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Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025
05 February 2025
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
In Technology, there's no substitute for experience. However, certifications remain a valuable tool for advancing one's career.
Since 2017, Scott M. Graffius has researched and reported on the most valuable Information Technology (IT) related certifications. As new technologies emerge and business needs shift, the landscape of in-demand skills evolves. To reflect these ongoing changes, Graffius regularly updates his work. This article presents the 2025 edition of the most valuable IT certifications.
Certifications can help position people as a valuable asset to their current—and prospective future—employers.
Employers want employees and candidates with up-to-date knowledge and skills, and certifications demonstrate one's mastery of the respective subject. Additionally, certifications can advance marketability, leading to promotions and higher pay.
Graffius compiled and analyzed data from 15 sources—including the California Institute of Arts and Technology, CIO, CIO Dive, Computer Science, eWeek, Exceptional Agility, Forbes, Fortune, Global Knowledge, Indeed, ITTA, PC Magazine, Robert Half, Skillsoft, and Workday—to identify which IT certifications are widely seen as the most valuable. Ten certifications stood out as the top choices.
Now, on to this list for 2025!
1. CompTIA A+
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
7. Azure Administrator Associate
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
8. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
10. Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CSAI)
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
Certifications can provide significant value for professionals looking to enhance their skills and credibility in the marketplace. Employers often prefer to hire certified professionals, and people who invest in professional credentials typically enjoy larger salaries.
Informed by data from multiple sources, this article identified and profiled 10 IT-related certifications: CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA), Azure Administrator Associate, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS).
Those interested in securing one or more IT-related certifications can leverage the data presented in this article to assist in their decision-making.
References/Sources:
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, February 5). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/top-it-certifications-update-for-2025.html.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is an AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leader, researcher, author, and speaker. Along the way, he spearheaded initiatives that have generated over $2.3 billion in impact for organizations across tech, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and beyond. The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 93 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
Thought Leader | Public Speaker | Agile Protocol Book | Agile Scrum Book | Agile Transformation Book | Blog | Photo | X | LinkedIn | Email
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
In Technology, there's no substitute for experience. However, certifications remain a valuable tool for advancing one's career.
Since 2017, Scott M. Graffius has researched and reported on the most valuable Information Technology (IT) related certifications. As new technologies emerge and business needs shift, the landscape of in-demand skills evolves. To reflect these ongoing changes, Graffius regularly updates his work. This article presents the 2025 edition of the most valuable IT certifications.
Certifications can help position people as a valuable asset to their current—and prospective future—employers.
Employers want employees and candidates with up-to-date knowledge and skills, and certifications demonstrate one's mastery of the respective subject. Additionally, certifications can advance marketability, leading to promotions and higher pay.
Graffius compiled and analyzed data from 15 sources—including the California Institute of Arts and Technology, CIO, CIO Dive, Computer Science, eWeek, Exceptional Agility, Forbes, Fortune, Global Knowledge, Indeed, ITTA, PC Magazine, Robert Half, Skillsoft, and Workday—to identify which IT certifications are widely seen as the most valuable. Ten certifications stood out as the top choices.
Now, on to this list for 2025!
1. CompTIA A+
- Certification name: CompTIA A+
- Certification name abbreviation: A+
- Governing organization - name: CompTIA
- Governing organization - website: https://www.comptia.org
- Short description of certification: This is generally considered to be a certification for people who want to start careers in the IT industry. To acquire the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two separate tests: Core 1 and Core 2. Core 1 (220-1101) covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. Core 2 (220-1102) covers operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None
- Certification exam – cost: Total cost for the two exams varies by location and other factors. The average total combined cost is $492
- Certification exam – delivery (in-person or online): in-person or online
- Certification exam – number of questions: Core 1 exam has 90 questions, Core 2 exam also has 90 questions
- Certification exam – time to complete it: 90 minutes for Core 1 exam, and 90 minutes for Core 2 exam
- Certification exam – minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 83% for the Core 1 exam. Estimated to be 86% for the Core 2 exam.
