Information systems certifications are the best way to gain expert-level skills and show prospective employers that you have a solid foundation in database technology. There are several certification programs for information systems professionals covering topics such as risk control monitoring, database application development, and network administration.
This article provides a detailed list of the best certifications for information systems professionals. It also outlines helpful courses and resources to prepare for credentialing exams and the highest-paying information systems certifications available.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a credential given by an organization or agency to an individual who has been validated to possess a particular skill set. A certification program generally requires candidates to meet specific requirements and pass an exam to ascertain that they qualify to hold that certification. An entry-level certification enables participants to access career opportunities that are only available to those with certain professional experience.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is that an educational institution awards a certificate to students after they’ve completed the course content. Certifications, however, are given by third-party organizations to professionals who can prove that they have the required knowledge and in-demand skills to perform specific functions in a particular field.
Why Is Certification in Information Systems Important?
A certification in information systems is important because it improves your chances of getting a job. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 87 percent of unemployed individuals do not have a certification. An information systems certification is essential because it enables you to attract reasonable offers from employers and achieve your career goals.
Best Information Systems Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | Amazon Web Services | $136,000 | $300 |
| Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) | The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) | $129,000 | $575 (Members), $760 (Non-members) |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Amazon Web Services | $118,000 | $150 |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate | Amazon Web Services | $111,000 | $150 |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | $111,000 | $405 (Members), $555 (Non-members) |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) | $107,000 | $575 (Members), $760 (Non-members) |
| Cisco Certified Network Professional Certification | Cisco | $100,000 | $700 |
| Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) | Oracle | $96,000 | $245 |
| Certified Computing Professional – Principal | Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals | $89,000 | $75 (Includes a membership fee) |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals | Microsoft | $89,000 | $99 |
Best Information Systems Certifications to Further Your Career
How to Choose the Best Information Systems Certification for Your Career
When deciding on the best information systems certification for your career, there are some key elements to consider. There are tons of professional certifications available, but only a few will be a good choice for your growth and personal objectives. Here are some tips to consider while choosing an information systems certification.
Cost
Cost is one of the first things to evaluate when enrolling for a certification exam. While some information systems certifications are very affordable, others command significantly higher prices. You should always choose a certification that you can afford, so developing a personal budget may be a good place to start.
Consider Your Career Trajectory
There is a wide range of certifications in information systems, from broad to subspecialty certification options. It is always best to opt for a certification that is tailored to suit your chosen career path. For example, if you are a network associate that works with Microsoft Azure and would like to get a senior database administrator role, a Microsoft Azure advanced IT certificate would be an excellent choice.
Certification Requirements
Some certification providers have required prerequisites for individuals who intend to take their exams. These requirements could include having a minimum amount of work experience, having a related certification, or having passed a specialty exam. Always check with your certification provider beforehand to know whether you meet the formal requirements.
Which Information Systems Certifications Pay the Most?
The information systems certifications that pay the most include the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate, and Project Management Professional credentials.
Highest-Paying Information Systems Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: $136,000
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control: $129,000
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: $118,000
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: $111,000
- Project Management Professional (PMP): $111,000
Which Information Systems Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The information systems certifications that are best for beginners are the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate credentials. These certifications have no mandatory work experience or educational requirements and can be taken by beginners with adequate training.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Information Systems Certification Exam
The two primary ways to conduct information systems exam prep include taking online courses and resources such as books, webinars, and online articles and websites. Most certification providers provide these materials to help individuals get ready for their certification exams.
Best Courses to Prepare for Information Systems Certification Exams
Online courses are an excellent way to re-learn basic concepts as well as more in-depth details to obtain a passing score on your certification examination. Some of the best information systems prep courses are listed below.
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Other Resources to Prepare for Your Information Systems Certification Exams
Apart from online courses, there are also many additional materials that individuals can use for their information systems exam prep. These resources include books, webinars, websites, and exam guides.
PMP Exam Prep
This textbook by Rita Mulcahy contains sample questions, lessons, and practice exercises to help project managers pass the Project Management Professional examination. Its streamlined content enables individuals to focus on only the core subjects they need to be exam ready.
