Best IT Certifications to Get in 2026: A Practical Guide

There is no single "best" IT certification. The right choice depends on where you are in your career, the roles you want and what employers in your market ask for. That said, some IT certifications have stayed consistently relevant because they map to skills organisations need: running cloud platforms, securing systems, building networks and delivering projects and services. This guide groups widely recognised IT certs by area, explains who each suits and gives a simple way to choose your next IT exam in 2026.

How to choose the right IT certification

Before you look at a list, answer these questions:

1. What role do you want next? Search real job adverts for that role in your region and note which certifications appear repeatedly.
2. What is your current level? Entry-level, associate and professional or expert certifications have very different prerequisites and difficulty.
3. What does your employer use? A certification aligned to the platforms you already work with is usually the fastest to apply and to justify.
4. How much time can you commit? Be realistic about study hours each week. A well-chosen associate exam you pass this year is often worth more than an expert exam you keep postponing.

Vendors update and retire exams regularly, so always check the official exam page for the current version, objectives and prerequisites.

Cloud and networking certifications

Cloud

Cloud skills remain in demand as organisations continue to move and modernise workloads. The three major providers each offer role-based tracks:

• AWS: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a common starting point; Solutions Architect - Associate is one of the most frequently requested cloud certifications; professional and specialty exams follow.
• Microsoft Azure: fundamentals, administrator, developer and architect tracks.
• Google Cloud: Associate Cloud Engineer and a range of professional certifications.

If you are unsure which cloud to pick, start with the one your current or target employer uses. Skills transfer well between providers, so a second cloud certification is usually quicker than the first. Associate-level cloud exams are generally scenario-based and assume some hands-on familiarity, so plan time in a free tier or sandbox account rather than relying on reading alone.

Networking

Networking knowledge underpins cloud, security and operations work. Cisco's CCNA remains a well-known associate-level networking certification, and CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral alternative often taken earlier in a career. More advanced routes include Cisco's professional-level tracks and cloud networking specialties from the major providers. Even if you do not plan to work as a network engineer, a networking certification gives you a foundation that makes cloud architecture and security topics easier to understand.

Security certifications

Cybersecurity certifications range from entry-level to senior leadership:

• CompTIA Security+ is a widely used foundational security certification and is often a first step into security roles.
• CISSP from ISC2 is a broad, senior credential for experienced practitioners.
• CISM from ISACA targets security management and governance.
• CISA from ISACA is aimed at IT audit, control and assurance professionals.

The senior credentials have experience requirements, so many people take Security+ or a similar exam early and move to CISSP, CISM or CISA once they have several years in the field. Our overview of security certifications covers these in more detail.

Project and service management certifications

Technical teams still need people who can plan, deliver and run services:

• PMP from PMI is one of the most recognised project management certifications and covers predictive, agile and hybrid approaches. It has eligibility requirements based on project experience and training hours.
• ITIL 4 certifications cover IT service management, starting with ITIL 4 Foundation.
• Agile and Scrum certifications from several bodies suit people working in iterative delivery teams.

These certifications are often overlooked by technical professionals, but they can be valuable for anyone moving towards team lead, delivery manager or service owner roles, where planning, stakeholder management and process improvement matter as much as technical depth.

Emerging areas: AI and data

AI governance, AI security and cloud machine learning certifications have grown quickly. Examples include the IAPP AIGP for AI governance, ISACA's advanced AI audit and AI security credentials, ISO/IEC 42001 personal certifications, and AI and machine learning tracks from the major cloud providers and NVIDIA. Many are new, so their recognition with employers is still developing. They usually carry most weight when combined with an established certification and relevant experience. Our AI certifications guide on this blog explains the main options and how to judge them.

Data certifications, such as cloud data engineer and analytics tracks, are another area worth considering if you work with pipelines, reporting or databases.

Getting the most from any IT exam

• Use the official exam objectives as your study checklist.
• Combine reading or video courses with hands-on labs where the exam is technical.
• Practise with questions that include explanations, and avoid "dumps", which breach exam rules and are often wrong.
• Book the exam once you consistently do well on unfamiliar practice questions, not before.

Remember to factor in renewal. Many certifications expire after a few years or require continuing education credits and annual fees, so choose ones you are willing to maintain. Our guide on how to prepare for an IT certification exam covers a full study routine.

How a personal 1-to-1 assistant helps

Choosing and passing the right certification is easier with someone in your corner. FoxyCert's personal 1-to-1 assistants help you pick a realistic target, build a study plan around your schedule and answer questions on Telegram until you pass. You always sit the exam yourself. Browse all supported IT certifications or see our bundles if you plan several exams.