15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013

filkenjitsu

New article for 2013:


15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013



[h=1]15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013[/h] [h=4]Randy Muller, Global Knowledge Instructor, MCT, MCSE, MCSA, MCDST[/h] January 2013
Having earned an IT certification, many individuals think they are automatically entitled to a huge raise. The truth is that several factors, including geography, industry, experience, and yes, certifications, combine to play a major role in determining an individual's salary. However, certain certifications do have greater impact on the earning potential of an individual. Here, we take a look at the 15 certifications with the highest earning potential for 2013.
Note: The rankings below are derived from certifications that received the minimum number of responses to be statistically relevant in the Global Knowledge annual salary survey completed in October 2012. Certain certifications pay more, but are not represented due to their exclusive nature. These include CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert and VCDX: VMware Certified Design Expert, for example.
[h=4]1. PMP: Project Management Professional - $105,750[/h] The Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is recognized as the most important certification for project managers. It is globally acknowledged, in heavy demand, and highly sought after by corporations and individuals alike. A Project Management Professional designation demonstrates that you have not only the experience but also the education to successfully lead and direct projects. The PMP credential is for experienced project management professionals, as the qualifications and testing for this certification are rigorous, as are the required continuing education requirements. All of these factors ensure that the PMP credential is widely respected. The PMP experience and exam requirements focus on five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.
[h=4]2. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional - $103,299[/h] The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is primarily intended for security managers and profes¬sionals who develop policies and procedures in information security. The CISSP certification has become the gold standard in information security certifications and education. Earning and maintaining a CISSP certification is required for many government, military, and civilian security positions. The CISSP was the first credential in the field of information security, accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 17024:2003.
[h=4]3. MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer - $97,849[/h] The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer is the new Microsoft developer certification that replaces the old Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification. The new certification validates a candidate's ability to design and build application solutions. These solutions may span multiple versions of a single technology or integrate multiple technologies. Developers are expected to analyze and design enterprise solutions using different Microsoft languages and development tools.
Currently, there are three separate certification tracks for those seeking to earn this certification: MCSD: Windows Store Apps, MCSD: Web Applications, and MCSD: Application Lifecycle Management. Each MCSD track requires anywhere from three to six separate exams. Microsoft has introduced a recertification requirement for the new MCSD. Current certification holders will have to recertify every two years, ensuring that they remain current on the base technology that will have changed due to service packs, revisions, and new product releases. (Those holding MCSE certifications will have to recertify every three years).
[h=4]4. MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator - $95,950[/h] Access to information is critical in today's fast-paced, global environment. Corporations are even more dependent on quick and reliable systems to process and retrieve information. This means they must operate their own database servers and business intelligence software to access this information in order to grow and become more successful, and Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBA) are the ones who provide this expertise. An MCDBA-certified individual has proven his or her ability to design, implement, and manage SQL Server 2000 databases. This certification was retired on September 30, 2012, though if you achieved it before that date it will still appear on your transcript as a legacy certification. There are two new MCSE certifications for SQL 2012: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence.
[h=4]5. CCDA®: Cisco Certified Design Associate - $94,799[/h] The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) indicates that the certified individual has a strong foundation and apprentice knowledge of network design for Cisco converged networks. A CCDA certification is for network design engineers, technicians, and support engineers, who enable efficient network environments. The CCDA-certified individual has the skills to design a routed and switched network infrastructure and services involv¬ing LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations.
[h=4]6. MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer - $93,349[/h] The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) credential provides industry recognition for professional developers who build powerful applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services. Responsibilities include implementing requirements, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining department-level applications components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services by using Microsoft tools and technologies. The MCAD certification is appropriate for Programmers, Analysts, Software Engineers, Software Application Specialists and Application/Software Developers.
