We’re only a few months into 2025, which means that tech professionals everywhere are still planning their learning journeys for the rest of the year. One of the biggest questions they face is whether to earn certifications.
While the need for certifications can vary by specialization and the individual tech professional’s experience, new data from a study commissioned by Google Cloud suggests that eight in 10 tech professionals think certifications can help them secure cloud-related jobs faster. On top of that, virtually as many (75 percent) say that certifications help them earn higher salaries.
Google is also rolling out a set of new certifications:
- Associate Data Practitioner Certification: This is meant for data scientists who want to validate their Google Cloud data skills and knowledge, particularly with regard to ensuring data is cleaned and sorted for AI uses.
- Associate Google Workspace Administrator Certification: This certification focuses on core skills for managing Google Workspace environments.
- Professional Cloud Architect Certification [Renewal]: This new, streamlined recertification exam is devoted to the application of generative AI solutions to solve real-world business challenges.
Like its competitors in the cloud space, including Amazon and Microsoft, Google has invested considerable resources in building out certifications and skills-training pathways for tech professionals. For example, the Grow with Google initiative gives tech pros—and aspiring tech pros—the training, tools, and resources they need to grow their tech skills and land great jobs.
According to Dice’s latest Tech Salary Report, the time and resources needed to earn certifications can pay off: average salary for tech professionals with certifications is $113,577, up slightly from those without ($111,359). “Not every tech specialty necessarily requires certifications. However, certifications can help tech professionals stand out to hiring managers and recruiters during the hiring process,” the report added. “Those professionals worried about the time and expense necessary to earn certifications should consider asking their current employer to foot the bill; many organizations are only too happy to pay for tech training and certifications, because they know that leads to higher satisfaction (and retention) rates among employees.”