- Certification expiration – does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration – how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $75
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Certification name: Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Certification name abbreviation: CCNA
- Governing organization - name: Cisco
- Governing organization - website: https://www.cisco.com
- Short description of certification: Validates the ability to install, operate, configure, and troubleshoot basic Cisco networking devices and technologies.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: No prerequisites. However, Cisco recommends having at least a basic knowledge of networking and at least one year of experience with Cisco products.
- Certification exam – cost: $300
- Certification exam – delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online
- Certification exam – number of questions: Varies, between 50-75 questions
- Certification exam – time to complete it: 120 minutes
- Certification exam – minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 80%
- Certification expiration – does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration – how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $150
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certification name: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Certification name abbreviation: CISSP
- Governing organization - name: (ISC)²
- Governing organization - website: https://www.isc2.org
- Short description of certification: The CISSP is a highly respective, vendor-neutral certification that validates a broad understanding of information security and best practices.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: At least five years of paid, full time work experience involving two or more (of the eight) domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)
- Certification exam - cost: $749, although the cost may vary by location and other factors
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center
- Certification exam - number of questions: Between 125-175 questions
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 4 hours
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $125
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certification name: Project Management Professional
- Certification name abbreviation: PMP
- Governing organization - name: Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Governing organization - website: https://www.pmi.org/
- Short description of certification: PMP certification is a globally recognized and sought-after project management credential that recognizes experienced project managers for successfully leading teams through a project’s life cycle.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: A or B. (A) Bachelor's degree (or global equivalent) + 36 months of project management experience + 35 hours of project management education/training. Or (B) Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) + 60 months of project management experience + 35 hours of project management education/training.
- Certification exam - cost: $405 for members of the PMI, $575 for those not a member of the PMI
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person
- Certification exam - number of questions: Between 180-200 questions
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 230 minutes
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 81%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $150
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certification name: Certified Ethical Hacker
- Certification name abbreviation: CEH
- Governing organization - name: EC-Council
- Governing organization - website: https://www.eccouncil.org
- Short description of certification: This certification is obtained by demonstrating knowledge of assessing the security of computer systems by looking for vulnerabilities in target systems, using the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of a target system.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Candidates need to have experience in a job related to network security or complete approved training courses before taking the exam
- Certification exam - cost: $1,199, can vary based on registration options and other factors
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored
- Certification exam - number of questions: 125
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 4 hours
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $85
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA)
- Certification name: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
- Certification name abbreviation: AWS SA
- Governing organization - name: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Governing organization - website: http://aws.amazon.com
- Short description of certification: This certification showcases knowledge and skills in AWS technology, across a wide range of AWS services. The focus is on the design of cost- and performance-optimized solutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None
- Certification exam - cost: $150
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online
- Certification exam - number of questions: 65 questions
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 130 minutes
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $75
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
7. Azure Administrator Associate
- Certification name: Azure Administrator Associate
- Certification name abbreviation: There isn't an abbreviation designated. AZ-104 (the corresponding exam code for the certification) is sometimes used as an identifier.