[h=4]7. VCP-DV: VMware Certified Professional Datacenter Virtualization - $92,400[/h] Virtualization, and those who are knowledgeable on virtualization products, are in heavy demand, especially those professionals with datacenter virtualization skills. In the highly competitive virtualization market it is essential to distinguish yourself with a certification that validates your technical capabilities. VMware is one of the leading vendors of virtualization products and earning a VMware certification is the first step toward gaining industry-recognized expertise in virtual infrastructure. Earning the VCP-DV certification demonstrates that you have not only completed a VMWare-authorized training course but also have the necessary experience and training to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments.
[h=4]8. CNE: Certified Novell Engineer - $91,350[/h] The Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) shows that those certified individuals have the expertise and knowledge to solve advanced company-wide support problems and high-level network problems. They perform planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and upgrade services for networks. The Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) has been recognized as one of the IT industry's leading certifications for advanced networking and troubleshooting professionals.
[h=4]9. ITIL v3 Foundation - $90,900[/h] The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITILv3) is a foundational process that provides for quality IT Service Management. The success of ITIL is through the use of documented and proven processes that cover the entire Service Lifecycle. The ITIL Expert level is the third of four levels. The ITIL Expert level certification is aimed at those individuals who are interested in demonstrating a superior level of knowledge of ITIL Version 3 (v3) in its entirety. Once you have achieved ITIL Expert level you will also satisfy the pre-requisite entry criteria for the ITIL Master Level; the highest level of certification within the ITIL v3 scheme, though the Master level is still under development.
[h=4]10. CCA: Citrix Certified Administrator - Citrix XenServer 6 - $90,850[/h] The Citrix CCA is an entry-level certification. Earning this certification validates the candidate's skills with one of 11 specific Citrix products, the most popular being XenApp, XenDesktop, and XenServer. The Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix XenServer 6 certification validates the certified individual's ability to effectively install, configure, administer, troubleshoot, and maintain XenServer 6.0 Enterprise edition and Provisioning Services 6.0 in an enterprise environment.
[h=4]11. MCITP: Database Administrator - $90,200[/h] The MCITP certification validates that the IT professional is capable of deploying, building, designing, optimizing, and operating technologies for a particular job role. MCITP certifications builds on the technical proficiency measured in the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications. In order to earn the MCITP: Database Administrator you must first pass the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist certification in SQL Server 2008 (by passing the 70-432 exam) and then pass the 70-450 exam. The MCITP Database Administrator demonstrates knowledge of SQL Server instances and database solutions, database server security solutions, high availability databases, backup and recovery solutions, monitoring strategies, database management and maintenance strategies, and data distribution strategies.
[h=4]12. MCTS: SQL Server 2005 - $90,100[/h] Those who have earned the MCTS: SQL Server 2005 certification are IT professionals who may pursue careers as database administrators, database developers, or business intelligence developers. They may also be people who do not work with Microsoft SQL Server as a part of their primary job functions but who want to show their breadth of technology experience, such as developers, systems administrators, and others. This certification validates that the IT professional can implement and maintain databases by using specific instructions and specifications.
[h=4]13. MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer - $89,949[/h] Those holding the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCTs) certification are the premier technical and instructional experts on Microsoft technologies. An MCT has earned at least one premier certification on a Microsoft product and maintains that certification. Some of the benefits of earning and maintaining an MCT include access to the complete library of Official Microsoft Learning Products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; members-only newsgroups and online community resources; and invitations to exclusive events and programs. MCT's must renew each year by completing an online application, pay an annual fee, and meet a number of program requirements to renew your certification for the coming year.
[h=4]14. CCNP®: Cisco Certified Network Professional - $89,749[/h] There are two tracks available at the Associate and Professional levels - Designing and Networking. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) demonstrates that you have the ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. A CCNP-certified individual is expected to work collaboratively with other Cisco specialists on advanced products such as security, voice, wireless, and video solutions.
[h=4]15. CCA: Citrix Certified Administrator - Citrix XenDesktop 5 - $89,499[/h] The Citrix CCA is an entry-level certification. Earning this certification validates the candidate's skills with one of 11 specific Citrix products, the most popular being XenApp, XenDesktop, and XenServer. The CCA for Citrix XenDesktop 5 certifies the expertise required to install, administer, and troubleshoot an enterprise environment containing a XenDesktop implementation, including Provisioning Services, XenServer, XenApp and the Desktop Delivery Controller
[h=4]Summary[/h] Earning a certification does not guarantee that you will walk into a higher paying job. Certification counts, but employers look at several factors, including experience. There was a time when certification holders were reasonably assured of landing a job. Today it is more of a qualifier - not having a certification means you may not even get an interview.
[h=4]About the Author[/h] Randy Muller (MCT, MCTS, MCSE, CEH) is an instructor with Global Knowledge, specializing in teaching Microsoft Office 365, Exchange, Lync Server as well as Windows Server 2008.

