Tech Career Decoded #20: Tech certifications in 2025. Are they worth it?

Did you start your tech journey with a university degree, perhaps in computer science or a related field? Do you find that the relentless pace of technological advancement means you have to keep learning just to stay ahead? In dynamic areas like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, the skills landscape is constantly shifting, often outpacing traditional degree programmes. That’s why it’s no surprise that tech professionals are turning to certifications to upskill and stay competitive in the job market.

If you're looking for reliable ways to enhance your expertise and gain recognised qualifications in today's tech environment, this newsletter is for you. This edition of Tech Career Decoded dives into the current options for building your credentials, from industry certifications to focused online courses and intensive bootcamps. We’ll also explore if they’re worth the investment and share some advice for getting a tech certification in 2025.

What is a tech certification?

An IT certification validates your knowledge and skills in a specific technology domain, typically requiring the successful completion of an exam assessing both technical understanding and practical abilities.

These certifications are usually offered by established tech companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS), or by reputable professional organisations specialising in areas like cybersecurity or data management. For example, ISACA offers globally recognised certifications such as CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager).

Upskilling without a tech certification

Not everyone has the bandwidth for a full-on certification, but the good news is there are still plenty of ways to level up your tech skills. Check out these options for upskilling without a formal certificate:

🌐 Online courses

Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide variety of IT courses, with content provided by industry giants such as Google and IBM , as well as prestigious universities, catering to learners at all skill levels. These platforms primarily focus on teaching important tech skills like Python, data analytics, and project management, and don't always involve a rigorous assessment process, meaning that most online courses are not classified as formal certifications. The main objective of these courses is to equip individuals with valuable technical abilities for career advancement or personal development.

🎓Bootcamps

Bootcamps are intensive, short-term training programmes designed to quickly equip professionals with job-ready tech skills. They’ve become a popular alternative to traditional university degrees, especially for those looking to switch careers or enter tech without a formal background. Examples include bootcamps specialising in software development (General Assembly, Ironhack), data analysis (Le Wagon), and UX/UI design (Designlab). Many bootcamps also provide career services to help graduates find in-demand roles in their respective fields.

Trying to figure out the best way to level up your tech skills? Here’s a useful comparison of tech certifications vs. online course and other self-study options:

Are tech certifications still worth the investment in 2025?

The short answer: yes! While university degrees are still important for building your foundation, more and more tech companies prefer certifications when assessing a candidate’s technical skills. A recent study found that 23% of employers prioritise certifications over degrees, compared to just 16% who view degrees as more important.

To get a clearer picture on this subject, we talked to Jhonny Villafuerte Burgos , an L3 SOC Analyst, and Michael Mueller , an Offchain Technical Lead. Together, they hold certifications in cybersecurity, web development, Azure, and Blockchain development. We asked them whether they think getting certified is still a worthwhile investment for tech professionals.

My motivation for getting certified isn’t just about learning; it’s also about securing better opportunities in my field. My certifications have definitely helped me pass some initial screening tests as many job postings today explicitly state that relevant industry certifications are required, such as Sec+, CEH, CISSP, etc.

Certifications can also help companies solve talent shortages and skills gaps as they give employers confidence that a candidate has up-to-date, practical knowledge and can successfully execute the tasks demanded by the role. Of course, depending on your specialisation, some tech companies will prioritise certifications while others focus more on practical skills. So it’s important to research which certifications are most valued in your field before investing time and money.

Additionally, IT certifications not only equip employees with valuable skills but can also lead to increased engagement and a greater sense of empowerment. As Jhonny explains:

The biggest impact for me has been in my understanding of technical discussions. After earning my certifications, I noticed a significant improvement in my critical thinking and analytical skills—both essential for my job. I started asking questions that wouldn’t have even crossed my mind before when investigating an incident. All of this boosted my confidence and enhanced my ability to discuss topics with my teammates.

Jhonny Villafuerte Burgos , L3 SOC Analyst

On the flip side, traditional IT certifications can become outdated quickly. The shelf life of some certifications can be short, and their cost can be a significant investment, especially considering that tech job descriptions and requirements are constantly changing.

It's also worth noting that valuable skills can be acquired through other means besides formal certifications. Micro-credentials and digital badges—which can be achieved through online courses and bootcamps—offer a more focused and often quicker way to validate specific abilities.

Many professionals are upskilling through platforms like DeepLearning. AI and Udacity, which offer specialised, practical training in AI and machine learning. Employers increasingly value self-directed learning demonstrated through open-source contributions, Kaggle competitions, and GitHub portfolios. These activities showcase not just technical proficiency but also initiative and passion, qualities that often distinguish exceptional candidates in today's competitive market.