- Governing organization - name: Microsoft
- Governing organization - website: https://learn.microsoft.com
- Short description of certification: Azure Administrator Associate (also referred to as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate) certification validates one’s ability to manage Azure subscriptions, implement and secure infrastructure, configure virtual networks, deploy virtual machines, monitor resources, and troubleshoot issues.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None, but Microsoft recommends at least six months of experience administering Azure
- Certification exam - cost: $165
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person or online proctored
- Certification exam - number of questions: Varies, typically between 40-60 questions
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 120 minutes
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 1 year
- Certification renewal cost: Free renewal
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
8. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect)
- Certification name: Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
- Certification name abbreviation: GCP Architect
- Governing organization - name: Google
- Governing organization - website: https://cloud.google.com
- Short description of certification: Demonstrates expertise in designing, developing, and managing secure, reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions on the Google Cloud Platforms (GCP)
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: None; familiarity with GCP products and services is recommended
- Certification exam - cost: $200
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person
- Certification exam - number of questions: 50 questions
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 120 minutes
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 70%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 2 years
- Certification renewal cost: $100
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Certification name: Certified ScrumMaster
- Certification name abbreviation: CSM
- Governing organization - name: Scrum Alliance
- Governing organization - website: https://www.scrumalliance.org
- Short description of certification: Validates a solid understanding of Scrum including practical ways to apply it on one’s team and organization
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: Completion of a two-day course by an authorized trainer
- Certification exam - cost: Course (referenced above) includes the cost of the exam. Cost ranges from about $500 to $1,500 depending on the location, delivery format, and other factors
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): Online
- Certification exam - number of questions: 50
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 1 hour
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): Estimated to be 74%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 2 years
- Certification renewal cost: $100
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
10. Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CSAI)
- Certification name: Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist
- Certification name abbreviation: CAIS
- Governing organization - name: United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII)
- Governing organization - website: https://www.usaii.org
- Short description of certification: The CAIS is publicized by USAII as the most sophisticated and ground-breaking certification program for senior AI professionals and business leaders to develop the perfect AI solutions and strategy, bringing the right organizational change leading to an absolute business transformation.
- Prerequisites (if any) for certification: One of three eligibility paths and completion of a self-paced course. Path 1: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any academic discipline; and at least five years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Project Management, or any Programming Languages. Path 2: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any academic discipline; and at least four years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Engineering, Finance, or Management. Path 3: Certified Artificial Intelligence Consultant (CAIC) (or other equivalent) certification; and at least four years of experience for a candidate who has a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent), or three years of experience for a candidate who has a Master's degree (or equivalent).
- Certification exam - cost: Course (referenced above) includes the cost of the exam. Cost is $894.
- Certification exam - delivery (in-person or online): In-person
- Certification exam - number of questions: 80
- Certification exam - time to complete it: 100 minutes
- Certification exam - minimum pass rate (X% or higher correct required to pass exam): 70%
- Certification expiration - does it expire? Yes
- Certification expiration - how long does it last before expiring? 3 years
- Certification renewal cost: $249
Note: Prerequisites, cost (shown in United States Dollar - USD), and other data are subject to change by the governing organization.
Certifications can provide significant value for professionals looking to enhance their skills and credibility in the marketplace. Employers often prefer to hire certified professionals, and people who invest in professional credentials typically enjoy larger salaries.
Informed by data from multiple sources, this article identified and profiled 10 IT-related certifications: CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (AWS SA), Azure Administrator Associate, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP Architect), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS).
Those interested in securing one or more IT-related certifications can leverage the data presented in this article to assist in their decision-making.
References/Sources:
- California Institute of Arts and Technology (CIAT) (2024, February). 10 In-Demand IT Jobs You Can Get With Tech Certifications. Available at: https://www.ciat.edu/blog/10-in-demand-it-jobs-you-can-get-with-tech-certifications.
- CIO (2024, November 24). The 15 Most Valuable IT Certifications Today. Available at: https://www.cio.com/article/286762/careers-staffing-12-it-certifications-that-deliver-career-advancement.html.
- CIO.com (2024, June 7). Top 8 IT Certifications in Demand Today. Available at: https://www.cio.com/article/193586/top-15-it-certifications-in-demand-today.html.
- CIO Dive (2023, November 14). 5 Highest-Paying IT Certifications in 2023. Available at: https://www.ciodive.com/news/top-paying-IT-certifications-project-management-security/699641.
- Computer Science(dot)org. (2023, November 9). Best IT Certifications To Boost Your Computer Science Career. Available at: https://www.computerscience.org/resources/top-it-certifications.
- eWeek (2024, February 8). 30 Top AI Certifications: Hotlist of 2024. Available at: https://www.eweek.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-certifications.