Node Man

I think i have seen 3 or 4 of these top lists for 2013. All of them have slightly different rankings.

N2IT

Don't forget the 5 - 10 years of experience

I always love how they leave that out.

Zorodzai

Certified Novell Engineer ?? Is Novell still that much in use ?

lsud00d

REMOVED UNNECESSARY QUOTED REPLY FROM PREVIOUS POST

:looks at certs:

Yes, yes it is

N2IT

LSU DOOD, those are my favorite certs you have btw

lsud00d

It is fun being in a Novell shop...our primary server OS is SLES 10/11 and a lot of our desktops are SLED. And then of course we use a LOT of Novell products, and they get fairly complex so it has been very interesting working in this complex Novell web!

We have CNA's and I *think* one CNE in house.

ptilsen

I was really thinking this might be a well researched list as I got through the first several results. I get CCIE and similarly uncommon high-value certs being off the list, since they didn't receive enough response. The problem is, I see no evidence in linking actual value to certs. Correlating high salaries with possessing certifications does not indicate a causal relationship, and in fact masks the real value.

CNE and ITIL F in particular exemplify this problem. ITIL F has value, but in and of itself it is not going to add huge value to any resume. It just so happens that a lot of experienced professionals like to get ITIL F to demonstrate understanding of ITIL. People actually responsible for implementing ITIL or at least extensively using it more likely have higher-level ITIL certs. On that note, if they included those people in determining this list, they would skew the results since they still have ITIL F.

CNE, similarly, is most likely going to be held by someone who has a lot of experience and is, in turn, worth a lot. It doesn't mean CNE is worth a lot.

Both CCAs are also not necessarily that valuable. However, a well-rounded server engineer who is operating at a high skill level is likely to pursue them to show competence in Citrix or to begin working towards that as a specialization. Realistically, that person is probably worth, on average, about what the article shows without CCA.

What the people who write these articles need to do is determine the average marginal value a given certification adds. Even saying CCIEs make an average of $200K/year (a number I made up), for example, does not show that the CCIE has that value. To measure its value, one would have to compare before-and-after CCIE salaries, possibly adjusting for experience changes (the year or four it might take one to get the CCIE means one's value goes up just for getting more experience). It would also be worth comparing people of similar career levels and job descriptions with and without the CCIE. Finally, it would be a necessity to adjust for cost of living when comparing individuals. For example, if a higher relative share of CCIEs work in say, NYC, it may exaggerate the actual purchasing power afforded by the certification.

All in all, evaluating certification is extremely complicated, and the methods typically used are so far from adequate, that my advice is to take any such attempts with a grain of salt. Or maybe a tablespoon.

kurosaki00

Kind of makes sense
But as N2IT says, you need a strong experience background with those certs to get to those numbers

Ive seen a lot of DBA/SQL job posting lately

it_consultant

I would disqualify any list that doesn't have storage network certifications, Brocade or Cisco. The average salary of those guys is higher than half of the certs on this list.

ptilsen

I wouldn't disqualify the list purely for that reason. As the article says in the intro, certs they didn't receive enough responses aren't included. As with CCIE, storage networking certs are valuable, but not widespread in comparison to the certs on this list. They are "exclusive."

I would still disqualify if for the reasons I listed -- it goes on the average salary of cert holders; it doesn't in anyway measure the marginal value of a given cert; it doesn't likely adjust for regional cost of living differences.

NOC-Ninja

I believe on 1 and 2.

I have not met a person with a PMP or CISSP that makes less than $100k.

1 of my co worker received his CISSP and he found $100k job.
My manager (at my old job) and a close friend of mine has a PMP. We were all drunk 1 time and he told us that he was getting paid $160k + 15% bonus/year.

ptilsen

NOC-Ninja wrote: »

I believe on 1 and 2.

I have not met a person with a PMP or CISSP that makes less than $100k.

We have members on the site with CISSP that make less than $100K. I don't recall who, but I recall specifically people who posted their five-figure salaries who had CISSP.

Not that I'm disputing that CISSP is highly valuable -- it just doesn't automatically yield six figures outside of particular markets (ie big metros where six figures isn't that much).

holysheetman

I obtained my CISSP recently and make less than 100k but I promise you that'll change come April (performance review) lol

NOC-Ninja

ptilsen wrote: »

We have members on the site with CISSP that make less than $100K. I don't recall who, but I recall specifically people who posted their five-figure salaries who had CISSP.

Not that I'm disputing that CISSP is highly valuable -- it just doesn't automatically yield six figures outside of particular markets (ie big metros where six figures isn't that much).

I saw that too. They'll get that 6 digit pay soon. They need to move to another state to find a better job. Im just saying my experience on CISSP guys.

it_consultant

ptilsen wrote: »

I wouldn't disqualify the list purely for that reason. As the article says in the intro, certs they didn't receive enough responses aren't included. As with CCIE, storage networking certs are valuable, but not widespread in comparison to the certs on this list. They are "exclusive."

I would still disqualify if for the reasons I listed -- it goes on the average salary of cert holders; it doesn't in anyway measure the marginal value of a given cert; it doesn't likely adjust for regional cost of living differences.

Not to mention...PMP is not really a technology cert. Getting the PMP is no small task even if you DO have a Bachelor's degree, which many of us don't have. By the time one gets the PMP they (should) already have years of experience.

If we are really talking technology certs at least one of them should be storage networking. I know there aren't as many storage guys as CCNAs but you will find a storage networking guy lurking in every datacenter so they are more common than you would think. The problem is that Cisco just recently brought their datacenter certs out (and it is not clear that they are storage based at first glance) and Brocade does not advertise like Cisco and Microsoft.

Reason

Keep in mind this list is from Global Knowledge - they want to sell courses to you. They don't list any certs they don't have courses for.

