Study Reveals 78% of IT Professionals Plan to Get Certified in 2026

New industry data highlights rising demand for structured certification programs as cloud, cybersecurity, and AI skills dominate hiring trends
[Seattle, US] - A new industry study indicates that 78% of IT professionals plan to pursue at least one certification in 2026, reflecting a significant shift toward skills-based career advancement across the global technology sector.
The report, compiled from survey responses across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, suggests that professionals are increasingly prioritizing validated technical credentials to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Certifications Becoming Strategic Career Investments

As organizations accelerate digital transformation initiatives, demand for expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data engineering continues to rise. Employers are placing greater emphasis on demonstrable skills rather than traditional academic qualifications alone.
According to the study:
64% of hiring managers prefer certified candidates for technical roles
71% of respondents believe certifications improve salary negotiation leverage
58% report increased recruiter outreach after earning credentials
69% say certifications boost confidence in professional environments
The data highlights a broader industry transition toward structured, exam-validated expertise.

Cloud and Cybersecurity Lead Certification Growth
The fastest-growing certification categories for 2026 include:
Cloud architecture and administration
Cybersecurity and ethical hacking
Governance, risk, and compliance
Data engineering and AI integration
Industry analysts note that cloud-first strategies and expanding cyber threats are major drivers of certification enrollment growth.
"Organizations are no longer treating cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure as optional investments," said an industry spokesperson. "They are foundational pillars of business continuity and competitive advantage."

Flexible Learning Models Accelerate Adoption

Another key factor contributing to the surge in certification planning is the rise of flexible digital learning ecosystems. Professionals are increasingly opting for self-paced programs supported by structured assessment tools and real-time performance analytics.
Modern preparation platforms provide:
Scenario-based exam simulations
Domain-focused performance breakdowns
Customizable practice tests
Timed exam environments
Progress tracking dashboards
This structured approach enables candidates to identify weak areas and strengthen applied knowledge before attempting certification exams.
Technology education providers, including CertEmpire.com, have expanded access to structured exam preparation resources, helping candidates prepare for cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise certification tracks through guided learning pathways and simulated exam environments.

Economic Uncertainty Driving Upskilling

The study also reveals that economic volatility is influencing professional development decisions. Nearly 62% of respondents indicated that concerns about job stability motivated them to pursue certification in 2026.
Analysts suggest that certifications are increasingly viewed as career resilience tools - particularly in sectors where automation and artificial intelligence are transforming job roles.
"Professionals recognize that validated skills increase employability," the report states. "Certifications serve as measurable indicators of expertise in competitive hiring markets."

Employers Investing in Workforce Certification

Corporate participation in certification programs is also rising. The study found that 54% of surveyed organizations plan to increase certification sponsorship budgets in 2026.
Enterprises cite several benefits of employee certification programs:
Improved system security posture
Reduced operational risk
Enhanced cloud cost optimization
Stronger compliance readiness
Increased team credibility with clients
As a result, certifications are becoming integrated into long-term workforce development strategies.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Industry experts predict continued expansion in certification enrollment through 2027 as emerging technologies such as AI governance, zero-trust security models, and hybrid cloud management mature.
The study concludes that IT certifications are no longer optional career enhancements but central components of professional growth strategies in modern technology ecosystems.
With nearly four out of five professionals planning certification efforts in 2026, the trend signals sustained demand for structured training solutions and validated technical expertise.

About the Study

The study surveyed over 3,500 IT professionals and hiring managers across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and government sectors. Data collection was conducted between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.

About CertEmpire

CertEmpire is a technology education platform focused on structured certification preparation for cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT credentials. The platform provides exam simulation tools, domain-based analytics, and guided preparation resources designed to support professionals pursuing industry-recognized certifications.
For more information, visit CertEmpire.com.

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This release was published on openPR.