Boost Your Salary

Career insight — Getting certified can boost your salary by 20%

Fb Logo Uk Wheel Rgb 200Px
Bob Armstrong
26 June, 2024

Interesting article by Ivana Pino, Personal Finance Expert at Fortune Recommends™: achieving professional certifications that are relevant to your role can boost your salary by as much as 20%.

According to career consulting company Employment BOOST, “Adding relevant certifications to your résumé can potentially lead to higher earnings, with studies showing salary increases ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the industry and demand for the certification.”

Which certifications should you attempt?

The Fortune Recommends™ article is geared towards an audience based in the US; it recommends AI, Data, and Project Management certifications.

For the UK, Data Protection is also very important and, at Firebrand, we have to stress Cyber Security, as it's vital to all digital processes regardless of where you are in the world.

Let's take a look at these popular professional certification pathways.

1. AI 

AI is here to stay. Whether your company has already integrated it into its workflows or is at the start of its adoption journey, achieving industry-recognised certifications shows that you're flexible and ready to adapt your skillset to this new era of computing.

Some of the newest AI certifications we offer are:

2. Data

A company cannot implement AI or train Machine Learning if their data is not in order, so Data professionals continue to be in demand. 

Our most in-demand Data certifications in 2024 are:

In addition, the skillset of a competent Data professional includes Python, JavaScript, and HTML, so a certification such as Python Programming or Software Development Fundamentals will make your CV stand out. 

3. Project Management

The rapid expansion of AI is changing the way companies operate, driving demand for Project Managers with specialities such as IT, Health Services, Engineering, and more.

Project Management certifications show your employer or contractor that you have the knowledge and skills you need to oversee successful projects from start to finish. Furthermore, based on the structure of your team and the industry you operate in, the right Project Management certification helps you establish a common language with your collaborators.

At Firebrand, Project Management certifications have been a core part of our offering ever since we opened our doors in 2001. We partner with the top vendors of Project Management certifications and offer the latest versions of well-known courses, such as:

and many more.

4. Data Protection

Ever since it was introduced 6 years ago, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been a game-changer for the way companies operate, driving demand for certified professionals. Develop this knowledge and you'll become your stakeholders' go-to expert, safeguarding your employer against heavy penalties.

The most in-demand Data Protection certifications in 2024 are:

Find out more about them.

5. Cyber Security

Finally, last but not least! Cyber Security, the complex and fascinating field that underpins every aspect of our digital economy. Whenever there's innovation, cybercriminals seek to take advantage, which can cost your employer the brand reputation it's taken years to build. (Not to mention, revenue.)

Develop skills in ethical hacking, become an auditor, specialise in Cloud, or become the person in charge as a Cyber Security Manager or CISO.

This year's most coveted Cyber Security certifications include:

But, in this economy, how can you afford to upskill?

Think how your certification can benefit your employer—are there specific projects you can use this knowledge for? Are certain processes becoming more important in the company, driving demand for improved skills?

Then, talk to your boss and HR. Do you have a learning and development budget or any benefits that could cover the cost? Bring up the specific examples you've been thinking about; becoming certified will make your work more efficient and increase productivity. Also, bear in mind that many courses have two kinds of fees—the course fee and the exam fee. Perhaps your company could cover one, or both?

Also, it's important to know that your company may be able to save money if several employees get certified together. (At Firebrand, we offer bespoke solutions for such scenarios, such as our Passport and Microsoft packages.)

Finally, take everything in and consider your options. At the end of the day, no disrespect to your boss, but you are the CEO of your career. Are you eager to expand your skillset and accelerate your journey? Will you stay put? In the age of AI, can you afford to do so?

Check out our course offering and get in touch for advice. 

What is Firebrand?

For the past 13 years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World.

We're an award-winning partner of top vendors in the IT industry and one of the few companies in the world to receive the Microsoft Cloud badge.

We specialise in accelerated courses that get you certified at twice the speed. We deliver them in person at our all-inclusive centres as well as online through live instructor-led training. There is no death by PowerPoint. Our instructors have decades of experience, a passion for IT, and a keen sense of humour. (Well, we are British after all!)

Are you ready?

Will you take your career to the next level?

Get in touch with our advisers.