Prog Snob

Reason wrote: »

Keep in mind this list is from Global Knowledge - they want to sell courses to you. They don't list any certs they don't have courses for.

QFT

I was wondering why I didn't see any CCIE certs listed, but it's painstakingly obvious.

Mrock4

On what planet does a CCDA earn $94k....I'd love to move there.

But really, the nail on the head was those who mentioned the results are obviously targeted towards generating sales.

ptilsen

Prog Snob wrote: »

QFT

I was wondering why I didn't see any CCIE certs listed, but it's painstakingly obvious.

Again, it states at the top that they only list certifications for which they received a statistically significant number of responses.

Obviously being limited to the certifications for which the provide training is a another issue, but that is not why CCIE isn't listed. CCIE is, in fact, a certification for which they offer services.

JustFred

I'm doomed again

Claymoore

Mrock4 wrote: »

On what planet does a CCDA earn $94k....I'd love to move there.

The same planet where the CCDA holder also has a CCNP or two and works in a consulting or pre-sales role with bonuses. Nowhere does it say that these are the only certs the people had, but there may have been a qualifier in the survey asking for the most relevant certification for their current position. It would be like saying that since I have the 620 Vista MCTS and a $100k job that Vista cert holders earn $100k, when we know that is not the case.

They also list the MCDBA and MCAD, two certifications whose exams are retired. Those cert holders probably aren't SQL 2003 admins or writing code for .Net 1.1 anymore, they are in senior or management roles which come with the higher salary. Notice that the current MCITP:DA and SQL 2005 certifications have a lower salary. The MCSD is a recycled title, like our MCSEs, so it's harder to judge the value of a freshly printed MCSD cert against one that hasn't been updated in 10 years.

Mrock4

Oh I understand how they get to that, it's just extremely misleading for those that might see "CCDA, 94k..SIGN ME UP!" then be very disappointed when that isn't the case.

the_hutch

NOC-Ninja wrote: »

I have not met a person with a PMP or CISSP that makes less than $100k.

Ha...allow me to introduce myself. My name is Justin...I am a CISSP and I make 40k a year. Welcome to the life of an enlisted member in the US Air Force

****

Consider that a lot of these certifications have high average salaries because a lot of the time, companies pay to enroll their already high-earning management positions (CIOs / CISOs) in the courses. Then there are us lowly mortals who pay what little money we have to put ourselves through the courses/exams so that we can dream. And so that we can sigh and go pop some prozac when inconsiderate ***holes post articles like this...

SteveO86

I think I saw this list last year in 2012

crrussell3

If it wasn't for the fact that Global Knowledge created this article to begin with, one would have to wonder how much of a kickback authors like this one are getting for articles like these? All they do is deceive people looking for a career change or those in a more entry level position into thinking that abc certification provides xyz salary guaranteed with little to no experience.

the_hutch

I don't think this article is necessarily misleading. The first two paragraphs clearly state that the rankings are based on responses to a survey and that "several factors, including geography, industry, experience, and yes, certifications, combine to play a major role in determining an individual's salary."

One thing is sure though. They definitely didn't poll me when calculating the CISSP average...cause I'm pretty sure my salary would have bumped the average down a few thousand.

Mrock4

the_hutch wrote: »

Ha...allow me to introduce myself. My name is Justin...I am a CISSP and I make 40k a year. Welcome to the life of an enlisted member in the US Air Force

Military doesn't count! Besides, when you get out I am SURE you won't be at 40k still.

As a note- the reason the military doesn't (and shouldn't) count for a poll like this, is you're paid based on your time in, not your credentials (with the exception of those who receive a higher rank for a degree)- meaning you could get a CCDE and still make 40k a year..it won't matter. That fact alone could severely skew the results.

boredgamelad

the_hutch wrote: »

One thing is sure though. They definitely didn't poll me when calculating the CISSP average...cause I'm pretty sure my salary would have bumped the average down a few thousand.

Actually, that's unlikely. Even if they surveyed only 50 people whose average came out to 103,000, factoring in your 40k would lower the average to just over 101,700.

wes allen

I have two of those, and don't make even half of the lower one, but I am self employed and have been only working a few days a month lately. Probably back to the full time grind this spring though, and hopefully will be able to hit closer to those numbers.

akazero

the_hutch wrote: »

I don't think this article is necessarily misleading. The first two paragraphs clearly state that the rankings are based on responses to a survey and that "several factors, including geography, industry, experience, and yes, certifications, combine to play a major role in determining an individual's salary."

One thing is sure though. They definitely didn't poll me when calculating the CISSP average...cause I'm pretty sure my salary would have bumped the average down a few thousand.

It is misleading when they didn't publish those data, particularly experience. Seriously ITILv3 at 90k!? It's probably one of the easiest exam I've ever written.