Top tips for getting a tech certification in 2025

Thinking about boosting your tech skills with a certification in 2025? Excellent move! To make the most of it, here's some advice to keep in mind.

First and foremost, align your certifications with where you want your career to go. Think long-term. Are you aiming for a specific role or industry? Choose certifications that directly support those ambitions. Additionally, give some thought to whether you want to explore a particular area or keep your skillset more versatile. Both approaches have their advantages, so consider what best fits your career goals.

If you’re looking to get certified, make sure the subject genuinely interests you, even if it feels intimidating at first. In my experience, structured programmes gave me the push I needed to actually commit. Sure, everything’s online for free today, but I know I’m not going to spend Saturday mornings studying unless there’s a formal structure to hold me accountable.

And finally, while a certification can validate your knowledge in a certain domain, there’s no replacement for practical skills and experience. In fact, 71% of employers rate hands-on experience as ‘extremely important’ when assessing candidates.

While certifications carry weight and are relevant, they aren’t everything. Hands-on experience (through platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, or CTF competitions) is far more valuable than a certification alone. However, a certification can be the deciding factor between landing an interview or a promotion. The best approach is to combine both: theory and practice.

Jhonny Villafuerte Burgos, L3 SOC Analyst

However, this can be a real hurdle for those just starting out or looking to transition careers. So, how can you gain that crucial practical experience? Consider these avenues:

• Build a portfolio: Whether it's developing a website, designing a user interface, or contributing to an open-source project, a portfolio provides tangible evidence of your technical skills.

• Volunteer for projects: Look for opportunities to volunteer your skills with non-profit organisations or community initiatives. This not only helps a worthy cause but also gives you real-world experience and work to add to your portfolio.

• Simulated projects and challenges: If direct experience is hard to come by initially, engage in online coding challenges, participate in hackathons, or create your own simulated projects that mimic real-world scenarios.

Global perspectives on tech certifications

We surveyed Michael Page experts from around the globe to get insights on choosing between broad and specialised certifications and what employers value beyond traditional university degrees.

Broad vs. specialised certifications

For beginners in the tech field, broad certifications such as CompTIA A+ or fundamental-level certifications from Oracle, AWS, GCP, or Microsoft are ideal. For more specialised and higher-paying roles, certifications in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or artificial intelligence are preferable.

Azure / Cloud and AI are becoming more and more important when it comes to certifications, next to Microsoft full stack (Power BI, SSIS, SSRS) for Data/BI. For specialised careers, such as cybersecurity and IT auditing, the standard is still CISSP / CISM / CISA. Besides degrees and certifications, companies are increasingly focusing on soft skills. Presentation, social, and communication skills are more important than ever. This is because tech is no longer a separate pillar, but a division that is fully incorporated in an organisation. So it’s essential that tech professionals can cooperate with other parts of the business.

On what employers look for besides degrees

Employers prioritise hands-on experience with emerging technologies like large language models and generative AI. Practical demonstrations through Kaggle competitions or open-source contributions often carry more weight than academic credentials alone. Technical proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, and cloud-based ML platforms is essential, while senior roles demand strong soft skills — particularly the ability to translate technical concepts into business solutions. What stands out most is a candidate's proven ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Certifications still matter—but only in the right context. For entry level roles, certificates can help open the door but must be 100% relevant to the role. In cloud and infrastructure, qualifications like AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert or CCNP can show you're serious and technically credible for more senior roles. But when it comes to data, engineering, or delivery, experience, outcomes and referenced work carry more weight. What really counts is whether you’ve made a difference, not just passed the exam.

In the Colombian market, employers still place significant value on formal academic education due to the foundational knowledge and methodologies it provides. However, soft skills are also highly valued. The tech industry is extremely dynamic, and companies seek professionals who can quickly adapt to change and solve technical challenges in real-world scenarios.The demand for professionals with experience in tools like Python, Java, SQL, and cybersecurity has increased in recent years, especially with the rise of tech companies and startups in cities like Medellín and Bogotá. Employers look for a balance between technical skills, proven experience, and a proactive attitude. Demonstrating capabilities is often more important than simply having academic credentials.

Are you considering investing in a tech certification this year? Or do you prefer more hands-on training through online courses and bootcamps? And what advice would you give to fellow tech professionals when it comes to enhancing their skill set? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments!

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The Michael Page Technology team