consultant
26. Infrastructure Support Engineer
27. Server Support Specialist
28. Systems Support Engineer
29. Desktop Support Analyst
30. IT Customer Support
31. End User Support Technician
32. Technical Support Analyst
33. IT Field Technician
34. Application Support Engineer
35. IT Systems Support
36. IT Support Coordinator
37. Technical Support Consultant
38. IT Support Engineer
39. Systems Support Technician
40. Senior IT Support Engineer
41. Help Desk Manager
42. Support Desk Manager
43. IT Infrastructure Support
44. IT Support Lead
45. Network Support Engineer
46. IT Help Desk Analyst
47. IT Service Desk Technician
48. IT Support Administrator
49. IT Operations Technician
50. Technical Account Manager
    
    

These roles cover a broad spectrum of IT support positions, from entry-level help desk technicians to more specialised and senior roles. Interestingly enough, the top 50 roles don't include a gaming pc builder. 

In short, if you're looking for a career in IT, providing support to local businesses by joining an IT Helpdesk is the #1 career choice in Tech. As you progress, you'll be able to specialise in a chosen path mentioned at the top of this article.