- Exceptional Agility (2024, January 4). Top Agile Certifications: Update for 2024. Available at: https://exceptionalagility.com/blog/files/top-agile-certifications-2024.html.
- Forbes (2024, March 21). 10 Certificates To Put On Your Resume In 2024. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwells/2024/03/21/10-certificates-to-put-on-your-resume-in-2024/.
- Fortune (2023, November 14). How Much Can You Make with IT Certifications? Available at: https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-much-can-you-make-with-it-certifications-average-salaries.
- Global Knowledge (2023, April 27). 10 Top-Paying IT Certifications. Available at: https://www.globalknowledge.com/us-en/resources/resource-library/articles/10-top-paying-it-certifications.
- Graffius, Scott M. (2024, March 15). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2024. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/it-certs-2024.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.11776.03849.
- Indeed (2023, December 18). Top 17 IT Certifications in Demand for 2024. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/top-it-certifications.
- Indeed (2024, April 18). 10 High-Paying IT Certifications. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/highest-paying-it-certifications.
- ITTA (2024, November 7). Top 10 Must-have IT certifications for 2025. Available at: https://www.itta.net/en/blog/top-10-must-have-it-certifications-for-2025/.
- PC Magazine (2023, December 1). Level Up Your Career: The Highest-Paying IT Certifications for 2024. Available at: https://www.pcmag.com/news/highest-paying-it-certifications.
- Robert Half (2023, November 27). The 29 Most Valuable IT Certifications. Available at: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/which-it-certifications-are-most-valuable.
- Robert Half (2024, December 17). 34 of the Best IT Certifications for Boosting Your Tech Career. Available at: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/which-it-certifications-are-most-valuable.
- Skillsoft (2024, January 16). The 20 Top-Paying Microsoft Certifications in 2024. Available at: https://www.skillsoft.com/blog/top-paying-microsoft-certifications.
- Workday (2025, February 4). Ultimate Guide to IT Certifications in 2025. Available at: https://blog.workday.com/en-us/ultimate-guide-to-it-certifications-in-2025.html.
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2025, February 5). Most Valuable IT Certifications: Update for 2025. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/top-it-certifications-update-for-2025.html.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is an AI, Agile, and Project Management/PMO leader, researcher, author, and speaker. Along the way, he spearheaded initiatives that have generated over $2.3 billion in impact for organizations across tech, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and beyond. The following sections provide additional information on his experience, contributions, and influence.
Experience
Graffius heads the professional services firm Exceptional PPM and PMO Solutions, along with its subsidiary Exceptional Agility. These consultancies offer strategic and tactical advisory, training, embedded expertise, and consulting services to the public, private, and government sectors. They help organizations enhance their capabilities and results in agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership, supporting innovation and driving competitive advantage. The consultancies confidently back services with a Delighted Client Guarantee™.
Graffius is a former VP of project management with a publicly traded provider of diverse consumer products and services over the Internet. Before that, he ran and supervised the delivery of projects and programs in public and private organizations with businesses ranging from e-commerce to advanced technology products and services, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
He has experience with consumer, business, reseller, government, and international markets.
Award-Winning Author
Graffius has authored three books.
- Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions, his first book, earned 17 awards.
- Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change, his second book, was named one of the best Scrum books of all time by BookAuthority.
- Agile Protocol: The Transformation Ultimatum, his third book and his first work of fiction, was released in April 2025. The book trailer is on YouTube.
International Public Speaker
Organizations worldwide engage Graffius to present on tech (including AI), Agile, project management, program management, portfolio management, and PMO leadership. He crafts and delivers unique and compelling talks and workshops. To date, Graffius has conducted 93 sessions across 25 countries. Select examples of events include Agile Trends Gov, BSides (Newcastle Upon Tyne), Conf42 Quantum Computing, DevDays Europe, DevOps Institute, DevOpsDays (Geneva), Frug’Agile, IEEE, Microsoft, Scottish Summit, Scrum Alliance RSG (Nepal), Techstars, and W Love Games International Video Game Development Conference (Helsinki), and more.