PMP Exam Prep Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $65
- Ideal For: Professionals who want to obtain a Project Management Professional certification
OCA: Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate Study Guide
Passing the 1Z0-061 exam is a critical requirement for individuals who intend to get the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate credential. This book by Biju Thomas covers all the topics you will need to master to get a passing score, including data sorting, service management, conditional expressions, and user security.
OCA: Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate Study Guide Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $70
- Ideal For: Aspiring Oracle certified database administrators
AWS Certification: Exam Readiness
AWS periodically organizes training webinars for people who are interested in getting their certifications. These live virtual events are held on different dates and in several languages and cover all the essential topics and other necessary information for the certification examination.
AWS Certification: Exam Readiness Overview
- Type of Resource: Webinar
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People preparing to get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification
CRISC Review Manual, 7th Edition
This book contains an in-depth review of the four critical work-related domains for the CRISC certification. It prepares readers to complete their CRISC certification exams by offering thorough explanations of core concepts and self-assessment questions.
CRISC Review Manual, 7th Edition Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $135
- Ideal For: Individuals preparing for the CRISC exam
CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition
The CISA certification is a beginner to intermediate-level certification for information systems professionals. This review manual equips prospective certificate holders with the required knowledge base across the five CISA work-related domains to pass their certification exams.
CISA Review Manual, 27th Edition Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $131
- Ideal For: People interested in ISACA’s CISA certification program
Best Online Courses
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Information Systems Job Outlook and Average Salary
Information systems is a very lucrative and in-demand field, with multiple jobs constantly being created across private and public organizations. According to BLS, information systems manager jobs are expected to increase by 11 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than the national average rate for all other professions.
The same BLS report indicates that the average salary for information systems professionals is $159,010. However, information systems salary depends on your level of experience and certifications. For example, the average project management professional’s annual salary is $110,000 per year.
Best Information Systems Jobs After Certification
Obtaining a certification is recommended to place yourself in a position to land great information systems jobs. There are several Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals jobs and other lucrative career opportunities for individuals with an information systems credential. Some of the best information systems jobs after certification are listed below.
Best Information Systems Associations
Becoming a member of an information systems association gives you access to numerous benefits, including networking with other professionals within the industry. Some of the best information systems associations are listed below.
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
ISACA is a global organization with over 165,000 members. By becoming a member of this association, you can network with fellow IT professionals, receive access to training events and learning resources, and enjoy numerous other membership perks such as a bimonthly ISACA journal. This association also provides certifications for information systems professionals.
The Project Management Institute (PMI)
The Project Management Institute is a global association with more than 700,000 members. It encourages collaboration and idea-sharing through its online community and several local events. PMI also offers resources and mentorship to its members to achieve their career objectives.
Association for Information Systems (AIS)
The Association for Information Systems is a community of information systems professionals who seek to stay current with global standards and offer solutions to complex computing problems. AIS offers various benefits, including an e-library, IS Job Index, and a faculty directory to help members improve their skills and advance in their careers.
Are Information Systems Certifications Worth It?
Yes, information systems certifications are worth it because they can help you stand out in a highly competitive industry. There is a great demand for professionals with skills in managing information systems, and these certifications validate your experience, significantly increase your earning potential, and hasten your career growth trajectory.
Additional Reading About Information Systems
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Information Systems Certifications FAQ
No, you do not need a degree to get an information systems job. Some companies hire individuals who can demonstrate an understanding of essential information systems concepts. However, the best information systems bachelor’s degree programs will greatly improve your chances of getting a high-paying job.
Ideally, it takes about four years to become an information systems professional. This is because an average bachelor’s degree program runs for four years. For individuals who choose to pursue information systems associate degrees instead, you will be able to obtain your degree and may be able to land a job in two years.
No, you don’t always need an information systems certificate to get a job. However, more than 60 percent of advanced-level IT companies pay attention to certifications during their hiring process, according to Statista. So, getting a certification exposes you to more opportunities to land a high-paying job.
You can get an information systems master’s degree at numerous American universities, such as George Mason University, DePaul University, and Claremont Graduate University. Several other schools in the US offer top-rated information systems master’s degrees for individuals who want to further their professional education and work in managerial positions or other senior information systems roles.
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