With an average rating of 4.81 (on a scale of 1-5), sessions are highly valued.
The speaker engagement request form is here.
Thought Leadership and Influence
Prominent businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities have showcased Graffius and his contributions—spanning his books, talks, workshops, and beyond. Select examples include:
- Adobe,
- American Management Association,
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,
- Bayer,
- BMC Software,
- Boston University,
- Broadcom,
- Cisco,
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Germany,
- Computer Weekly,
- Constructor University - Germany,
- Data Governance Success,
- Deimos Aerospace,
- DevOps Institute,
- Dropbox,
- EU's European Commission,
- Ford Motor Company,
- Gartner,
- GoDaddy,
- Harvard Medical School,
- Hasso Plattner Institute - Germany,
- IEEE,
- Innovation Project Management,
- Johns Hopkins University,
- Journal of Neurosurgery,
- Lam Research (Semiconductors),
- Leadership Worthy,
- Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network,
- London South Bank University,
- Microsoft,
- NASSCOM,
- National Academy of Sciences,
- New Zealand Government,
- Oracle,
- Pinterest Inc.,
- Project Management Institute,
- Mary Raum (Professor of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College),
- SANS Institute,
- SBG Neumark - Germany,
- Singapore Institute of Technology,
- Torrens University - Australia,
- TBS Switzerland,
- Tufts University,
- UC San Diego,
- UK Sports Institute,
- University of Galway - Ireland,
- US Department of Energy,
- US National Park Service,
- US Soccer,
- US Tennis Association,
- Verizon,
- Wrike,
- Yale University,
- and many others.
Graffius has played a key role in the Project Management Institute (PMI) in developing professional standards. He was a member of multiple teams that authored, reviewed, and produced:
- Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures—Second Edition.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge—Sixth Edition.
- The Standard for Program Management—Fourth Edition.
- The Practice Standard for Project Estimating—Second Edition.
Additional details are here.
He was also a subject matter expert reviewer of content for the PMI’s Congress. Beyond the PMI, Graffius also served as a member of the review team for two of the Scrum Alliance’s Global Scrum Gatherings.
Acclaimed Authority on Teamwork Tradecraft
Graffius is a renowned authority on teamwork tradecraft. Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Graffius' first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his 'Phases of Team Development' as a unique perspective and visual conveying the five phases of team development. First introduced in 2008 and periodically updated, his work provides a diagnostic and strategic guide for navigating team dynamics. It provides actionable insights for leaders across industries to develop high-performance teams. Its adoption by esteemed organizations such as Yale University, IEEE, Cisco, Microsoft, Ford, Oracle, Broadcom, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Journal of Neurosurgery, among others, highlights its utility and value, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for elevating team performance and driving organizational excellence.
The 2025 edition of Graffius' "Phases of Team Development" intellectual property is here.
Expert on Temporal Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Graffius is also an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms. His 'Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts' research—first published in 2018 and updated annually—delivers a precise quantitative analysis of post longevity across digital platforms, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to determine mean half-life with precision. It establishes a solid empirical base, effectively highlighting the ephemeral nature of content within social media ecosystems. Referenced and applied by leading entities such as the Center for Direct Marketing, Fast Company, GoDaddy, Pinterest Inc., and PNAS, among others, his research exemplifies methodological rigor and sustained significance in the field of digital informatics.
The 2025 edition of Graffius "Lifespan (Half-Life) of Social Media Posts" research is here.
Education and Professional Certifications
Graffius has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Human Factors. He holds eight professional certifications:
- Certified SAFe 6 Agilist (SA),
- Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM),
- Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO),
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM),
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),
- Project Management Professional (PMP),
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and
- IT Service Management Foundation (ITIL).
He is an active member of the Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Advancing AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management
Scott M. Graffius continues to advance the fields of AI, Agile, and Project/PMO Management through his leadership, research, writing, and real-world impact. Businesses and other organizations leverage Graffius’ insights to drive their success.
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Copyright
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